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The Old Dominion Fechtschule (German for 'Fencing School') is a school of historical swordsmanship based in northern Virginia. As a chapter of the Selohaar Fechtschule, we follow the curriculum created by its principal instructor, internationally-known researcher, instructor, and combatant Christian Henry Tobler. The group meets weekly to research, study, and practice the martial arts of medieval Germany under the guidance of instructor Jessica Finley, a personal student of Mr. Tobler's for five years.

Old Dominion Fechtschule focuses on the Fechtbücher, or "fight books", of the masters of the tradition arising from the teachings of the 14th century grandmaster Johannes Liechtenauer. We use the treatises ascribed to Sigmund Ringeck, Peter von Danzig, Paulus Kal, Hans Talhoffer, Peter Falkner, and others, whose commentaries on Liechtenauer's secret verses constitute the medieval German Kunst des Fechtens (Art of Fighting). These manuscripts document the use of the longsword, dagger, poleaxe, and unarmed combat, both in and out of armour, on foot and on horseback. We welcome all those interested in reviving this fascinating and chivalric martial art!

 


The
Vier Leger, or Four Guards, from the 1452 von Danzig Fechtbuch


Instructor Jessica Finley

Contact Info:

email: or

Tel: (785) 633-4724

 

Last Updated February 4, 2014