Join us for our March 30th Fechtschule where we attempt to recreate some of the competitive training practices of the 16th and 17th centuries.
A Fechtschule is not like modern HEMA tournament. A lot of the rules are based on what would be necessary for safe fencing in an era before masks. For example, in longsword and sidesword bouts the thrust is not used. For long rapier, you can thrust but not to the face or throat.
There are also bouts where you have to demonstrate that a blow could have landed, but not actually make contact. This simulates sparring in a military context where you are practicing with sharp swords. This allows us to work with weapons that are too dangerous for full speed sparring such as the montante and the halberd.
Unlike a modern tournament, matches are not pre-determined. If you pick up a weapon you are obligated to bout with the next person who picks up its pair. This means you get as many matches as you have the stamina for.
Participants are expected to bring all of their normal fencing gear. (Though we are simulating fencing without masks, you are still required to wear a mask.) Weapons will be offered in matched sets to avoid any unfair advantage.
Non-Alcala members are welcome to participate if you are cleared to spar by your club.
Location: Allied Gardens Park
5155 Greenbrier Ave, San Diego, CA
Time: Noon to 4pm