Albrecht Dürer’s 1512 manuscript Hoplomachia sive Armorvm Tractandorvm Meditatio Alberti Dvreri ("Weapon Training, or Albrecht Dürer's Meditation on the Handling of Weapons", MS 26-232) shows three unique examples of the rondel dagger being used in conjunction with the messer. There is almost no supporting text to describe this combination of weapons, let alone any defined system of instruction. However, its importance cannot be understated – this is the earliest example of the combined use of sword and dagger recorded in any existing fightbook or fencing manuscript in Europe. After months of experimentation at the Hotspur School of Defence, together with an extensive exploration of the sources Dürer’s manuscript is based on, this workshop will now show how the rondel dagger works in conjunction with the messer and the significant advantages this combination provides. Skill level: all Equipment requirements: messer or arming sword, training rondel or dagger, minimal protective gear (mask, glove)
