Longsword Workshop: Mastering the Thrust with Antoni Olbrychski

Name: Longsword Workshop: Mastering the Thrust with Antoni Olbrychski
Start: 2026-05-30T10:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-05-30T17:00:00+02:00
Location: Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium

Schedule

Sat May 30 2026 at 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

UTC+02:00

Location

Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium | Dresden, SN

Seminar on Saturday / Open Hall on Sunday
This one-day workshop focuses entirely on thrusting with the longsword. Under the instruction of Antoni Olbrychski, participants will refine the technical foundations of the thrust and develop the tactical mindset required to use it effectively in competition.
A precise thrust depends on body alignment, hand and arm position, and even finger control. Across technical drills and partner work we will practice: guards-to-thrust transitions, point control, binding and evasion, and deceptive preparatory actions that conceal intent and increase success rate. Parallel tactical sessions will explore how to exploit reach and speed while avoiding predictable patterns that are easily parried.
Full protective gear for tournaments is required. Longsword must have a flex of max. 15 kg. Participants must bring their own swords and protective equipment.
Key topics include:
Technical foundations
Guards, entry lines and transitions
Point control, binding and evasions
Disguising intent, feints and switching cut/stab
Sparring scenarios with coaching feedback
The workshop will blend technical exercises with task-based sparring, providing a comprehensive approach to mastering the thrust in competitive longsword fencing.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or looking to sharpen your skills, this seminar offers valuable insights into the tactical and technical aspects of fencing under various rulesets, helping you become a more versatile and effective fencer.
FULL TOURNAMENT GEAR IS NEEDED!
Antoni Olbrychski – Historian and Fencing Instructor
Antoni Olbrychski brings 17 years of fencing expertise and 9 years of dedicated HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) training to the arena. As a highly accomplished competitor, Antoni has secured multiple medals in prestigious tournaments such as the Helsinki Longsword Open, Swordfish, European Games, and the Polish Championships, among many others.
Currently, Antoni is recognized as the top-ranked fencer in the world according to HEMA Ratings, reflecting his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. His competitive focus spans across several disciplines, including longsword, saber, and sword and buckler.
In addition to his competitive success, Antoni is an esteemed instructor at Akademia Szermierzy in Warsaw, where he shares his extensive knowledge and passion for fencing with students of all levels. His experience as both a historian and a fencing expert makes him a distinguished figure in the world of HEMA.