What we're about
Our group is named for Saint Didacus of Alcalá, known locally as San Diego. As a lay brother he, like common merchants and tradesmen, would have learned sword fighting for both exercise and civil defense. Without access to professional fencing masters from the large cities, they learned from manuals, travelers, and each other.
The Scholars of Alcalá focus on fencing manuals written in the 16th and early 17th century. This includes the knightly arming sword, the two-handed longsword, the common soldiers’ long knife, and the civilian’s rapier.
The Scholars of Alcala are part of the HEMA Alliance, a 501c3 non-profit.
Upcoming events (4+)
In 1570, Joachim Meyer published the definitive book on German longsword. It represents the culmination of over a hundred years of development and the end of the Liechtenauer tradition. Unlike earlier works, which tended to be a collection of tricks and reminders, Meyer’s A Thorough Description of the Art of Fencing was laid out like a text book with lengthy discussions about theory intermingled with practical examples.
Meyer’s uses the longsword as a foundational weapon, then expands upon it via discussions of the dussack (a sabre-like weapon), the rapier (which we call a sidesword), dagger & wrestling, quarterstaff, halberd, and pike. Each new weapon adds techniques that are applicable to the weapons that come earlier in the book. For example, you learn how to thrust with the longsword in the dussack and sidesword sections.
For our Wednesday night practice, we’ll be studying the Meyer’s Longsword and Meyer’s Rapier.
Requirements
HEMA Alliance membership is required. https://www.hemaalliance.com/memberships
This session is open to all adults. Those under the age of 18 may participate on a case-by-case basis if the parent is present at all times.
Safety equipment requirements vary based on the type of weapon and the material being reviewed.
- Rafael S.
- Jonathan A.
- Kenneth
- 3 attendees
Warmups: 6:30 pm, Class Start: 7 pm
Warmups are optional, but you must be on the floor and ready to start by 7.
Topics include...
- Iaijutsu - Sword drawing techniques
- Seiza -Techniques from a sitting posture
- Kenjutsu - Katana techniques starting with the sword already drawn
- Jōjutsu - Wood staff
- Naginatajutsu - The use of a naginata, a bladed staff weapon similar to a glaive
This is not a Scholars of Alcala class.
- Jonathan A.
- Greg
- 2 attendees
In 1570, Joachim Meyer published the definitive book on German longsword. It represents the culmination of over a hundred years of development and the end of the Liechtenauer tradition. Unlike earlier works, which tended to be a collection of tricks and reminders, Meyer’s A Thorough Description of the Art of Fencing was laid out like a text book with lengthy discussions about theory intermingled with practical examples.
Meyer’s uses the longsword as a foundational weapon, then expands upon it via discussions of the dussack (a sabre-like weapon), the rapier (which we call a sidesword), dagger & wrestling, quarterstaff, halberd, and pike. Each new weapon adds techniques that are applicable to the weapons that come earlier in the book. For example, you learn how to thrust with the longsword in the dussack and sidesword sections.
This session will open with longsword sparring. Then we'll work on the solo exercises using Meyer's Fighting from the Postures. (Chapters 9 and 11 from the manual.)
Requirements
HEMA Alliance membership is required. https://www.hemaalliance.com/memberships
This session is open to all adults. Those under the age of 18 may participate on a case-by-case basis if the parent is present at all times.
Safety equipment requirements vary based on the type of weapon and the material being reviewed.
- Rafael S.
- Jonathan A.
- Kenneth
- 4 attendees
This session is for those looking to branch out beyond our normal material. This includes other weapons, other masters, and deeper dives into more difficult techniques.
Requirements
HEMA Alliance membership is required. https://www.hemaalliance.com/memberships
This session is open to all adults. Those under the age of 18 may participate on a case-by-case basis if the parent is present at all times.
Safety equipment requirements vary based on the type of weapon and the material being reviewed.
- Rafael S.
- Jonathan A.
- 2 attendees
Past events (1,975)
- Jonathan A.
- Rafael S.
- 2 attendees
