This is the class sign up for Thursday, February 2nd.  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, January 30th. 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, January 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. 

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, January 23rd. 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, January 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 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, January 16th. 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, January 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. 

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.