When we had our first Funfecht back in 2017 we hosted 25 people for a weekend out at Levertine, the HEMA Manor. Our idea was to give people a chance to attend a HEMA event without the pressure of a tournament. We want people to get together and have a chance to spar with and trade knowledge with people who they wouldn't otherwise get to meet in a friendly atmosphere that would encourage friendship and camaraderie. Every year since then our little event has gotten a little bigger and a little better.
For 2025 we are planning to make this our best and our biggest Funfecht yet! This year we will again fill the whole of the Memorial Day weekend with Food and Fun and have increased our cap so that we can host even more people. We set a high bar for instructors and classes and workshops last year but we are planning to do our best to equal or exceed even those high expectations. And lets not forget our signature events, both of which will return again bigger and better than ever: Fighting for Fortunes and Foamageddon!
Join us Memorial Day Weekend 2025 for a HEMA event like no other!
Main Schedule
Volunteer Schedule
Class and Seminar Instructors
(Note: unless otherwise noted in individual entries, please assume you’ll need your full fencing kit for these classes)
David Miller (Sellsword Arts):Stage Combat
Focusing on using real swordsmanship on stage and screen. David will be teaching safety techniques that allow fencers to adapt their techniques to choreographed Sword Play, teaching acting techniques to help sell a fight, as well as a basic understanding of angles for both theater and film.
JW Pugnetti: Pugilism (Intro level)
No experience is required for this class. Learn the basics of Pugilism with JW, based on Daniel Mendoza’s manual on boxing. Be ready for Socal Singlestick 2026!
Boxing gloves and pads will be provided.
Micah Huber: Atlatl and Dart (Intro)
Micah will be demonstrating and teaching how to use the Atlatl. We will be practicing throwing darts at normal targets as well as trying some more complex challenges (knocking things over/hitting moving targets).
No experience or gear required.
Tan Nguyen: Wudang Jian of Li Jinglin (Intermediate/Advanced)
This class follows the text of Warlord Li Jinglin, "Heavenly Sword Li", a Warlord and Sword master during Republic Era China(1911-1949).
A more exotic and unique style compared to Wubeizhi, it focuses on Li Jinglin's zero binding, dodge based style.
This class is meant to be be placed into sidesword, saber, and maybe even Rapier to be added to your fencing.
Bring your Jian, Saber, or Sidesword for this class
Chuck Gross: HEMAStrong (Saturday)
Are you ready to take your HEMA training to the next level? Look no further than “Get HEMA Strong(er)”! This lecture/Q and A based class is designed to provide you with the ultimate roadmap to improving your physical and athletic performance. From strength and speed to endurance and agility, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of what really matters and how to fit each area together. With plenty of exercise suggestions to choose from, you can tailor your workout plan to your specific needs and preferences. Plus, with a Q and A session included, you’ll have the opportunity to get all of your burning questions answered!
The Longsword of Filippo Vadi: Bridging Fiore and the Bolognese Tradition (Sunday)
Filippo Vadi’s De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi refines Italian longsword combat, bridging Fiore dei Liberi’s system with the later Bolognese school. His system emphasizes timing, measure, and fluid motion, incorporating unique guards and a strong focus on the thrust. Vadi also advocates for the use of longer longswords, with the pommel reaching the wielder’s armpit—placing them at the boundary between longswords and greatswords, granting superior reach and leverage. This class will cover the fundamentals of Vadi’s system and conclude with dedicated sparring, allowing participants to experience his distinct approach in action.
Bring your longsword (longer length blades are perfect for this)
Elaine L. Davis: Der Totentanz Footwork Intensive
Der Totentanz Footwork Intensive teaches fencing footwork drills based on ballroom dance fundamentals, the idea being that rhythm and music make the movements easier to remember and more fun to practice.
This class covers basic footwork from waltz, rumba, tango, and salsa as well as a few basic turns.
No gear required for this class
Michele Gulley: S N B, It's easy as 1-2-3 (as simple as do re mi)
An overview of Liegniczer's sword and buckler plays with a focus on the first 3 plays. We’ll go over what the plays are, how and why they work. And then ask the question can plays 2 and 3 work as a counter to play 1? Buckler up for a fun time!
(Arming Sword and Buckler needed for this class)
Dan Evans: Fühlen Out the Five Words: Reimagining the Foundations of Kunst des Fechtens through Binding
Meisterhau, Haupstucke, Fühlen, Indes... the German tradition of Kunst des Fechtens (KdF) is full of fancy terms that we all interpret slightly differently. How do they all tie together into a single tradition? In this class, Dan Evans will guide fencers through a series of controlled, no-contact drills to unravel the mysterious "Five Words" that define the core of all fencing actions in the KdF tradition. By the end of the class, fencers will understand how the bind is the cornerstone of KdF, and how creating advantageous binds defines the correctness of the system's actions.
Longswords or arming swords/sideswords are needed for this class
C. Burns: Backweighted Brawling: a primer on using historical stances in modern HEMA
This class will dig deep into Capo Ferro and Giganti to teach movement, stance and footwork in the scope of these two masters.
Rapier required for this class.
Jason L Cook: Harness Your Potential: Armored Techniques for ALL!
The path to fighting in armor can seem intimidating with the need for all the gear. There is a path to learning the techniques in modern kit and building your harness over time. This class is for those with and without armor, looking at a range of fundamental armored techniques while showing how to safely involve those in modern gear and discussing how they can go from wearing black jackets and masks to shining cuirasses and bascinets over time without bankruptcy.
Wooden Wasters, daggers, and spears (Jason will provide some)
Eric McChesney: Introduction to John Musgrave Waite's saber system
Waite's system of saber fighting is comprehensive, nuanced, and effective, but it can also be intimidating for those who have not previously encountered it, or who do not often fight out of the 'engaging guard/hanging guard/high seconde' position. This brief introduction to the principles and basic practice of Waite's system will allow saber fencers to decide if they are interested in further learning the system, or incorporating elements of it into their present saber repertoire.
Bring your saber to this class
Sam Ryals: HEMA Chess
Become part of a chess game as a piece on the board with your own designated weapon and/or armor! Two players move the pieces around (the other fencers) and when attempting to take their opponent’s pieces, the two in question must fight to see which is actually removed from the board.
Messer, sword & buckler, half armor, spear, rapier with dagger, and longsword will work for this class.
Chris Shelton: Patch Sewing (bring $10 for supplies)
Do you have patches you’d like to sew on your jacket but down know how? Is there a rip on your jacket that you have no idea how to fix? Fear not, fellow HEMA enthusiast, for Chris Shelton will teach you how to mend and sew! Class includes a patch from the gift shop.
JJ Conlon: Mask Painting
Learn painting methods from an experienced mask-painter. Paint and brushes will be provided.
The Duelists: Archery
Stop by one of the 3 intro archery classes offered by The Duelists at the range! The last class on Sunday is planned to be a tournament.
DnD One Shot (SOLD OUT)
Saturday night May 24, Chris Shelton (The Jarl of Hiltenhelm) will host a DnD 5e 1 shot (8 slots total)