"Rideo Deus in Ripa-latus"
Established 1998

The Bankeside Schoole of Defense is an historical stage combat school, located in Southern California, that is dedicated to the study of European swordsmanship with an emphasis on Italian 16th century rapier and sidesword fighting.  Members of Bankeside are involved with the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Southern California each spring, and bring to life a different aspect of renaissance living by staging daily fights and bouts on the streets of the faire.   We train in regular classes using replica weapons and techniques learned from existing 16th century manuals to further our knowledge and expertise in this almost forgotten art.

We have established this site for the dual purposes of announcing our presence and educating the interested.


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© The Bankeside Schoole of Defense 1998 - 2005
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