The New York Historical Fencing Association is an organization dedicated to the research, practice and proliferation of Historical European Swordsmanship (HES). We are primarily focused on the study of the medieval longsword, based on the teachings of the 14th century German master Johannes Liechtenauer and those that expanded upon his verses, including the works of Sigmund Ringeck and Hans Talhoffer.

As a chapter of the Selohaar Fechtschule, we follow the curriculum created by its principal instructor, internationally-known researcher, instructor, and author Christian Henry Tobler. The group meets weekly to research, study, and practice the martial arts of medieval Germany under the guidance of instructor Michael Edelson, one of Mr. Tobler's personal students.

Welcome to our home on the web. Here you will find information about our group and its members, articles about HES and medieval arms and armor, links to online resources and recommended retailers and crafstmen. Feel free to take advantage of our forums, though if you wish to register please use your full, real name.

For more information, contact us at info@newyorklongsword.com



























This website is dedicated to Christian Henry Tobler, without whose devoted research, hard work and continuing guidance NYHFA could not exist.

A Chapter of
Selohaar Fechtschule

 “Young Knight learn,
to love God and revere women,
so that your honor grows.
Practice knighthood and learn
the Art that dignifies you,
and brings you honour in wars.
Wrestle well, and wield lance,
spear, sword and dagger manfully,
whose use in others’ hands is wasted.
Strike bravely and hard there! Rush to, strike
or miss. Those with wisdom
loath, the one forced to defend.
This you should graps:
All arts have length and measure.”
- Johannes Liechtenauer,
as translated by Christian Henry Tobler