The Order of the Seven Hearts is a private, internationally-recognized research group devoted to studying and practicing the historical fencing and dueling arts of old Europe, including Italian rapier, Bolognese Swordsmanship, and Baroque Swordsmanship. Named after the Chivalrous Order of which legendary fencing master Salvator Fabris was supreme knight, our mission is threefold:

1. To conduct a methodical, philological research of the historical fencing and dueling texts of the 1500s-1800s period.
2. To perform the theory and practice of what we learn as faithfully as possible to the letter of the text.
3. To share our research with the growing Historical Western Martial Arts community.

In 2005, Tom published the first English translation of Fabris’ Italian rapier treatise, which is now available for the first time to Italian rapier students all over the world.

Our primary emphasis is on the Bolognese system of the 16th century, the Italian Rapier system of Salvator Fabris of the early 17th century, and the system of Baroque Swordsmanship of the late 17th century as described by Francesco Marcelli and Bondi' di Mazo. We strive to rediscover these lost arts as thoroughly and accurately as possible. We also research, study and practice other forms of swordsmanship and European martial arts. Thanks to the efforts of Tom Leoni and Steven Reich, we have extensive curricula in the following:

• Bolognese swordsmanship of the 1500s.
• Italian polearms from the 1500s and 1600s.
• Italian Rapier of the early 1600s, especially as described by Salvator Fabris.
• Baroque sword and Italian rapier arts of the late 1600s, especially as described by Marcelli and di Mazo.
• French smallsword from the 1700s.
• Classical Neapolitan dueling epee as codified by Masaniello Parise in the 1880s.
• European and US bayonet exercise, from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Most of our Italian rapier teaching takes place at pan-organizational or dedicated seminars. Tom Leoni and Steven Reich have been invited to teach historical fencing, Italian rapier and European martial arts seminars throughout the United States and in Canada, Europe and Australia. Our philological approach of being “true to the books” is constantly well received, as is the cultural frame within which we place the arts we research and teach and the athleticism with which we strive to perform them.

We are based in Alexandria, Virginia. Please note: unfortunately, we do not currently have the facilities to run regular classes for the general public.