FECHTSCHULE AMERICA!!! March 16-18, 2012. Houston, TX. USA

**Scott Brown** · Posted On: 12/09/2011 6:01pm

FECHTSCHULE AMERICA 2012!!!

The Western Martial Arts Coalition and The Historical European Martial Arts Alliance proudly invite you to the 3rd annual FECHTSCHULE AMERICA!!! Please join us March 16th -18th, 2012 in Houston, Texas for North America’s premier educational and competitive WMA / HEMA event.

As has become the Fechtschule America custom, instructors from all over the world will be descending upon Houston to provide workshops, lectures, and presentations on a wide variety of WMA / HEMA related topics. In attendance will be some of your favorite world class instructors as well as some new-to-Fechtschule-America faces.

THE HAMMERTERTZ FORUM OPEN INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS!!!

Fechtschule America is home to North America’s largest and most prestigious WMA / HEMA specific international open longsword tournament. This year the competition is expected to be even greater than ever so be sure to register early and reserve your place!

In recent years Fechtschule America has spearheaded the revival of several historical tournament formats and we plan to continue that fine tradition. In 2012 we will once again hold both the Invitational Franco-Belgian Rules Longsword Tournament and our International Open Dussack Tournament. And, who knows, maybe we’ll have another surprise or two for those in attendance so come show the world your WMA / HEMA skills!

Discounted hotel rates and free transportation to and from the airports will, once again, be offered by your local hosts, Schwert am Schwert. In this tough economy no other event goes the extra mile to make your WMA / HEMA experience the absolute best. This is why we are bringing back our unprecedented early registration fee of $175.00 USD for those registering before January 22nd, 2012! Be sure to register early and take advantage of this great offer.

Registration is now open and we’ll be posting an updated schedule and instructor list in the next few days. Be sure to check the website often to see this year’s fantastic lineup.
http://www.fechtschuleamerica.com/

We’ll see you in Houston!

The Western Martial Arts Coalition
The Historical European Martial Arts Alliance.

**Scott Brown** · Posted On: 12/09/2011 6:02pm

Hi All!

We know you've been anxiously waiting for a Fechtschule America update so here it is!!!

ITEM- We've added a few more instructors to this year's roster. Be sure to check the "Instructors" and "Class Descriptions" pages to get more information on these recent additions. We are still talking with one or two more instructors so it may get even more difficult to decide which classes you are going to take!

ITEM- The schedule is now online and you can view that......wait for it......on the "Schedule" page! Minor adjustments may occur as we add more instructors but this is subject to circumstances as always. We've also spaced out the tournaments to better accommodate our Hammertertz Forum Tournament participants.

ITEM- We've finalized our hotel negotiations and we are proud to announce that we are moving to an even better hotel this year! The Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel has worked very diligently to help us provide the absolute best possible experience for our Fechtschule America guests. We're getting the fantastic deal of $79 USD per night for Fechtschule America participants and that includes a free breakfast! Oh yes, the hot breakfast buffet is back, baby!!!

Registrations are pouring in and it looks like the 2012 Fechtschule America is going to be bigger and better than ever. Be sure to register early to take advantage of the early registration discount!

http://www.fechtschuleamerica.com/

We'll see you in Houston!

**Scott Brown** · Posted On: 1/17/2012 3:24pm

Hi All!

This is the last week to take advantage of the early registration discount so register now and save!

Please enjoy these latest Fechtschule America updates:

-We are proud to announce that J. Christoph Amberger will be joining us and offering a very rare glimpse into "gedecktes Heibfechten!" See the "Class Descriptions" page of the Fechtschule America website to read more about this exciting opportunity to peer into the preparations of the famous Mensuren!

-Jason Taylor will be offering a class on the German sickle! Don't miss this great chance to play with this fascinating peasant weapon.

-We've negotiated discounted drink specials for your evening entertainment! Hard work all day deserves a reward so now you can play hard and save money at the same time! Do we know how to make swordsmen happy or what!?

-The schedule has been updated with minor changes and new classes. We're keeping the details of the "secret classes" quiet for now but you won't want to miss out!

-We're keeping a lid on the specifics but we can tell you that some new HEMA equipment will be showcased for the first time at Fechtschule America! Be the first to fondle the latest toys!

-The tournaments are filling up fast so get in early and reserve your spot!

More to follow in the coming weeks so keep spreading the word and register today!
http://www.fechtschuleamerica.com/

The Western Martial Arts Coalition
The Historical European Martial Arts Alliance

**captain zorikh** · Posted On: 2/03/2012 11:18am

Do you think this would be a good place to promote/fundraise for the the American team going to Battle of the Nations? http://www.usaknights.org

**SBG-ape** · Posted On: 2/04/2012 2:18am

No. I think this would be a good place to learn/train/talk HEMA. I don't think it would be a good place to try & hype, or fund raise for, a tangentially related activity.

