Great Plains Fechtschule
A Chapter of Selohaar Fechtschule
Equipment
Participation in training requires equipment. As a student progresses, generally the level of contact involved in training increases. Therefore, equipment requirements also increase. The school fully understands that some members may be on a budget, and at times, Martial Arts equipment can be expensive. There is a limited amount of shared group equipment available, however it is recommended that students acquire their own personal protection, as fit and comfort of the equipment can affect training.
What equipment is required at what stage of training? Here is a general outline…
First class – First month: The school will provide necessary equipment.
First month – Third month: Leather gloves, wooden waster (wooden training sword) or training blunt, “Fighting with the German Longsword” book.
Third month – Sixth month: Fencing mask, wooden dagger simulator.
Sixth month – One Year: Gambeson (padded jacket), padded gloves or gauntlets, blunt steel sword
Greater than one year: Additional weapon simulators such as Messer, Arming Sword, buckler, poleaxe, armor, and functional sharp sword
If a student, for whatever reason, does not wish to participate in activities requiring higher levels of equipment, the school will respect their choice. In no way will a student be required to advance beyond their means, either physically or financially.
Recommended Equipment Vendors Wooden training swords, daggers, and other weapon simulators: http://www.woodenswords.com Longswords and Daggers from this vendor are approved for use. Fencing Masks: http://www.zenwarriorarmory.com The "#2001. Zen Warrior Stainless Steel Mask" is approved for use. Also, any other fencing mask rated at 1600N or higher is acceptable for use. Blunt steel training swords: Gambesons, Historical clothing: http://www.historicenterprises.com Additional Occasionally, training may involve striking targets with functional sharp swords. These training exercises familiarize students with the amount of force necessary to generate an effective cut. It is not required that the student provides their own sharp sword for these exercises. If a personal sword is used, it must be inspected by the instructor prior to use. Several seminars are held throughout the United States and Europe for Historical Martial Arts. Attending seminars is not a requirement at this time, however they do offer insight into other tradition’s teachings, and are a great place to meet people with similar interests. Attending seminars at a local and/or national level is highly encouraged, as the benefits gained in single weekend will last for years into the future.
Class Schedule and Location
Practice Location
Our weeknight classes will be, schedule allowing, held at Topeka Bible Church at the corner of 11th and Mulvane. Sunday's classes will continue to be held at Washburn Park at the corner of 10th and Billard. Please check the calendar for class time and location.
While practices are open to the public, we ask that you call ahead of attendance to allow us to have an accurate count for our sponsors.
Jessica can be reached regarding class, or any Fechtschule related topics, at 785-633-4724.
