Fecht Yeah 2026
We're back!
Two days of HEMA fencing tournaments, classes, and camping up in the Catskills.
Saturday is our traditional women's & URG (under-represented genders) tournament, free fencing, and a group BBQ Saturday night for all participants.
Sunday will be chock full of classes, details on instructors to come!
Coming from far out but don't want to camp? No problem! Our site is located just outside of the towns of Catskill and Hudson with plenty of hotel options. Friday night check in at the site is available as well!
Tournaments:
Longsword
Team Longsword Relay
Single Sword
-sidesword, arming sword, messer, and others by approval
Want to come but don't want to compete? No problem! We also have tickets for just the Sunday classes.
Message us here or email fechtyeah@gmail.com for questions!
Classes
Some Sick Sickle - Have you thoroughly enjoyed a dagger class? Have you ever looked at farming tools and wondered how cool it would wielding it with your HEMA gear? This is the class for you! In this class, we dive into PH Mair's sickle plays. See how the shape of the weapon can influence how it's used, and learn some interesting techniques along the way.
Gear: Medium gloves and mask required, forearms recommended.
Instructor: Sarah Zordan
Introduction to Coaching Stepping up and deciding to coach and help out students in your club can be intimidating! This class aims to make this transition from student to coach easier, as well as aiming to offer existing coaches and instructors some practice. This class is an introduction to working with your fellow clubmates to learn to aid in drills, games, and practice. It is open to all fencers of all skill levels—those who have never been in an instructor or in a senior student role are encouraged to participate, and those who have instructed before will find opportunities to practice. While this class is targeted at getting more URG fencers comfortable coaching, all are welcome to learn and participate! This workshop will go over the basics of starting to coach, instruct, and design games and drills—giving fencers the opportunity to hone their coaching skills in a judgement-free, learning environment.
Equipment: Mask/light gloves/boffers are required, a full sparring kit is recommended (any weapon, as long as you can drill with a partner).
Instructor: Abby Rodriguez
Hungarian Hussar sabre basics. This class will go over a brief history of the system, body mechanics, basic cuts, blocks and at least one false edge technique unique to this style of fencing. Hussar sabre dose not use a sided stance and has a heavy emphasis on false edge cuts. This is a cavalry system meant for the battlefield. Fighters are amused to be encumbered, on uneven ground and fighting more than one opponent.
Equipment: I have a few extra but if it is a large class students will need to bring their own sabres.
Instructor: Troy Medinis
Roundtable: HEMA Future and Past
This is a open discussion to highlight our attendee’s projects that make HEMA a more inclusive, fun, and encouraging hobby. Additionally, this is a chance to discuss what needs may be going unseen or missed by the larger culture of our hobby. Be willing to listen, give space, and respond respectfully to people who share a mission to make HEMA a fun, safe, and fulfilling space.
