About the Academy of European Fighting Arts

The Academy of European Fighting Arts is a California State recognized 501(c)3 dedicated to the educating the public about the history and practice of the fighting arts of western Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This is done by conducting classes, seminars, private instruction and public demonstrations.

The focus of study for the Academy is the Italian and German traditions of martial arts. The Italian is based on the work of manuscripts authored by Fiore in the 1400s. The German material follows the Lichtenauer tradition as documented by Joachim Meyer in his manuscripts published in 1570 and 1600. By combining dedicated study of these manuscripts and along with I.33, Silver, Ringeck and others, with the application of modern principles and understanding of martial arts we attempt to unravel a good understanding of these historical arts. Our approach is to focus on an understanding of the entire system which requires the use of a diverse selection of weapons.

Our primary activity is conducting classroom instruction in the Italian and German systems. Classes have a ranking system for students form Novice through Apprentice and Scholar, to Free Scholar. Each level reflects the student’s level of mastery in the material. The intention of the coursework is to create enough understanding in our students to be able to pursue other historical combat systems in a responsible manner, contributing to the greater Western Martial Arts community.

It is our hope that through coursework, seminars and other public presentations that we can bring awareness and understanding of the true skill Renaissance European martial artists possessed. We hope to demonstrate to the public what great refinement and skill these ancient weapon masters possessed in an effort to put to rest the long held misconceptions about historical fencing. By continuing to explore what evidence these masters have left behind in their writings, we build a greater respect and understanding of history, connecting in a very personal and physical way.