KDF Manchester Hema Club

General information

KDF stands for Kunst Des Fechtens, which is medieval Swabian for 'The Art of Fighting' (http://www.swordfighting-kdf.com). We are part of an international collaboration of Historic European Martial Artists (HEMA) featuring teachers of the highest standard. We have a particular interest in George Silver's backsword, the German School, and all medieval weaponry.

Historic European Martial Arts consists of modern researchers and martial artists using historic documents and hands-on exercises to resurrect the lost martial traditions of Europe. We attend events and compete all over Europe.

These include fighting with the basket hilted broadsword, longsword, sword and buckler, daggers, wrestling, polearms, rapiers, walking sticks, pugilism and all manner of recreational violence.

We do a structured warm up followed by practical teaching and sparring so we can further our understanding of how these techniques would be used in combat situations.

We can provide all kit needed, but good things to bring are a sturdy jacket, cricket gloves, and ideally a fencing mask and groin guard. We get a good discount from www.theknightshop.com, but please check before you order anything. See you there!