The New Dawn Duellists Society is a non-profit organization devoted to the study, revival, and practice of Historic European Martial Arts. In particular, the group focuses on civilian combat and the art of fence from the 14th century through the 18th century. Toward this end, we study period texts and fight treatises written by or about the historic Masters and incorporate that knowledge into contact-sparing with historical replica weapons.

The group takes its name from the Dawn Duellists Society, taught by Maestros Paul Macdonald and Guy Windsor in Edinburgh, Scotland. The founders of the NDDS, Tim Ruzicki and Jared Kirby, have both trained extensively with the DDS, and hold instructor ranks in that organization. Having found a lack of Historic European Marital Arts training in Minneapolis, MN, Jared and Tim created the NDDS in 1997.

The purpose of the NDDS is three-fold.

• First, we are dedicated to the revival of the historic arts by studying primary and secondary sources.
• Second, we strive to improve our own combative skills by using the knowledge taken from those historic sources.
• Finally, into our daily lives, we attempt to incorporate a code of honor and conduct that we feel comprises the philosophical foundation of these ancient martial arts.

The NDDS is extremely indebted to Michael Anderson, owner of EnGarde Unlimited!, for his support and patronage. Without Michael, the NDDS would have never succeeded.

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