The Meyer Frei Fechter Guild will certify and support new study groups with at least a partial focus on Joachim Meyer. A study group is at least 2 MFF members guilded together under a study group charter. Study groups are supported through our website (resources and Articles), our member's area (study group plans and technique explanations and videos) and through free workshops and seminars. Each study group will get 1 free seminar per year (to the best of our ability), more if requested. These workshops will help establish the curriculum and help the study group members achieve our internal rankings and advancing knowledge of Meyer's Kunst Fechten. Most importantly the workshops and seminars expose new members to skills of senior students and help motivate them on the martial path. A rising tide lifts all boats....
Requirments for starting a study group
2 members pledged to begin study and training of Meyer's art of war.
A pledge to follow the training methodology and martial intentions of the MFFG
A pledge to spread HEMA by example and especially to spread the Art of War of Joachim Meyer by being a living example of the skills required to be a Historical fencer studying the knightly arts.
Pledge to abide by our guild charter and to enter with honor into our brotherhood.
Current Rankings within the Meyer Freifechter Guild
Research Scholar Rank (Blue) represents great service and work in the area of research to support our guild and the work of Meyer and the Freyfechters and Fechtschulen of Renaissance Europe with a specific focue on Meyer and his contemporaries.
Fechter Rank (Red) represents a test of core competency for advancement in the Meyer Kunst Fechten with an emphasis on Basics and clear understanding of our goals and methods of practice. It is estimated that the average person can attian this rank within 3-4 months of joining guild with dilligent practice and attention to historical terminology and techniques. Martial intent and fighting skill are necessary to attain this rank.
Freyfechter Rank (Gold)
represents a senior or instructor level of understanding and practice of the material of Meyer. This test involves an academic test of some significant knowledge level as well as a 30 min non-stop pressure test fight averaging 50 - 75 bouts given (50% min success rate required) in rapid fashion to test the insides of the fighter as much as his knowledge or fighting skill. it is estimated to take at least 2 years of diligent and dutiful practice to successfully test for this rank, which requires a pass on the online test. This rank is specific to the weapon and so as new weapons are added to the persons rank they must sit for a prize in that weapon (more than one weapon can be tested for at a time). Martial intent and fighting skill are necessary to attain this rank.
KunstFechter (Purple) Minimum of 30 Freyfechter needed to begin testing for this rank so will not be available for at least a few more years.
Membership is open to anyone regardless of current affiliation or membership and the application of the knowledge is left entirely up to the individual, the real goal being the spread of HEMA and awareness of our martial heritage specifically the work of Joachim Meyer. We will also certify study groups under the Meyer system.
"Everyone thinks differently from everyone else, so he behaves differently
in combat" -Joachim Meyer, Kunst des Fechten, 1570
"For as we are not all of a single nature, so we also cannot have a single style in combat, yet all must nonetheless arise and be derived from a single basis." -Joachim Meyer, Kunst des Fechten, 1570
"Who despises me and my praiseworthy craft,
I'll hit on the head that it resounds in his heart."
--Augustin Staidt, Federfechter
"The Truth in Combat is different for each individual.... Truth lies outside of All Fixed Patterns." -Bruce Lee
