By popular demand this Sunday we are doing an introductory class on Quarterstaff. For this class you will need to BYOQ, Bring your own quarterstaff.  Your staff should be about 1.25 inches in diameter and about 7 feet long. Lowes sells poplar dowels that will work for about $15. You will want to select the straightest pole possible with no joins or large knots in it.  See you there!

The Meyer Freifechter Guild gather together to celebrate the Art of fencing with fellowship, study, and steel. WHAT IS IT? 4th Annual Meyer Symposium Three days of Meyer-focused classes, fencing, Fechter testing, fellowship, and fechtschule! WHEN? Arrival on the evening of the 9th of June Classes 10 June-11 June We will get feisty on Friday (dusack, dagger, grappling) Fechter Eval Saturday (and more classes) Fechtschule 12 June

Federschwert Order Castille Armory, located in Medford Oregon, is our recommended vendor for entry level steel Federschwert. The Federschwert or Feder is a type of training sword originally used in Fechtschulen (fencing competitions) of the German Renaissance. The type has existed since at least the 15th century, but it came to be widely used as a standard training weapon in the 16th century, shown extensively in the fighting manuals of the time, particularly those of Paulus Hector Mair and Joachim Meyer, and it remained in use in such Fechtschulen well into the 17th, and in some cases for much of the 18th century. The sword consists of a thin, rounded blade with a large ricasso or Schilt and a heavy hilt and pommel. Because of this, it has the same weight and center of balance as a real sword, and handles identically. This construction also has the effect of moving the sword's center of percussion to a theoretical point beyond its tip. Modern production of Feder has been revived in the 21st century for use as sparring weapons and for competition in the context of the HEMA. Federschwert Styles Castille Armory produces Federschwerts in a variety of styles. All are appropriate for the study of HEMA and all prices include shipping.  Sacramento Freifechter Federschwert The Sacramento Freifechter Federschwert takes the "Sanborn" model and extends the blade to 39 inches while reducing the grip to 11 inches. This model closely resembles the dimensions of other popular federschwerts being used through the world by HEMA practicioners and is the recommended model for the Sacramento Freifechter. $325.00 The "Sanborn" This is the model developed by Dimitri Sanborn. It has a thinner grip than the standard feder and a cruciform crossguard with no side rings. More nimble than the standard feder it comes with the loss of protection offered by the dual rings. $310.00 Castille Standard Feder Castille's Standard Feder comes with a 37 inch blade, 12 inch grip, scent stopper pommel and dual ring crossguard. It is the least expensive model and very safe for beginners. However some people feel that the handle is longer than necessary or that the ring's get in the way of their hands.  $300.00

This event is being rescheduled. Our appologies for the late notice but changes in our agreement with the facility have made hosting this event impossible at this time. We will have an updated date soon.    Region VI of the Meyer Freifechter Guild will be having a summer gathering and open mat event. This event is open to all members of the MFFG and HEMA practitioners.  Fechtschule With ample room for combat fencers will be able to compete against all willing opponents using their weapon of choice. After each fight the fencers will decide who the winner was, if no decision is reached the match will be considered a draw. Reported wins will be tallied and a victor declared at the end of the event.  Please note that this is not a tournament and judging of victory is completely up to the fencers.  Fechter Exam For members of the MFFG this will be an opportunity to take your Fechter exam. The Fechter exam is a competency test showing that you have a good foundational understanding of Joachim Meyer and his system. The test includes both an oral examination and a demonstration of skills component. Examinees will also be expected to fence any challengers. Cost and Location Cost: $10 for fencers MFFG Region VI members and Spectators are free.  Location: Sacred City Warehouse 1501 N C St, Sacramento, CA 95811  

The Sacramento Freifechter will be teaching the military arts of Joachim Meyer at Carnevale Fantasctico. This event is being held in Vallejo, CA and celebrates the arts and culture of the Italian Renaissace.  Come out to the faire and get a free private lesson in the Longsword, Dussack or Sidesword! We will be near the Medici court providing training the most popular martial weapons of the day.     

We are making our quarterly order with Superior Fencing. They are an equipment producer making HEMA gear similar to what is produced by SPES. If you would like to order please sign up for this event. Money for equipment will be due in approximately 1 month. You may use the ticket option to indicate which peices of gear you are intending to purchase. Prices for gear are as follows: APRIL JACKET ORDER QUERY + $40 /each person, Shipping 1. Standard Jacket 100$ 2. Standard Jacket w/Patch 110$ 3. Ventilated Jacket 120$ 4. Ventilated Jacket w/Patch 120$ 5. Pants 45$ 6. Bag 30$ 7. Forearm Protector, Standard 30$ 8. Forearm Protector, Color 30$ (no extra charge) Please note that shipping prices are the same regardless of the number of pieces ordered. The Jackets and Pants are the main items recommended for purchase. Sizing Info: Please note that the sizing information for women is off by one size so order one size up. For example: Shelby shows as a Small on the chart so she should order a Medium instead.

