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

We offer a variety of classes, workshops, study groups, and special presentations that range from a foundational basics to advanced study.

We believe that History and its skills and knowledge, should be open to all. As such, our goals are to foster a sense of greater community, and create and maintain an environment where all who wish to study and practice can do so in a constructive, safe, and supportive environment. This environment is one where the input, participation and presence of each and *every* person is not only desired, but actively valued, regardless of ethnicity, ancestry, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

 

News and updates

New Website!

After WAY too long, we finally have our new website! Here you'll be able to find not just information about the St. Paul Freifechter Non-Profit organization, but also information about the events and classes we support, recommended gear lists, suggested readings, and...

Class and Training Blog

Another Week, Another Stump

Today (6/29/25) was rather sparsely attended, likely due to folks attending Pride. It was thus decided to have another Stump the Instructor session, rather than continue what we were working on previously. We started with some light review of the Gather Step and its...

1.33 Sword and Buckler Foundations

Our Wednesday night 1.33 Sword and Buckler Foundation class concluded after 12 weeks. It was a blast to introduce the 1.33 material to our organization. We all learned a lot about how the buckler can be used in coordination with a sword. It was really interesting to...

Dude! What’s in My Stücke?

Understanding what techniques are embedded in a drill or play can help you better learn how setup, execute, and transition from one technique to another while controlling the fight and maintaining your advantage.

“Stump the Instructors” – June 15th, 2025

“Stump the Instructor” – an open-format session where students bring up concepts, techniques, or practices they’re finding challenging, vexing, etc with the instructors.

Sweeps/Slashing and Gripping Over (Übergieffen) were the topics for today….

4-Openings Solo drill – “How do I get there from here?”

Joachim Meyer wants us to be able to “execute any cut, from any posture, to any of the 4 openings, at any time”… This is how we learn to do just that.