Historic 16th-Century Swords Come to Life with Oskar ter Mors at Wapenkunst Academie Rijswijk
On the attic of the town hall in Balk, researchers recently uncovered eight authentic 16th-century two-handed swords, relics of the Dutch fight against Spanish forces during the Eighty Years’ War. These swords, crafted by a master from Solingen, Germany, were long forgotten, believed to be replicas—until the team from the National Military Museum (NMM) and Museum Sloten rediscovered them.
To show how these historical weapons were used, swordfighting master Oskar ter Mors, founder of Wapenkunst Academie Rijswijk, gave an exclusive demonstration of 16th- and 17th-century combat techniques. Oskar, one of the few experts in the world capable of handling these rare swords correctly, explained the art of movement, control, and balance. His demonstration offered spectators a vivid experience of historical European martial arts (HEMA) in action.
Taking a low stance, Oskar executed a series of precise movements, swinging and thrusting the sword with the skill of a seasoned warrior. “Controlling space is crucial, especially when surrounded,” he explained, carefully demonstrating the power of the weapons. Visitors could see the subtle details of the swords, including small marks indicating real combat use, adding authenticity to the demonstration.
The swords themselves are light, perfectly balanced, and historically significant, with strong ties to legendary figures like the Frisian warrior Grutte Pier and Dutch rebels such as Jacob Cabeliau. According to Jeroen Punt of the NMM, there is a 99% chance that these Solingen swords were actively used during the Eighty Years’ War, making the demonstration not only exciting but also historically accurate.
For history enthusiasts, museums, and martial arts fans, this event was a rare opportunity to see historical swordfighting brought to life by one of the Netherlands’ foremost HEMA experts. The Wapenkunst Academie Rijswijk continues to offer workshops, demonstrations, and educational experiences that combine history, culture, and martial skill—perfect for institutions, corporate events, or anyone passionate about historical European martial arts.
Source: www.volkskrant.nl
