Virtus

What was Virtus?

Virtus was a course in the manly art of swordsmanship. We especially wanted to encourage fathers to do this alongside their sons, a great excuse for dads to do something cool with their boys, learning, in a safe setting, the basics of an actual historical European martial art.

The idea was to use the process of developing some sword-fighting skills as a fun way to also help build in our boys a sense of classic Catholic and authentically liberal masculine virtues such as Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance, Justice, Humility, and "Chivalry" more broadly. As well as fencing training, there were brief lessons and discussion on the virtues.

The name comes from a specific virtue in ancient Rome carrying connotations of valour, masculinity, excellence, courage, character and worth. Originally virtus described specifically martial courage, but it grew to describe a range of Roman virtues, often divided into prudentia, iustitia, temperantia and fortitudo.

Why sword-fighting?

Because it is cool and engaging, and because in our Catholic tradition it comes with a history of chivalry, virtue, and standing up for those who need our protection. Also, like any martial art, it helps build self-discipline, which trains us for the spiritual life.

Details as run

• Date and time: Wednesday evenings 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm for six sessions, 13 August to 17 September.
• Location: St Bernadette's Church Hall, 76 Hei Hei Road, Hornby, Christchurch.
• Cost: $20 per participant, capped at $50 per family.
• Format: Opening prayer, warmup, skills and drills, drinks break, a 15-minute discussion on the virtue of the week and its practical application, more fencing work, then a few minutes of prayer in St Bernadette's church.
• Safety: Mostly padded sword simulators, with sparring limited and controlled. A safeguarding and first aid plan was in place, with qualified first aiders in attendance.