Fleur-de-Lis Fechtschule
November 21st & 22nd 2026
New Orleans, Louisiana
Join us for our second annual event!
Featuring:
- Workshops & classes
- Guest instructors will be leading classes focused on all aspects of HEMA & historical fencing, including (but not limited to): calibration & control, fitness/conditioning, interpreting HEMA source material (text & images), fencing tactics & strategy
- Vendors
- Buy HEMA gear, books, and art/gifts
- Lectures
- Guest lecturers will be giving talks and taking any question you could possibly have.
- Socializing
- Mingle and free fence with event guests and attendees! Your ticket price includes lunch and dinner on Saturday & Sunday
- Historical competition
- Not your average HEMA tournament! Our experimental ruleset (our attempt to recreate the historical fechtschule) highlights fencers’ skills, technique, and tactics and encourages audience participation
Guests & guest instructors:
- Chris VanSlambrouck (Living Meyer, Madison)
- Victor Rodriguez-Ros (Living Meyer, Miami)
- Jeanry Chandler (Codex Integrum)
- Michael Chidester (HEMA Bookshelf)
- Kendra Brown (independent researcher)
- Dr. Rebecca Garber (translator)
- Purpleheart Armory
- Art by Amber Damare
NOTE: After you purchase your ticket, please fill out this form.
Schedule (subject to change)
Saturday, November 21st
10:00 AM Doors & registration open, Group warm up
11:00 AM Workshop
12:30 PM Lunch & Lecture
2:00 PM Workshop
3:30 PM Fechtschule: longsword
5:30 PM Fechtschule ends
7:00 PM After party/reception
Sunday, November 22nd
10:00 AM Doors & registration open, Group warm up
11:00 AM Workshop
12:30 PM Lunch & Lecture
2:00 PM Workshop
3:30 PM Fechtschule: dusack & rappier
5:30 PM Fechtschule ends
7:00 PM After party/reception (including Lecture)
Location: Harahan gym
The primary event location (for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is at 300 Colonial Club Drive
It is the church recreation center located in the back of the parking lot, toward the left.
FAQ
Q: What is a “fechtschule”?
A: Fechtschulen were competitive, evaluative, and training events held in the free cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Our fechtschule is in the spirit of these historical events–instead of the focus being purely on competition, there is training, learning, and socializing too!
For more in-depth information about the historical fechtschule, check out these articles.
Q: What kind of gear/protective equipment should I bring?
A: The only equipment required for this event is a fencing mask and gloves (of your preference). You may wear as much protection as you would at a standard HEMA event or as little as mask + gloves, or any level of gear in between.
You may use your personal sword(s) for the workshops. Swords will be provided for each fechtschule event.
Q: I have questions about arranging lodging and transportation. Who can I ask?
A: Please feel free to reach out to us directly via email (systemedarmesnola@gmail.com) or join our Discord server. We are more than happy to give general tourist advice as well as answer any questions.
Q: What are the details of judging/competition? What is the ruleset?
A: Detailed explanation here. Feel free to inquire further via our discord linked above or via email systemedarmesnola@gmail.com
Q: Who did the amazing art for your event?
A: Local fencer and artist extraordinaire Amber Damare! She will be selling merch so bring your dollars!!