Welcome to CKDF

A group photo of the club outdoors, about forty individuals total, after a sparring day in summertime.

Who Are We?

Capital Kunst des Fechtens is a non-profit HEMA club based in the Washington, DC area. We are a group of amateurs that seeks to maintain an accessible, inclusive venue for our members’ study of the combat systems of medieval and Renaissance Europe.

Image of two fencers in early sixteenth century clothing, the left with sword retracted on his right hip in the guard nebenhut, the right fencer cutting the left in the head with a vertical overhand hew, his arms extended at shoulder height.

What is HEMA?

HEMA is a broad term used to describe the study of medieval- and Renaissance-period martial arts of European origin. Practitioners interpret written sources that describe techniques and weapons systems in order to reconstruct these martial arts.

Image of two fencers in late fifteenth century clothing, the left fencer in the guard of pflug on their right hip, the right in the guard of ochs over their right shoulder, each with sword tips threatening the other. From Codex 44.A.8, folio 001v.

What Is Kunst des Fechtens?

We focus on the teachings of Johannes Liechtenauer, called Kunst des Fechtens. This holistic, late medieval system of combat comprises longsword, wrestling, dagger, langes messer, polearms, and mounted & armored combat. We also study later rapier and saber systems.

Where Do We Study?

We train at Brazen Fitness
607 S Ball St, Arlington, VA 22202

We welcome visitors and spectators - please email us if you’d like to observe a class.

Our club is dedicated to providing and maintaining a safe training space for Historical European Martial Arts. All are welcome, and we do not tolerate discrimination based upon gender, gender identity and expression, race, sexual orientation, disability, nationality or national origin, ethnicity, age, or religion. If you are interested in reconstructing medieval martial arts, historical swordplay, or modern HEMA competition, then our club is for you.