This is the class sign up for Monday, October 17th. Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once.   

This is the class sign up for Thursday, October 13th.  Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once. 

This is a continuous saber class taught without a specific source. While many systems will be drawn on people practicing any system are welcome to join and will learn something. We will be working on techniques but also general fencing concepts such as distance management, timing, fighting under defense and so on.    This class is meant for newer and more experienced fencers, but the first few weeks will be more focused on getting everyone to a point where they can do the basics so we can move forward. 

This is the class sign up for Monday, October 10th. Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once.   

This is the class sign up for Thursday, October 6th.  Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once. 

This is a continuous saber class taught without a specific source. While many systems will be drawn on people practicing any system are welcome to join and will learn something. We will be working on techniques but also general fencing concepts such as distance management, timing, fighting under defense and so on.    This class is meant for newer and more experienced fencers, but the first few weeks will be more focused on getting everyone to a point where they can do the basics so we can move forward. 

COVID-19: You are required to be fully vaccinated and boostered to join this class.   Full vaccination is defined by getting the full regimen of shots (Pfizer/Moderna = 2, J&J = 1), passing the required 2 weeks for full innoculation, and receiving a booster within 6-8 months of your last dose. You will be required to present your CDC vaccination card on the first day of class as proof. ----------------------------------------- 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. 

This is the class sign up for Monday, October 3rd. Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once.   

This is the class sign up for Thursday, September 29th.  Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once. 

This is the class sign up for Monday, September 26th. Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once.   

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you are required to be vaccinated to attend this event. Proof must be shown the day of the event (either an official government-issued vaccination card or a picture of it) and/or can be uploaded to your TidyHQ account. Please message us if you have any questions about this policy. Mask use will (likely) be at the participants' discretion (TBD). **Full vaccination is defined by getting the full regimen of shots (Pfizer/Moderna = 2, J&J = 1) and receiving at least one booster shot** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to Dance Fight! DanceFight is a two-day movement intensive for sword fighters. This unique event is all about transforming how you use your body—no matter what weapon art you practice. We've brought together six top instructors and asked them to share their secrets to moving well. Join our amazing lineup of teachers from across North America for one heck of a weekend: Anna Beard (Austin Historical Weapons Guild) Christian Buettner (MKDF) Marlene Hurst (CKDF) Jon Mills (Valkyrie WMAA) Kaja Sadowski (kajaswords) Da'Mon Stith (Guild of the Silent Sword) Some of them will help you polish core skills like body literacy and communication. Some will expose you to new movement arts, from ballet to capoeira. All of them will give you a new perspective on how you move and help you become a better fighter. And the best part? You get to work with every single one of them! No deciding between learning or competing. No choosing between equally-awesome workshops in the same time slot. Each day, you'll take three two-hour classes with three different instructors, with plenty of rest in between. There will also be daily open floor time to let you play with adding what you've just learned to your swordplay. There are several ticket types listed below. If you are a Maryland KdF member, please choose the ones labelled as such. The standard price for registration to this event is $150. Should you choose to donate a little more to this awesome event, we thank you kindly! If you are not able to afford the standard price, we have an additional option and say thank you for spending your hard earned money on this one-of-a-kind event.   

This is the class sign up for Thursday, September 15th.  Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once. 

This is the class sign up for Monday, September 19th. Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once.   

This is the class sign up for Thursday, September 15th.  Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once. 

This is the class sign up for Monday, September 12th. Like always, this class is restricted to those who finished the MKdF Beginner's Class.  In order to participate, you must be vaccinated, boostered, and read and agree to our COVID-19 waiver (one time). Please read and sign our COVID-19 waiver here - COVID-19 Rules and Regulations. This only needs to be signed once.