SSG Boston is a martial arts group practicing an integrated system of longsword, grappling and dagger from medieval fighting manuals.  At this writing, we have classes in Watertown, Arlington, and Cambridge.

Our students are a mix of experienced martial artists who enjoy the cross-training and interested brand new folks. Our beginner class works equally well for each, working on a combination of an established longsword curriculum and developing work on abrazzare (grappling) and daga (dagger/knife) skills. We also host workshops with outside experts and periodic gatherings with other groups to exchange ideas, spar, and just have fun.  These skills are drawn from direct translation from our historical sources, developed through multiple physical interpretation and tested at speed.  Though we emphasize historical technique, our training sessions are a blend of warmup, interpretation, drill, and both focused and open sparring. Intermediate and advanced students continue their work on the core techniques of grappling, dagger and sword, and expand to other weapons like pollaxe or bastone, or combat in armor.

We are a branch of the international Schola Saint George (scholasaintgeorge.org) with four recognized Instructors, teaching a structured approach to medieval martial arts as recorded in the Italian and German fighting treatises. The core of our work is based on Fiore dei Liberi, a 14th century master, who wrote the earliest comprehensive manuals for teaching western fighting arts (L'Arte di Armizare) that has survived to the present day.  We also work from other historical Italian, English, German, Spanish and French manuscripts, working both in translation and producing our own translations and interpretations.  SSG Boston started in 2006 as a study group of the main Schola Saint George, with four teachers from a Brookline school.  Over time, and with the help of outside seminars, we gradually increased our skills and learned more about the integrated combat system of Fiore dei Liberi.

In February 2010, SSG Boston was recognized as the first new branch of the Schola, and Charles was made an official Istruttore (instructor).  David was made an Instruttore in June 2011, Jasen was similarly recognized in October 2012, and Dan was appointed in April 2013.

Start with a beginners' class (four classes and annual membership); after that monthly fees are $40/month/location.  Come wearing comfortable workout clothes & flat shoes (worn-out sneakers are best).  Eventually you'll need gloves and men need groin protection (cup), but other equipment can usually be lent for a time.