All classes meet on Sunday at the times specified below
Intro Class
12:00pm-2:00pm
A 5-6 week cycle designed to introduce newcomers to the basics of German longsword fencing. Students should expect to spend 2 cycles in the intro class before moving on to the Novice class.
Prerequisites: None
Tactics Class
12:00pm-2:00pm
Learn the tactics needed to become a more effective fighter. The focus is on how and when to apply techniques to seize and hold the initiative in a duel. We do extensive contact work and bouting primarily with longsword.
Prerequisites: Available to Novices and above. At least 6 months of attending the Novice class.
Novice Class
10:00am-12:00pm
In the Novice class students will learn the fundamental techniques of German fencing as described in our source manuscripts. Students in the Novice class focus primarily on longsword techniques, but are also given introductory workshops on other weapons from our sources, such as messer, grappling, and dagger. Novices also receive training on falling safely (breakfalls). Each cycle is approximately 20 weeks.
Prerequisites: Pass the Novice test and earn the rank of Novice
Apprentice Class
10:00am-12:00pm
In the Apprentice class students continue their studies with a more in depth look at the 10 weapon systems taught at the Academy of Arms: longsword, dagger, grappling, spear, poleaxe, halfsword, messer, sickle, sword and buckler, and short staff.
Prerequisites: Pass the Apprentice test and earn the rank of Apprentice. For most people this takes 1-2 years of training.
“If it was not an art, then the strong would always win.”
Hanko Döbringer, 1389