The Tosetti Institute is hosting a HEMA Tournament consisting of a Longsword division and also a Sidesword & Secondary Weapon division. We will be using a modified version of Nordic League rules. The allowable off hand weapons for the Sidesword & Secondary Weapon division will be:  - Buckler - Rotella - Cloak - Dagger Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours. Please note that is is NOT a Sacramento Freifechter event. It is being hosted by the Tosetti Institute of MMA & Fitness.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hema-tournament-tickets-21533932572

Federschwert Order Castille Armory, located in Medford Oregon, is our recommended vendor for entry level steel Federschwert. The Federschwert or Feder is a type of training sword originally used in Fechtschulen (fencing competitions) of the German Renaissance. The type has existed since at least the 15th century, but it came to be widely used as a standard training weapon in the 16th century, shown extensively in the fighting manuals of the time, particularly those of Paulus Hector Mair and Joachim Meyer, and it remained in use in such Fechtschulen well into the 17th, and in some cases for much of the 18th century. The sword consists of a thin, rounded blade with a large ricasso or Schilt and a heavy hilt and pommel. Because of this, it has the same weight and center of balance as a real sword, and handles identically. This construction also has the effect of moving the sword's center of percussion to a theoretical point beyond its tip. Modern production of Feder has been revived in the 21st century for use as sparring weapons and for competition in the context of the HEMA. We will be placing a group order roughly every 3 months with Castille Armory. In the event that we have at least 5 swords ordered you will be credited 10% of the purchase price towards your Sacramento Freifechter Membership. Federschwert Styles Castille Armory produces Federschwerts in a variety of styles. All are appropriate for the study of HEMA.  Castille Standard Feder Castille's Standard Feder comes with a 37 inch blade, 12 inch grip, scent stopper pommel and dual ring crossguard. It is the least expensive model and very safe for beginners. However some people feel that the handle is longer than necessary or that the ring's get in the way of their hands.  $300.00 + $10 shipping The "Sanborn" This is the model developed by Dimitri. It has a thinner grip than the standard feder and a cruciform crossguard with no side rings. More nimble than the standard feder it comes with the loss of protection offered by the dual rings. $309.00 + $10 shipping Sacramento Freifechter Federschwert The Sacramento Freifechter Federschwert takes the "Sanborn" model and extends the blade to 39 inches while reducing the grip to 11 inches. This model closely resembles the dimensions of other popular federschwerts being used through the world by HEMA practicioners. $325.00 + $10 shipping

Want to get in shape? Looking for a unique and intersting physical activity combining the benefits of HIIT work outs with the use of large and impressive swords? Love history and wish you had been a knight in shining armor?  The study of Historical Fencing is a great way to get in shape. Learn to use a Longsword like they did in Europe during the Renaissance. Our 6 week introductory course will take you through the fundamental aspects of Historical Fencing. You will learn how to lay waste to your enemies and impress your friends. Or at the very least you will be given the opportunity to begin learning to do so.  You will learn: The history of fencing How to properly attack with a Longsword How to defend yourself from attack Movement and footwork Strategy and tactics Come out and try your hand at an ancient art that is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States and the World. Don't believe me? Maybe this movie will change your mind.  Details $50 for 1 person, $75 for 2 family members.  Includes: Introductory course in the German Longsword Course length: 6 weeks Class length: 2 hours per week. Equipment provided, simply wear clothes you are comfortable sweating in.

The Sacramento Freifechter will be taking part at the Fight Day hosted by the Tosetti Institute of MMA and Fitness. Two hours of free play and sparing is always fun!

A New Year is upon us and like so many you might have decided it is time to be more active. However the truth is that working out is hard and sometimes boring. Why not start a new activity that is exciting, thoroughly enjoyable, and will have you sweating in no time flat?  The study of Historical Fencing is a great way to get in shape. Learn to use a Longsword like they did in Europe during the Renaissance. Our 6 week introductory course will take you through the fundamental aspects of Historical Fencing. You will learn how to lay waste to your enemies and impress your friends. Or at the very least you will be given the opportunity to begin learning to do so.  You will learn: The history of fencing How to properly attack with a Longsword How to defend yourself from attack Movement and footwork Strategy and tactics Come out and try your hand at an ancient art that is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States and the World. Don't believe me? Maybe this movie will change your mind.  Details $50 for 1 person, $75 for 2 family members.  Includes: Introductory course in the German Longsword Course length: 6 weeks Class length: 2 hours per week. Equipment provided, simply wear clothes you are comfortable sweating in.

