Fechtschule Sankt Peter

During June 2008 I was honoured to attend classes on the basics of the German Longsword as taught by Andrew Brew of Stoccata School of Defense.

Andrew teaches German Longsword and Polish Sabre at his Fechtschule Sankt Peter, located in Pymble NSW Australia.

As a beginner entering his school, I found his approach and teaching style both engaging and accomodating. The sessions were logical and practical, doing away with much of the pomp and ceremony that I have experienced in other martial arts.

Andrew is very approachable, with a visible enthusiasm for historical combat, and a deep knowledge of not only the German tradition, but many of the traditions within the Historical European Martial Arts.

Safety was a key concern during the sessions, with all participants working to their own level with a variety of swords, both wasters and blunts. After engaging in ordered progressions of individual and partnered drills, I watched as the advanced students engaged in free-play at differing speeds.

The school was populated by friendly and sincere students, who were happy to share their time and knowledge and trade strikes with a beginner. I felt very welcome and learned a great deal during my short stay.

If you are in the greater Sydney area and you're interested in the German Longsword, I heartily recommend that you get along to Fechtschule Sankt Peter and try a class. I'll definately be back!

For more information on attending a session at Fechtschule Sankt Peter, please visit the Stoccata site here.

• Brock, for Vier Leger