Omaha Kunst Des Fechtens

📢 **Attention OKDF Members – Upcoming Class Schedule**

⚔️ **August 19 & August 26**
Both Wednesday classes will be dedicated to PowerPoint presentations covering the **history of HEMA** and the historical context behind what we practice. Whether you're new or have been with us for years, these sessions will help deepen your understanding of the art beyond the techniques.

📖 **Beginning in September**
We'll be returning to our previous class structure as we begin working through **Liechtenauer's Zettel** once again.

**⚔️ Monday – Advanced Longsword**
This class is intended for experienced students. Ideally, you should have completed the Zettel with us at least once, as we'll be building upon the material rather than introducing it from the beginning.

**⚔️ Wednesday – Standard Longsword**
Our primary instructional class and the best place for new and returning students. We'll work through the Zettel together from the ground up.

**🛡️ Saturday – Open Floor / Rotating Weapons**
Saturday will remain largely unchanged, featuring open sparring, drilling, and rotating classes focused on various historical weapons.

📅 *I will likely take Labor Day (Monday) off this year, but I'll confirm that as we get closer.*

I'm looking forward to getting back into the sources and continuing to **Keep the H in HEMA.**

🏅 **Auf der Hut 2026 – Technical Fencer Awards** ⚔️

While medals recognize the outcome of a tournament, the **Technical Fencer Awards** celebrate something different.

These awards honor the fighters who best embodied clean technique, sound fundamentals, tactical decision-making, and the spirit of Historical European Martial Arts. Rather than simply asking who won, we asked: **"Whose Art stood out?"**

Chosen by the competitors themselves:

🏆 **Day 1 – Best Display of Skill**
**Sam Halote** – Chicago Swordplay Guild

🏆 **Day 2 – Best Display of Skill**
**Khrystyna Vaziri** – Chicago Swordplay Guild

🏆 **Tournament Director's Choice**
**Jack Swanson** – Omaha KDF

Each of these fencers demonstrated exceptional technical ability throughout the weekend. Their fencing reflected precision, composure, and a deep understanding of the Art, earning the respect of both their peers and the tournament staff.

Congratulations to all three recipients, and thank you for setting such an outstanding example of what historical fencing can be.

🏆 **Auf der Hut 2026 has come to a close!** ⚔️

What an incredible weekend of fencing, camaraderie, and historical martial arts.

Over the past two days, we welcomed fighters from across the region who demonstrated not only exceptional skill, but also the honor, sportsmanship, and love of the Art that make events like this so special. To every competitor, judge, volunteer, vendor, photographer, and spectator—**thank you** for helping make Auf der Hut another unforgettable success.

# # 🛡️ Day 1 – Longsword & Dagger

🥇 Philip Dershwitz – The Band of Iron Lions
🥈 Michael Keller – Wichita Fencing & HEMA Academy
🥉 Riley Rief – Omaha KDF

# # ⚔️ Day 1 – Smallsword

🥇 Philip Dershwitz – The Band of Iron Lions
🥈 Ethan Paasch – Omaha KDF
🥉 Parker Megrue – Bladehaven

# # 🗡️ Day 2 – Rapier+

🥇 Philip Dershwitz – The Band of Iron Lions
🥈 Michael Keller – Wichita Fencing & HEMA Academy
🥉 Brenton Burke – Wichita Fencing & HEMA Academy

# # 🛡️ Day 2 – Arming Sword / Messer

🥇 Mark Heidrick – Wichita Fencing & HEMA Academy
🥈 Chase Danner – The Band of Iron Lions
🥉 Sam Halote – Chicago Swordplay Guild

Congratulations to all of our medalists, and to every fencer who stepped into the ring. Victory belongs not only to those who stood on the podium, but to everyone willing to test themselves, learn, and grow.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our event staff and volunteers. Your countless hours behind the scenes kept the tournament running smoothly and created an environment where everyone could enjoy the weekend.

Finally, thank you to every club that traveled to join us. Seeing so many schools come together to share knowledge, challenge one another, and strengthen our community is exactly what Auf der Hut is about. 😘

To all fencers traveling to Auf der Hut 2026 this weekend:

We wish you safe travels and a restful evening, for tomorrow we shall display our skill before the cheering crowd! 🎉

Fight with honor. Fence with purpose. Show us your Art. ⚔

👑 Auf der Hut 2026 is less than TWO WEEKS away!

⚔️ Haven't secured your spot yet? There's still time—but don't wait!

🎟️ Get your tickets here:
https://thq.fyi/se/e9b81986993f

Current registrations:
⚔️ Longsword & Dagger — 28
🗡️ Smallsword — 20
🤺 Rapier+ — 20
🛡️ Single Arming Sword / Messer — 20

We're excited to welcome competitors representing 10+ clubs from across the region!

Whether you're stepping into the ring or coming to support the fighters, we can't wait to see you on the list.

Show us your Art! 🤩

👑Auf der Hut 2026 is just around the corner! 👑

Registration Page:
https://thq.fyi/se/e9b81986993f

⚔️ Event T-shirt orders close Wednesday, July 8th. ⚔️

If you'd like to grab this year's shirt, be sure to get registered before the deadline so we can include shirt in the order.

You will be able to buy general event tickets up until the morning of, unless we meet our cap of 40 per event.
- I'll have an update on numbers later this week.

We're looking forward to seeing you all again soon! ❤️

📅 Auf der Hut - 2026 - 2026-07-25 🗓️ 2026-07-25 08:00 – 2026-07-26 18:00 📍 Benson Community Center

Good luck to everyone competing at Green Chapel this weekend! Fight hard, fence clean, and most importantly—show your Art.

We're officially 1 month away from Auf der Hut 2026!
If you haven't registered yet, now's the time.

Registration Page:
https://thq.fyi/se/e9b81986993f

⚔️ Event T-shirt orders close Wednesday, July 8th. ⚔️
If you'd like to grab this year's shirt, be sure to get registered before the deadline so we can include shirt in the order.

Our T-Shirt Designs will look very close to these below, we're in the finalization process for the designs.