Maryland KdF

Culture

The international Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) movement shares a unique, open culture which stands in contrast to many martial arts communities. Because most HEMA clubs world-wide began with no master or teacher to follow, the community shares a sometimes chaotic affection for egalitarianism and a disdain for pompous elitism. Schools or teachers preaching a “one true way” are quickly marginalized; replaced with a healthy combination of “put up or shut up” and “let me show you how to get there.” Maryland KdF holds firmly to the community’s commitment to brotherhood, respect, and approachability. Fighters who know more and can do more are responsible for raising others up, not lording their prowess over them. A common refrain amongst HEMA practitioners worldwide is that this culture of brotherhood and camaraderie is what makes HEMA great.

Contribution

The members of Maryland KdF are highly involved in the overall HEMA community. Our members participate in research and interpretations of the extant manuals, helped create the largest international HEMA service organization in North America, organized the most prominent competitive event in the western hemisphere and other events across the country, founded and managed the largest online source of medieval fencing material, encouraged and participated in the creation of the first set of mass produced HEMA protective equipment in the US, and were instrumental in the proliferation of sharp cutting practice becoming a norm for respect.

Competition

In addition, members of our club regularly fight and place in various competitions. These events happen throughout the year and occur all across the United States and internationally. Tournaments are not only a chance to demonstrate your fighting skills, but are also places to learn new skills from the top instructors in the world. Longsword features almost universally in HEMA competitions, but there are also rapier, sword and buckler, saber, singlestick, harnischfechten (fighting in plate armor), cutting, and wrestling events.

Additionally, Maryland KdF hosts a small event called AutumnFecht every year in November
that exclusively caters to local instructors teaching what they love!

Upcoming Events

This list of events is in no way comprehensive.
Rather, this is a sampling of events near geographically near Maryland KdF, important national
or international events, and those easily accessible to our members.

For a full listing of HEMA events across the world, click here.