Our training serves the study and practice of the historic fencing arts. The aim is to make free-fencing possible and to enable a deeper understanding of fencing.
In the course of our training we work with different manuscripts which encompass various weapons, epochs, and traditions. Our focus is on the manuscripts of the "German School". This work is divided into reconstruction and transmission. The reconstruction takes place in small groups during individually conducted free training, while the transmission occurs in guided training sessions.
The guided training group is led by a fencer with multiple years of experience in historical fencing. Our training focuses on the long sword. In addition, we also train in dagger, unarmed combat, shield and sword, etc. based on traditional techniques and acquired know-how.
In free training we pursue personal training and study. Manuscripts, interpretations and other know-how need to be broken down to a common denominator and tested. Rigorous scrutiny and critical review of what has been learned, in addition to the further development of knowledge, are at the core of this practice.
In the beginner training introduces the basic handling of the long sword. Special attention is paid to sword control and drilling the basic strokes. The objective is to enable safe and efficient training in the club. In 2015 the beginner training was integrated into the main training so that novices can joint throughout the year.
What distinguishes our training from that of many other martial arts clubs is that we compare our understanding of certain techniques with the knowledge of fencing masters of several generations and modern martial arts and search for underlying principles. A technique’s context such as the epoch of the master, the contextualization in the source and use (bare fencing, armored single combat, battle, etc.), or the comparison of different constellations of fighters gives information about its possible variants and applications.
This principle-oriented and multi-perspective approach not only allows a better understanding of techniques and styles of different masters, but also improved integration into personal training.
The degree of complexity and constant novelty is an elementary component to the fascination of historical fencing.