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. 

Atlantic Renaissance Fencing Leauge Longsword and Arming Sword and Buckler The Atlantic Renaissance Fencing League is putting on two tournaments on September 6th, 2026: Longsword Arming Sword 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. Registration is limited to 28 entrants for each tournament. 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 September 6th 2026, at Top Tier Columbia in Columbia, MD.  Check in begins at 12:30 pm for Longsword with pools beginning at 1 PM.  Arming Sword 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: TBD    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.     After the conclusion of the Arming Sword and Buckler Tournament, we will be hosting our second cookout!  The cookout will be free, but we do ask that you sign up for a free ticket so that we can get a headcount for food.  

Due to the lack of COVID-19 vaccines, you are required to show proof that you have tested negative to attend this event. Proof must be shown the day of the event. Please message us if you have any questions about this policy.  -------------- AutumnFecht is an effort by Maryland KdF to provide a cheap, single-day get together for regional HEMA practitioners to train, get together, educate staff, and share ideas.  This single day event features: Informative classes from local instructors Time set aside for one-on-one or small group instruction Dedicated open floor space all day long AutumnFecht is known for its awesome and crazy classes - if you have any suggestions or questions, especially if you’re a local who would expect to make these kinds of events, please let us know!