~for~
ROOM: Dart Auditorium
INSTRUCTOR: Cecil Longino
DESCRIPTION:
The Vast Chain of Being & Renaissance Man
As we,
scholars of fence, continue to practice historical sword forms, it
becomes imperative that we increase our understanding of the culture
and philosophy which conjured up our beloved arts. As we delve, we
must keep in mind that every martial art is a child of the specific
culture that gave it birth, and therefore should adhere to a
particular ideal aesthetic in its form, movement, and manner,
inherited from its parent culture.
This class will explore the Elizabethan worldview, from the metaphysical down to man's physical place in his universe, often referred to as the Vast Chain of Being. We will explore the vital concepts of Neo-platonism, Humanism, universal correspondencies, and the very nature of man; relating these theories to the general art of fence and how they are directly applied in Saviolo's manner of fight.
The Elizabethans found order in every facet of the universe, from the machinations of the heavens to the movement of man while fencing. It would be a great disservice if we did not learn to perceive this art with their eyes.