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.
Class Levels
No prior experience is needed for the level 1 class. All fencers will be provided with a copy of our training guide so they can practice both in class and at home. Topics include:
- Guards
- Cuts
- Thrusts
- Transforming Cuts into Thrusts and Thrusts into Cuts
- Deceptions
- Parries
- Working from the Bind
Those who have completed the level 1 class are invited to joint the level 3 class, which covers the use of the dagger and cloak in your off hand as well as a section on defending yourself against spears.
Study Guides and Books
- Meyer Rapier Drill Book 1 (Print) (Free PDF)
- Meyer Rapier Drill Book 3 (Free PDF)
- Joachim Meyer (Wiktenauer)
- The Art of Combat (2014) by Joachim Meyer (woodenswords.com)
- Foundational Description of the Art of Fencing – Study Edition (woodenswords.com)
- The Art of Sword Combat by Joachim Meyer (amazon.com)
- The Art & Practice of 16th-Century German Fencing by Robert Rutherfoord (woodenswords.com)
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



