We practice historical fencing and offer basic training as well as opportunities for reconstructing, interpreting, and training Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) in two locations in Switzerland.
Our techniques and knowledge are drawn from ancient historical sources written by the fencing masters of the late Middle Ages and early modern times. An extensive international network interprets, discusses and revives this in free fencing.
Thereby for all intents and purposes we practice a modern interpretation of what can be reconstructed from the antique manuscripts of the fencing masters of past times, in full awareness that a 100% authentic reconstruction is regrettably no longer possible, because in this day and age the original usage is obsolete. For this reason, historical interest and a revival out of pure fascination for a fighting system that is unparalleled in its complexity and diversity is crucial.
We approximate the fencing of the old times as best we can and attempt to find ways to carry this tradition into the 21st century in a dignified manner. Our main focus is on the understanding and application of the underlying mechanics of swordplay, combat wrestling, etc., as well as the further development of martial arts, e.g., didactics or comparisons of different fencing masters.
We do not do reenactment as a group performing medieval representations. We do not try to emulate old fencing schools and reproduce them as accurately as possible.
Our club is structured democratically and is open to anyone with a serious interest in the art of historical fencing. Besides enabling training the club's purpose is:
To practice and establish the historical fighting techniques of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance as martial arts.
To further develop the historical fencing arts.
To enable free fencing.
To make historical European fencing arts accessible to the public.
Club Charter, 14 September 2004