We currently offer beginner's classes in German longsword, the primary weapon of the Kunst des Fechtens system.  The beginner's class heavily features proper bio-mechanics, footwork, getting to know the sword, and, at the end of the course, each beginner can try their new skills in our Rookie Tournament.  All the gear you need is provided for you - masks, swords, gloves, etc. All you need to do is show up in comfortable gym clothes.  The classes start at 8:00 pm on the first Monday of January, April, July, and October and runs, on Monday, for eight (8) weeks.  Please try to arrive 15 minutes early so we can start class on time.   Schedule Below is a rough schedule of what you will encounter in the Beginner's Class. Be aware that order and topics may change depending on the needs and abilities of the beginners. In general, however, we will try to stick to this schedule.  Day 1: History, footwork, getting to know the sword, and basic guards Day 2: Long edge cuts - introducing Oberhau, Unterhau, and Zornhau Day 3: Short edge cuts - introducing Shielhau Day 4: Ribbons, flourishes, and moulinets - starting to put it together Day 5: Cutting at odd angles - introducing Zwerchhau Day 6: More odd angles - introducing Krumphau Day 7: Binding, winding, and Schietalhau Day 8: Sparring games and Rookie Tournament   Rookie Tournament The Rookie's Tournament is the traditional ending to a beginner's class at Maryland KdF. It stems from historical examples within German fechtschulen. Here, we use it as a measure of the skills you have gained over the course of the class, as an introduction to tournament fighting, an introduction to sparring, and as a passage through to becoming fully fledged club members.  The rules are based off of a mixture of historical rulesets regarding tournament fencing. Some of the rules include: head-only targeting and point scoring, no wrestling/grappling/ringen, and no running in (attempting to wrestle). The only weapons used are longswords - this tournament is supposed to be a pure test of fencing. Your opponents will not only be your classmates, but other people in the club as well.  This tournament is not mandatory, but it is a whole lot of fun. 

COVID-19: You are required to present a negative COVID test to join this event.   You will be required to present evidence of your negative test (from within 24 hours prior to the event) at registration as proof. ----------------------------------------- Pinchpoint is an event that will partner experienced HEMA fighters and instructors with new students in a low key tournament format designed to promote participation, learning, and friendship in a casual environment. Mentors are encouraged to help students through personalized coaching, informal sparring, and ad hoc lessons. Fighters (crablets) will stay in a bushel with their mentor throughout the entirety of the tournament to receive individualized attention and advice. And if you think the crab puns will stop, scuttle away now. So, who should sign up for Pinchpoint? If you are BRAND NEW fighter, have no gear, but you want to try your hand at a tournament, register for Pinchpoint. We will have gear your can borrow. If you are a NOVICE fighter (under 2 years in HEMA) and have fought in Open tournaments, but you struggle to make it out alive, let alone make it out of the pools, register for Pinchpoint. If you want to sign up for Pinchpoint to win against (or maybe hurt) new fighters, don't. There won't be any amazing prizes. For full disclosure, event organizers will be reaching out to your club heads/instructors to vet fighters and to ensure the best experience for all attendees! Pinchpoint Ruleset: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Th2EAPrp1f0LtzvxiGzlZNYH8-dOTaDemLBD7NtY1oI/edit?usp=drive_link

Atlantic Renaissance Fencing Saber/Sidesword and Buckler The Atlantic Renaissance Fencing League, hosted by MKDF, is putting on three tournaments on May 31st, 2026: URG Longsword Open Saber Open Sidesword and Buckler This is a friendly tournament aimed primarily at HEMA fencers in the DC-Baltimore area, though fighters from anywhere are welcome to attend. URG stands for Underrepresented Genders and applies to anyone who does not identify as a Cisgender Man.  Please do not sign up for this tournament if this does not apply to you.  Please feel free to email us with any questions.   Registration is limited to 16 entrants for the first 2 events and 32 for the third. If registration is full and you are interested in participating, please contact ARFL at the following address to be placed on the waitlist: arfl.hema@gmail.com The event will be hosted May 31st 2026, at Top Tier Columbia in Columbia, MD.  Check in begins at 12 pm for URG Longsword and Saber  with pools beginning at 1 PM.  Sidesword and Buckler check in will begin after the conclusion of the other two events, at approximately 4pm.   Previous volunteers get priority registration for future events and payment for their time!  If you'd like to be considered to volunteer, please email us at arfl.hema@gmail.com.   Spectators get in free and DO NOT need to purchase their own ticket.   Event Rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uoetndSYkd4OR85Ai5Kg8vP9yexD48ADuBChhyX-vFI/edit?tab=t.0   Longsword will follow Format 1 with Scoring System 1, while Saber and Sidesword and Buckler will follow Format 1 with Scoring System 2.     These rules are subject to change up to the date of the event while we get and process feedback from our previous events.  While we do not anticipate drastic changes, please check back before you compete to ensure your understanding of the rules is as up to date as possible.