Great Plains Fechtschule

The Great Plains Fechtschule (German for 'Fencing School') is a group of individuals interested in pursuing the Martial Arts traditions of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. The school’s primary instruction, led by Jessica Finley, focuses on the fighting techniques of the German fencing tradition established by Johannes Liechtenauer in the14^th century. The school is a chapter of the greater organization, Selohaar Fechtschule, which is headed by Christian Tobler, internationally renowned instructor and author.

Instructor Jessica Finley approaches training in a holistic manner encompassing several aspects of the German Martial Arts system creating a steady transition between several different period weapons and even unarmed techniques. Although instruction is primarily rooted in unarmored longsword technique, other weapons, including dagger, spear, poleaxe, and Messer are integrated into the curriculum. To complement the armed techniques, unarmed portions of the art are also taught, which include defenses against an armed adversary, as well as wrestling and grappling.