Meyer German Rapier

Scholars of Alcala offers a complete training program for the Meyer’s German Rapier in San Diego. Published in 1570, Joachim Meyer‘s book provides a comprehensive system of fencing that covers a wide variety of weapons including the sidesword, which in his day was called a rapier or rappier.

For our current schedule, sign up on our meetup page.

Courses

Meyer Rapier 1: Fundamentals

This introductory course is open to all beginners. You will start with footwork, how to hold the sword, and the basic postures. Then you will work your way through 59 plays across the following topics:

  • The Four Cuts and How They Shall be Used: 17 Plays
  • Concerning Thrusts: 15 Plays
  • Mutating Cuts into Thrusts and Thrusts into Cuts: 4 Plays
  • Deceiving: 7 Plays
  • Parrying: 9 Plays
  • Other Techniques: 7 Plays

The text book for this course is Meyer Rapier Drill Book vol. 1, which will be provided to all students as part of their membership.

Sparring will be permitted for students by permission of the instructor.

Meyer Rapier 2: Fighting from the Postures

This is an in-depth study of the postures (a.k.a. guards) used with the sword alone, suitable for all fencers with prior experience with the sidesword. Meyer Rapier 1 is recommended, but not specifically required. The 96 plays in this course are divided into these topics:

  • Second Part of Combat with the Rapier (Introductory material): 3 Plays
  • Gerade Versatzung (Straight Parrying): 25 Plays
  • Against Gerade Versatzung (Straight Parrying): 8 Plays
  • Oberhut des Ochs (High Guard of the Ox): 10 Plays
  • Underhut (Low Guard) on the Left: 10 Plays
  • Underhut (Low Guard) on the Right: 14 Plays
  • Pflug (Plow): 5 Plays
  • Einlauffen (Running In): 6 Plays
  • Summary: 6 Plays         

Sparring is optional for students in this class.

Meyer Rapier 3: Daggers, Cloaks, and Spears

This course is suitable for all fencers with prior experience with the sidesword and a sparring qualification. Meyer Rapier 1 is recommended, but not specifically required.

Over the 26 plays in this course, you will learn:

  • Defending Attacks Against your Left Side with the Dagger: 5 Plays
  • Defending Attacks Against Your Right Side with the Sword: 3 Plays
  • Examples of Defending with the Sword and Dagger Together: 9 Plays
  • Rapier and Cloak: 4 Plays
  • How to Defend Yourself Against Spears: 5 Plays

Students will be provided a preview edition of Meyer Rapier Drill Book vol. 3.

This course has a heavy emphasis on sparring and personal exploration.

Study Guides and Books

Swords

Swords and safety gear is available for beginners.

Meyer’s techniques were designed for sideswords with a single side ring and kuncklebow. However, other sidesword designs including simple crosses and finger rings will work.

Training Posters