PORT TOWNSEND — At the point of a sword, a Spanish gentleman surrendered to his opponent — much to the delight of visitors at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival last weekend.
Nathan Barnett, 44, of Port Townsend, with fighting partner and friend Michael Fairbanks of Seattle, were holding down the fort — figuratively if not literally — at Pope Marine Park, giving a costumed demonstration of historical swordplay several
times daily.
But it’s not all just fun and games.
Barnett goes to battle at least weekly for a living, teaching the classic art of Renaissance-style swordfighting with a cutlass — a type of sword with a slightly curved blade, popular with sailors for centuries.
Sword-fighting is not just bashing each other as is seen in the movies, Barnett said.
“It is much subtler and sophisticated; fast and light,” Barnett said.
The swords used last weekend represent the type of weapon that might have been used in a duel, Barnett said, but also could be used in a battle, he said.
Barnett learned his art in Seattle, and when he moved to Port Townsend a year ago, he began offering lessons once a week at the Port Townsend Recreation Center.
The art of European-style sword-fighting, known as fencing, is one of the “Western martial arts,” as opposed to the Eastern martial arts, such as judo or karate, and results in fewer injuries, Barnett said.
Barnett said he had 10 years of experience in Eastern martial arts, and received a notable injury each year.
But 10 years of fencing has only resulted in two injuries, he said.
Like the Eastern martial arts, Barnett said, sword-fighting is not as much about the fighting or competition as it is about something more personal.
“It’s a way to refine oneself,” Barnett said.
Barnett teaches the use of the cutlass, the backsword and the use of a shield called a “buckler” at 6:30 p.m. Sundays.
The cost is $20 per month.
Those interested can phone Barnett at 206-799-5069.
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
