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 primarily 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/exploration 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.

Longsword – Intermediate/Advanced study group:

This is an ongoing Intermediate to Advanced study of the Longsword in both sport and combat techniques as taught in the published works of 16th century fencing master Joachim Meyer (1537–1571) and other related historical texts. This is a hand’s on (i.e. – “sword in hand”) type of class with some limited academic discussion for context and relevance. Prior Longsword experience is required.

Minimum requirements are:
- HEMA rated Fencing mask (students/attendees must provide their own protective equipment)
- 4+ months of prior Longsword training and/or completion of the Longsword Foundations I class.
Sunday mornings, 10:00am – 12:00pm.
Fridley Community Center – Gymnasium – 6085 7th St NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Registration is through the Fridley Community Education program – Search – Fridley Community Education

“Wednesday Night” study group:

The subject matter for the Wednesday evening sessions rotates quarterly, with a different subject/focus every quarter (12 weeks).

Schedule, requirements, and registration links can be found here 2025 – Wednesday Classes

Note that most sessions for Wednesdays do have a “max limit” for attendees simply due to space limitations of the facility.

Note – All attendees for the Wednesday sessions *MUST* be current HEMA Alliance members due to Insurance requirements. (click here for more info…)

Wednesday evenings, 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
Art in Arms – 549 Minnehaha Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
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.