The following is a list of the currently scheduled Quarterly classes offered by the St. Paul Freifechter on Wednesday evenings at the Art in Arms location in St. Paul.
Due to space limitations at the facility, please bring only the equipment you will need for that evening’s class. Also, due to the padded flooring, no street shoes are allowed unless they are dedicated indoor footwear without an aggressive tread.
If you have any questions, please use our Contact Form or reach out to the instructor leading the session.
Note – All attendees for these classes *MUST* be current HEMA Alliance members due to Insurance requirements. (click here for more info…)
Q1 – Jan 8th-Mar 28th 2025, 7-9pm : Dagger
Faith MacGregor will be the primary instructor taking a 12-week dive into combat with the Rondel Dagger, based on Jason Vail’s book – Medieval and Rennaissance Dagger Combat.
- Required Equipment: Rondel Dagger Trainer (Cold Steel Rondel trainer), Fencing Mask
- Recommended Equipment: Wrist/forearm protection (or long gloves).
*NOTE: This class is limited to a max of six (6) students.
Registration links:
Jan – March, all 12 weeks – $90
Jan Only (4 weeks) – $35
Feb Only (4 weeks) – $35
March Only (4 weeks) – $35
Q2 – April 9th – June 25th, 7-9pm: Sword and Buckler
Taylor Hodne will be leading a 12-week study of the Sword and Buckler based on the I.33 (Walpurgis) manuscript.
- Required equipment: Buckler (steel or synthetic), Arming Sword (synthetic preferred), Fencing mask, and medium to heavy gloves.
- Recommeneded equipment: HEMA rated fencing jacket and gorget/throat protector.
Registration links: Pending
Q3 – July 9th – Sept 24th 2025, 7-9pm: Singlestick and Highland Broadsword
A 12-week study into the use of the Regimental Scottish Highland Basket-Hilted Broadsword and it’s wood and leather training facsimile, the Singlestick.
This will drawn on well-known 18th and 19th century texts from Roworth, Angelo, and the Royal Navy.
- Required equipment: Fencing mask, Singlestick, light gloves.
- Recommended equipment: HEMA rated fencing jacket, throat protector/gorget, and forearm and elbow protection.
Registration links:
Highland Broadsword – 12 weeks $120
Q4 – Oct 1st -Dec 15th, 7-9pm: Self-Defense Fundamentals
“Fear has always been used as a tool used by bullies and authoritarians, or for one group to force their worldview over another group. Please join me as we explore a variety of the systems and concepts that humans have developed over the ages to defend themselves, and others. We will explore concepts and techniques that may help you feel more confident in today’s world, including helping you understand both what can be done, but also when it should or should not be used. “ – Matt Barrett
In addition to covering the foundational basics of strikes, kicks, blocks, etc drawn from multiple styles of Martial Arts; the following areas will also be explored/discussed during this class.
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- “Do you hear the grasshopper at your feet?” – The stress response and Tunnel vision.
- “Why am I wearing a red shirt, am I on an away team?” – Situational awareness and recognizing what’s happening.
- “The Miyagi Defense – No be there” – Sometimes the best defense is to avoid the situation to begin with.
- “Laying down the Martial Law” – Assumptions, and the criminal and civil legalities of defensive violence.
- “If someone ever tries to kill you, you try and kill them right back” – Escalation and the force continuum.
- “Weapons are my religion” – Consider that your own weapon might be used against you.
- “I never drive faster than I can see” – How to stay in your lane by understanding what you realistically can and can’t do in that moment.
Matt Barrett is a member of the St. Paul Freifechter and has extensively studied a variety of other Martial Arts, and is bringing that knowledge and experience to this class to help those who want to get a better understanding of how and when it may be appropriate to use violence as a means of self-protection.
Registration links: