Brass Frog HF is an offshoot of an event we've been managing and hosting since 2013. The original intent of the event was to highlight historical weapon systems that at the time were not given much attention. Initially, the event was cosponsored by multiple clubs and moved around each year.
Over the following a decade the event grew and settled into its groove as the region's premier event focused on Victorian Era weapon systems. Though we do include tournaments, the focus of the event has always been, and will continue to be, the classes and workshops. Each year, we draw instructors from around the country as well as international instructors.
In its current model, Brass Frog Historical Fencing is a registered charity whose purpose is to promote the study and practice of the historical fencing systems of the Western World, including: research, study, and teaching of historical training manuals. We hold weekly practices, sponsor research projects, offer kids classes putting swords in the hands of kids as young as 6, and give demos to the public.
Our name was inspired by the huge brass frogs on a bridge in Willimantic, CT. If you'd like to read the history and local stories behind the bridge, check out the following link: https://connecticuthistory.org/bridge-ornaments-help-tell-…/
For more than a decade, the Brass Frog Assault of Arms (BF AoA) has been the region's premier event focused on Victorian era weapon systems. It attracts participants and instructors from across the US (and the Atlantic!) and stresses the importance of Skill and Art in fencing, rather than just tournament results.
In addition to sponsoring the BF AoA, we sponsor original research and translation projects, hold weekly practices, and run public demos and outreach events. Stay tuned for new translations being posted!