St. Paul Freifechter – Historical Martial Arts – “Now combat with the sword is in essence a practice in which two opponents strive against each other with the sword with the intent that one will outmaneuver and overcome the other with intelligence and nimbleness, artfully, finely, and manfully, with cuts and other handwork…”

The St. Paul Freifechter are a Historical Martial Arts organization dedicated to the in-depth study and practice of Historical Martial Arts for both Sport (Fencing) and Combat applications, including the historical and social contexts for their usage.

Our current study group offerings focus on the combat arts as taught by Joachim Meyer in the mid-late 16th century – Longsword, Dussack, Rapier, Dagger, Ringen, Staff, and Polearms.

As a Study Group (and *not* a Fencing School or Martial Arts Dojo), we foster a collaborative learning environment, where discussion, debate, questions, and peer-review of interpretations of the current topic are not only welcomed, but valued and encouraged from all attendees.

Each study session follows the general format of Review, Introduction/study of a new concept, followed by time for structured Freeplay, where members are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned under pressure in a controlled environment, and to put their own interpretations of the material to the test.

Large Weapons study group:

Focus on the larger weapons from Meyer’s works – Longsword, Rapier, Staff, etc.
Sunday mornings, 10:00am – 12:00pm.
Fridley Community Center – Gymnasium – 6085 7th St NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Small Weapons study group:

Wednesday evenings, 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
Art in Arms – 549 Minnehaha Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
Focused on the smaller weapons (Dagger, Dussack, etc.) found in Joachim Meyer’s teachings.
Note: No street shoes on the padded training floor – clean gym/athletic shoes recommended, though socks and/or barefoot are also permitted.

Please see our Upcoming Events list for the most up-to-date schedule.

We welcome questions from any who are interested, please use the Contact form to reach out with any questions you may have.

NOTE: Due to Covid-19, and compliance with Mn Health mandates, CDC recommendations and Venue requirements, the following is Mandatory for all attendees:

Cloth face coverings *must* be worn at all times.
Proof of Covid-19 Vaccinations required.
Provide your own equipment and supplies (training weapons, water, etc) – few if any loaners will be available.
Wednesday Evening meets require non-street shoes on the padded training floor – clean gym/athletic shoes recommended, though socks and/or barefoot are also permitted.