The New York Historical Fencing Association is school of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). The focus of our research and training is the Liechtenauer tradition, which is a martial system of German origin primarily based on the use of the longsword and includes both unarmed combat (wrestling) and weapons such as the poleaxe, spear, dagger, mounted combat and sword and buckler. Although we work with all of the weapons of the system, we spend most of our time with the unarmored longsword material.

The tradition’s earliest known manuscript was written by 14th century master Johannes Liechtenauer, who documented his teachings in a set of cryptic verses designed to aid his students in remembering the fundamentals of his system. We would know little about the art if not for the work of later day masters and students, who wrote in-depth and comprehensive commentaries on Liechtenauer’s verses. NYHFA works primarily with the Sigmund Ringeck and Von Danzig manuscripts, though we also draw material from other texts such as 3227a, the works of Hans Talhoffer, Paulus Kal and others.






Special Thanks
There are many people to whom we owe thanks, more than we can list here. However, there are a few individuals who are owed particular mention: Christian Tobler, for his work in translating the period texts and for making them available to us. Bill Grandy, Cory Winslow and the rest of the MEMAG crew, for working closely with us to help us grow. Sang Kim sensei, for giving us something to strive for, Dave Drawdy sensei, for allowing us to reach out the greater sword arts community, Todd Sullivan, for creating Chivalric Weekend and allowing us to participate, Steven Reich, for reminding us what HEMA should be, Albion Swords and Arms and Armor, for providing us with the tools of our trade and last but not least,our students, for their continuing support and trust.