Great Plains Fechtschule
A Chapter of Selohaar Fechtschule
Training
Jessica (left) and Christian Tobler (right) instructing Peter Falkner's German Dagger at Chivalric Weekend 2008
Many differences exist between the fighting styles and body postures of the 14th century and modern day. Because of these differences, beginning students will be familiarized with proper body posture, stances, and movements that are constant with the art prior to any training with the sword. Once sword training begins, the new student will be instructed on the basics of swordsmanship such as, the parts of the sword, basic guards, basic strikes (solo drills), and basic responses to perceived attacks (also solo drills). As the student becomes more comfortable and confident with the sword, slow and controlled partnered drills will be introduced. With consistent training and practice, the student will progress to more intensive drilling involving speed and some contact. Ultimately, the student will participate in full contact drills and bouting. Although bouting and full contact drills are not required, it does allow the student to test their skill progression when matched with another individual with similar goals. This progression of training lends to the safety of participants, as well as providing solid fundamentals, rather than too quickly introducing competitive matches creating ineffective habits.
Training is approached in a serious Martial Arts manner; Great Plains Fechtschule is not a place to simply “hit other people with sticks”. The school is not a Mixed Martial Arts forum, has no affiliation with the SCA, and does not train to simply win bouting matches. Strict adherence to the established art is practiced. Although historical in nature, some of the training can be applied to modern day self-defense. Because the skills taught within the school’s curriculum can be used in a lethal manner, students must approach their training with maturity and self-discipline, while showing respect to the instructor(s), senior students, peers, and any onlookers. It must also be understood that people learn and develop skills at different rates. Some aspects of the training can be competitive in nature; however we compete to develop our own skills, as well as the skills of all members of the group. We do not compete to establish a pecking order within the school. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting a chivalric art.
Jessica and Mike Edelson instructing thier German Longsword Workshop at Chivalric Weekend 2008
Ranking
The bestowing of rank within the Fechtschule is in no way intended to denigrate those who have not achieved rank, but is rather intended to celebrate the achievements of those students who choose to seek it. With rank comes rights and responsibilities, but this should not detract from unranked students, nor should it be used to treat an unranked or lesser ranked student in an unchivalric or demeaning manner.
Rank testing is not a requirement for students at GPF. Any student interested in testing for rank must voice their interest to the instructor and arrange a time and day for testing in advance. All efforts will be made to ensure that a student is prepared for their rank test before the test occurs, but ultimately the success of the student is based on their knowledge and demonstration of the art.
All testing for Scholar and above will be administered by Christian Tobler
School Ranks are loosely based on the historical model given to us by the medieval guild system. The ranks are as follows:
Novice – While the rank of Novice is not exactingly taken from historical sources, we at the Fechtschule feel that it is important to recognize our members’ efforts in learning the basics of medieval carriage, footwork, and swordsmanship. We wish to reward our students for their commitment to the school with rank. Exacting requirements for this rank can be provided upon request.
Scholar– the Scholar historically was a person who initially attended classes at the school. Today, this is a tested rank as the typical man in history would have come to the school with a certain amount of knowledge of swordsmanship and wrestling. As this is not the case today, a Scholar in our school has developed a base of knowledge of the system, with particular emphasis on unarmored Longsword, and will have exposure to wrestling and dagger work. This rank will take at a minimum of one year to attain. Exacting requirements for this rank can be provided upon request.
Free Scholar– the Free Scholar is historically a person who was given permission to freely practice at the school. This person was typically believed to be skilled enough to practice somewhat independently, and to be trusted to work with other students. Currently this is our highest rank in which the requirements/curriculum are fully developed and confirmed. This rank will take at a minimum of four years of study to attain, and the Free Scholar will show a broad understanding of the system as well as the basics of all weapons used in the system. Exacting requirements for this rank can be provided upon request.
Provost – The Provost is historically a person who was allowed to open a school in the name of their Master. Reaching this rank, historically, required extensive knowledge of the system judged by the Master. The exact requirements/curriculum for this rank is still being developed, and will be expanded upon at the proper time.
Master – Currently there are no persons in GP Fechtschule or Selohaar Fechtschule that are considered to be at the Rank of Master. The exact requirements/curriculum for this rank is still being developed, and will be expanded upon at the proper time. A Master in the medieval guild system is one who was given the right to practice his craft independently, as well as to instruct his apprentices/students and raise them in ranks. Due to the high level of weight that the word “Master” is given in current usage, however, we are careful to restrict our usage to refer solely to the historical Masters of the Art who were ranked at that time.
Our highest ranked member is Christian Henry Tobler, who is known as the Principal Instructor of our Fechtschule.
The School’s Primary Instructor is Jessica Finley.
In the absence of the Primary Instructor, the School’s Jr. Instructor, Aron Montaini will lead training.
Additional information relating to the Selohaar School and Christian Tobler can be found at http://selohaar.org/fechten.htm Note: The GP Fechtschule’s association with the Selohaar organization is solely with the Fechtschule. 
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.
