Piercing Cloud Swordmoot - April 18th-20th 2025 - Creston BC
"the object of a moot is to provide practice in developing an argument"
The Piercing Cloud Swordmoot is a weekend of intensive practice and development of sword (and other weapons) skill in relation to the Piercing Cloud Method. Piercing Cloud is a particular approach to examining and practising the martial arts that builds our understanding of weapons from looking at the most foundational principles that underlie everything we do, and building upwards from there. Piercing Cloud, while an excellent foundation for beginners, is even more effective as a ‘module’ for advanced practitioners that can help improve and deepen the practices they already have. All levels from beginner to advanced are welcome at the Swordmoot.
The Swordmoot will be a weekend of examining principles and learning to put them into action. Intensive work on basic sword handling, sticking and range drills, footwork and much else will be covered; but perhaps more importantly, the psychology and philosophy of how and why we wield the sword will be deeply examined. The latency of visual information reaching the brain and its response to that information is something that can be trained and developed in even beginning students. We’ll examine the basic 'physics' of movement and how the principle of efficiency can greatly improve one’s fighting ability. We’ll also dive deeply into the use of the real forces all around us, such as gravity, or the actions and intentions of our opponent, to assist us in our movement and objectives with the sword.
Interested students are encouraged to be prepared for a weekend outside in whatever the weather provides for us. This means being prepared for hot sun, or rain, or even the cold. Adequate clothing and footwear should be brought by the students, or the conditions may limit their ability to train fully. Water is available, but snacks and food will be the participants’ own responsibility. We will likely go for group lunches and dinners in town, for those that are interested.
Training equipment such as swords and other weapons will be provided, though students may bring their own as well. No other special equipment is required, though eye protection is strongly encouraged.
Those that practice other styles are welcome but will be expected to participate in the Piercing Cloud training that will be occurring under the instructors in attendance.
The Swordmoot will take place in a beautiful meadow in the forest, with a pond, open skies, and many trees nearby. Training in nature provides a deep sense of connection and the many natural processes that are there for us to observe deepen our understanding of the training we engage in. For this reason, it is requested that we do not smoke, vape, or drink alcohol while engaged in training, and to do so responsibly when not training.
Accommodation is available in the nearby town of Creston BC (approx. 10 minute drive), which features some great restaurants as well. Students will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation, unless one of the instructors has made specific arrangements for you.
There is no fee for Swordmoot.
"the object of a moot is to provide practice in developing an argument"
The Piercing Cloud Swordmoot is a weekend of intensive practice and development of sword (and other weapons) skill in relation to the Piercing Cloud Method. Piercing Cloud is a particular approach to examining and practising the martial arts that builds our understanding of weapons from looking at the most foundational principles that underlie everything we do, and building upwards from there. Piercing Cloud, while an excellent foundation for beginners, is even more effective as a ‘module’ for advanced practitioners that can help improve and deepen the practices they already have. All levels from beginner to advanced are welcome at the Swordmoot.
The Swordmoot will be a weekend of examining principles and learning to put them into action. Intensive work on basic sword handling, sticking and range drills, footwork and much else will be covered; but perhaps more importantly, the psychology and philosophy of how and why we wield the sword will be deeply examined. The latency of visual information reaching the brain and its response to that information is something that can be trained and developed in even beginning students. We’ll examine the basic 'physics' of movement and how the principle of efficiency can greatly improve one’s fighting ability. We’ll also dive deeply into the use of the real forces all around us, such as gravity, or the actions and intentions of our opponent, to assist us in our movement and objectives with the sword.
Interested students are encouraged to be prepared for a weekend outside in whatever the weather provides for us. This means being prepared for hot sun, or rain, or even the cold. Adequate clothing and footwear should be brought by the students, or the conditions may limit their ability to train fully. Water is available, but snacks and food will be the participants’ own responsibility. We will likely go for group lunches and dinners in town, for those that are interested.
Training equipment such as swords and other weapons will be provided, though students may bring their own as well. No other special equipment is required, though eye protection is strongly encouraged.
Those that practice other styles are welcome but will be expected to participate in the Piercing Cloud training that will be occurring under the instructors in attendance.
The Swordmoot will take place in a beautiful meadow in the forest, with a pond, open skies, and many trees nearby. Training in nature provides a deep sense of connection and the many natural processes that are there for us to observe deepen our understanding of the training we engage in. For this reason, it is requested that we do not smoke, vape, or drink alcohol while engaged in training, and to do so responsibly when not training.
Accommodation is available in the nearby town of Creston BC (approx. 10 minute drive), which features some great restaurants as well. Students will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation, unless one of the instructors has made specific arrangements for you.
There is no fee for Swordmoot.