18th Annual Christkindlmark​t. Benefiting multiple charities in the Sacramento area including, New 10’s “Coats for Kids” Christmas Music, Arts, Crafts, Ornaments,Cooki​es and Cakes for sale, Nurnberg sausage dinner, Gluhwein, Authentic Saint Nick. In the tradition of the German outdoor Christmas Markets, the Sacramento Turn Verein offers the community an annual Christkindlmark​t for holiday shopping and entertainment. Highlights of this festive weekend-long event include: 28 booths featuring local vendors Lebkuchen and Magenbrot, traditional German baked Christmas treats Glühwein, also known as mulled wine Daily appearances of Santa Claus and the German Christkind Note: All vendor stations for the 2014 Christkindlmark​t are sold out. History In many towns in Germany and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the town’s Christmas Market, also called a Christkindlmark​t (which literally means Christ child market). Generally held in the town square and pedestrian zones, the market combines food and drink in the open air, shopping and pageantry, as well as tradition. On opening night and, in some towns, every night, onlookers welcome the Christkind, or Christ child, in the form of a golden-haired angel, played by a local youth. Some of the most popular items at the market are: Crèche, nativity scenes Zwetschgamännla (figures made of decorated dried plums) Nussknacker (carved Nutcrackers) Gebrannte Mandeln (candied, toasted almonds) Christstollen or Stollen (a sort of egg bread with candied fruit) The most famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Nürnberg, Dresden, and Stuttgart, making them very popular tourist stops. Each year, the Nürnberg and Dresden markets draw about two million visitors, and the Stuttgart market attracts more than three million visitors. Other well-known markets are held in Köln, Bonn, Lübeck, Wien, Salzburg, and Villach.

18th Annual Christkindlmark​t. Benefiting multiple charities in the Sacramento area including, New 10’s “Coats for Kids” Christmas Music, Arts, Crafts, Ornaments,Cooki​es and Cakes for sale, Nurnberg sausage dinner, Gluhwein, Authentic Saint Nick. In the tradition of the German outdoor Christmas Markets, the Sacramento Turn Verein offers the community an annual Christkindlmark​t for holiday shopping and entertainment. Highlights of this festive weekend-long event include: 28 booths featuring local vendors Lebkuchen and Magenbrot, traditional German baked Christmas treats Glühwein, also known as mulled wine Daily appearances of Santa Claus and the German Christkind Note: All vendor stations for the 2014 Christkindlmark​t are sold out. History In many towns in Germany and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the town’s Christmas Market, also called a Christkindlmark​t (which literally means Christ child market). Generally held in the town square and pedestrian zones, the market combines food and drink in the open air, shopping and pageantry, as well as tradition. On opening night and, in some towns, every night, onlookers welcome the Christkind, or Christ child, in the form of a golden-haired angel, played by a local youth. Some of the most popular items at the market are: Crèche, nativity scenes Zwetschgamännla (figures made of decorated dried plums) Nussknacker (carved Nutcrackers) Gebrannte Mandeln (candied, toasted almonds) Christstollen or Stollen (a sort of egg bread with candied fruit) The most famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Nürnberg, Dresden, and Stuttgart, making them very popular tourist stops. Each year, the Nürnberg and Dresden markets draw about two million visitors, and the Stuttgart market attracts more than three million visitors. Other well-known markets are held in Köln, Bonn, Lübeck, Wien, Salzburg, and Villach.

The Sacramento Freifechter are going to the SoCal Swordfight! The SoCal Swordfight is the largest HEMA gathering on the West Coast of the United States and possibly the world. We will be traveling down to the event to represent Northern California and the Meyer Freifechter Guild Region VI. Due to the timing of this event there will be no classes held this weekend. If you would like to go details and tickets can be purchased at the SoCal Swordfight website.  

The Sacramento Freifechter will have a small group participating at the Folsom Renaissance Faire. We will be performing demonostrations and giving lessons on Meyer's Art of Combat. Come out to enjoy the Renaissance Faire and enjoy an introductory lesson in: Longsword Dussack Rappier Dagger and Ringen While our classes are free the Faire itself does charge an entry fee for admission. Visit the Folsom Renaissance Faire website for details or their EventBrite page to purchase tickets.