#vrijvechter

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By Kevin Maurer, 2013

Further Insights on the competitive fencing events historically known as the Fechtschulen.

While the earliest historic mentions of competitive fighting events in Germany can be traced back many centuries, these events consistently changed and evolved with the War practices and weapons systems used throughout European history.

The period of the fencing events being discussed here, will loosely be attributed to a 200 year time frame, within the Early Modern Period, specifically the late 15th century through the late 17th century.

Early in this period, the fencers would gather together in the German cities and towns, and hold a display or demonstration of their Fencing Arts. The events were often known as 'Schirmschulen', but this word suddenly seems to have fallen out of use and was replaced with the word 'Fechtschulen' around the turn of the 16th century.

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By Kevin Maurer, 2010

While much today is being written and researched about the Fencing Guilds of Europe during the 15th-17th centuries, not much is presented about the vast portion of fencers who perhaps did not all belong to these Guilds. The Freifechters existed throughout the renaissance in Europe, they were the epitome of the principle of Free Will.

Many of these fencers traveled throughout the Empire and beyond, learning and teaching the Art of Combat. The Freifechters or Free Fencers, having been influenced by these travels, are also known to have written Fencing manuals. Masters like Andres Pauernfeindt, Joachim Meyer, Jakob Sutor, Sebastian Heussler and others have all left behind, interestingly similar works. Through their signatures, we are helped to understand the place they occupied in the Knightly Arts being practiced. For instance, in 1626, Sebastian Heussler, a Kriegsmann and Freifechter, from Nurnberg, published a treatise on the Rappier and dagger in the Italian manner. Plainly seen is his occupation, that of Warrior or Soldier. And in addition we see he was a Freifechter.

This fact is very revealing of the many occupations and levels of knowledge, these Fencers possessed. In addition, we see the name Freifechter associated with Student and Warrior alike. The many different Trades Guilds that are represented by the Freifechter, reveal a sense of the free will that was inherent with the Title.

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