**GenericUnique** · Posted On: 2/04/2012 5:43am

I think it might be a good place - there's a significant overlap between HEMA and reenactment/SCA/LARP/other martial arts/medieval nerds.

Just don't go for the "BotN is AUTHENTIC MEDIEVAL BATTLEFIELD COMBAT!!!" line. I imagine that would go down badly. Be honest about what it is - reenactment derived hard-contact full armour combat sport with a certain ruleset - and be polite.

**captain zorikh** · Posted On: 2/05/2012 12:16pm

Hmmm...I wonder if anyone at this event would want to join or advise the team?

**Scott Brown** · Posted On: 2/07/2012 7:14pm

Time for another Fechtschule America update!

ITEM- In celebration of our largest event yet, we are offering a limited time reduced registration price! Register before Sunday, February 12th, 2012 and save $55 USD! If you or your friends have been wavering on whether or not to go then this is the sign you've been looking for! Get off the fence so you can get up and fence and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity! Register today at http://www.fechtschuleamerica.com

ITEM- The rules for the Hammertertz Forum Franco-Belgian Invitational Longsword Tournament have been posted on the website. All competitors are encouraged to review them today and start training now!

ITEM- More classes have been added to the schedule and can be viewed on the website. Welcome aboard, Maxime Chouinard!

ITEM- We are looking for intermediate to advanced level grapplers and dagger fighters interested in participating in a series of field-test bouts and possibly a small prototype tournament. If you'd like to participate in helping launch a competitive HEMA grappling and dagger environment you are encouraged to contact us at info@fechtschuleamerica.com today!

More exiting announcements coming in the following days so stay tuned! Register today and you won't miss out on all the fun!

Up with HEMA!

The Western Martial Arts Coalition
The Historical European Martial Arts Alliance

**Spungdeeper** · Posted On: 2/09/2012 2:36am

Can't wait to get my ass kicked in the tournaments.

**Scott Brown** · Posted On: 2/24/2012 4:32pm

Hi All!

Fechtschule America is almost upon us so it's time for another update. It's a big one so hang on tight!

ITEM- We are pleased to announce the rediscovery of a new early-1400's Italian fencing manual by Brian Stokes of Schola San Marco. Fechtschule America attendees will be privileged to take a first peek at this exciting find when Brian Stokes presents an introductory lecture, first-draft transcription, and possible translation. There are healthy rumors that this may be the earliest known Italian sword and buckler material so don't miss out!

ITEM- We are proud to announce North America's first WMA/HEMA specific International Open Sword and Buckler Tournament! In celebration of the new manual, anticipation of a new edition of R.A. MS. I.33, and relentless requests we've decided it is time to put North America's sword and buckler fencers on the international map. Join us for the first Hammertertz Forum International Open Sword and Buckler Tournament! It's time to test the mettle of your club's sword and buckler skills!

ITEM- In recent years many excellent manufacturing companies have worked tirelessly to develop and produce equipment specifically designed to benefit the burgeoning WMA / HEMA communities. Fechtschule America is delighted to welcome numerous top-tier sponsors into the fold this year. Many of our sponsors are showcasing new items to the North American audiences for the first time and others are showcasing items for the first time ever! Come examine the future of WMA / HEMA gear, field test everything for yourself, and weigh in on future articles. See our "Sponsors" page on the website for details and direct links. Our current list of sponsors include: Absolute Force, Arms and Armor, Darkwood Armory, PBT Historical Fencing, Purpleheart Armory, Sparringglove.com, Therion Arms, The Weapon Store, and more!

ITEM- Due to the overwhelming support of so many fine sponsors, Fechtschule America is proud to offer multiple prizes for all of our Hammertertz Forum International Open and Invitational Tournaments this year! Prizes include new HEMA "kits", training swords, gloves, and more! See our "Prizes" page on the website for a current listing of prizes and don't be surprised if we add a few more.

ITEM- All tournament rules are now posted on the website. Competitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules prior to attending. Please give special attention to equipment standards. Some equipment may be available for sale on-site thanks to our great vendors, Purpleheart Armory and Therion Arms, but competitors are expected to provide their own_compliant_gear. Time to start training for Fechtschule America!

As you've come to expect from Fechtschule America, we still have more surprises in the works...are you sure you want to miss out?

Register now and join us in Houston, March 16th- 19, 2012!

http://www.fechtschuleamerica.com

The Western Martial Arts Coalition
The Historical European Martial Arts Alliance