Please refer to the Calendar for the latest times and locations.
HEMA 101+
Our training program begins with our “101” that introduces the principles and mechanical fundamentals underlying the German Langschwert or longsword of the Kunst des Fechtens (KdF) or Art of Fencing, as described in the Johannes Liechtenauer tradition. While the longsword is a core weapon of KdF, this tradition includes a wide variety of historical weaponry. This low to mid-level intensity segment is recommended for all participants interested in progressing into not only longsword but all other weapon systems that are explored at Forte.
Our program continues beyond the “101” fundamentals with an active training class focusing on mobility, agility, timing, mechanics, and tactics all needed for Historical European Martial Arts. This mid-level intensity segment begins with a focus on physical conditioning that is to useful participants irrespective of swordplay, and concludes with active drills and scenario sparring geared toward training with the German Kunst des Fechtens (KdF) tradition. All levels of fencers are recommended to attend.
Our program progresses to a wide spectrum of low to high level intensity activities intended to cater to the individual student as they explore the depth of German longsword techniques and sparring, or the breadth of related weapon systems, or both. This includes open fencing with a variety of weapons as well as less formal instruction for students, and is an optimal time to further investigate and learn from instructors about other topics or to spar or drill with other students.
HEMA 201
Our advanced studies program focuses on giving participants access to a wide range of historical primary and secondary sources, and steadily exposing them to the intricacies and nuances of interpreting the sources by providing them the tools and guidance to draw their own conclusions about what the masters of Historical Martial Arts were trying to convey in the extant documents we have available to date. Examples of sources that we commonly / periodically explore: sources from the early (e.g. Ringeck, “von Danzig”, Lew), mid (e.g. von Baumann, Wilhalm) and late (e.g. Mair, Meyer) Liechtenauer tradition, as well as from other traditions of similar time period (e.g. Thibault). This is an invaluable program enhancement to our practical program.
Irregular and Special Topics Course Descriptions
Please refer to the Calendar for the latest times and locations. Sample special topics have included the following:
Gigante Rapier
An 8 week special topics course on Rapier! This class will go from basic form all the way to adding a dagger into the mix and is perfect for Rapier beginners and intermediates alike! This course is based on the Gigante sources and requires approval to join in.
Basics of Unarmed Fighting
Whenever you fight with a weapon, you risk losing your weapon. In this 8 session special topics course that situation is covered. From distance and flow to kicks, strikes and throws–make sure you can get these basics down! No experience is required, but if joining in late, approval from the instructor is required.
Techniques in British Military Sabre
An 8 week course is intended to provide an introduction to fencing sabre in the British military style. The class pulls predominantly from Roworth, while citing Hutton and Waite to provide alternative solutions to problems. Instruction focuses on the use of games and sparring-type open-ended drills to teach the concepts, not just rote drill, however military in style that might be. No previous experience with sabre is expected, but those with it will be able to take the drills and games further to better expand their study.
Historical and Modern Grappling
An exploration of throws, take downs, and finishers used in HEMA compared to modern versions of techniques. Includes introductory and advanced falling, throwing, and grappling techniques. This course requires approval from the instructor to join in.
Archery
Every couple of weeks an archery specialist comes to visit us! Happy to teach archery and the history there of, feel free to take a break and work a different muscle group!