Training

Hammaborg has always had a very practical approach: An essential part of our training consists of freeplay and sparring. For that matter we use adequate body protection in conjunction with blunt steel swords. An elementary addition were the martial arts and sparring concepts of Axel Wagener and Heiko Lempio since 2000. Several Hammaborg members studied armed and un-armed martial arts techniques in their school.
The basis of the interpretation and reconstruction of efficient European martial arts are first of all the historical sources, the so-called fechtbücher. With the aid of these we develop the single techniques. The precondition for applying them practically however is an understanding of fundamental and universal martial arts concepts on which we emphasize deeply. We support this with practical exercises, e.g. cutting, striking and thrusting tests that are repeatetdly executed with sharp sword replicas in order to gain some insight into the functionality of real historical weapons. Attending seminars about fighting and fencing at home and abroad polishes our training nicely.

The internationally renowned Hammaborg instructors are invited regularly as trainers and instructors throughout Europe. It is possible of course to get into touch with us if you are interested in a special or private class.

Our exact training schedule can be seen below. Beginners can attend training each Friday. Training takes place in our hall, Hasselbrookstraße 35–37.

Anybody who wants to participate in one of our training sessions is kindly requested to get in contact with us in advance.

The Instructors

Dierk Hagedorn

Dierk Hagedorn (*1966) started sport fencing aged ten. In 2003 he joined Hammaborg and is instructor for the longsword. He is a member of HEMAC, the Historical European Martial Arts Coalition, and he focusses on German manuscripts of the 14th and 15th century, particularly on the so-called Peter von Danzig manuscript. His transcription and translation into modern German of this important treatise has been published in print: "Peter von Danzig: Transkription und Übersetzung der Handschrift 44 A 8" (see literature list).

Marcus Hampel

Marcus Hampel (*1976) is in Historical Fencing since 2004, member of HEMAC and instructor for Saber fencing at Hammaborg. Especially the early 19th century military books are his source for the Art. To complete the picture of fights taking place even on battlefields he blends bayonet fencing and group tactics into training. Based on principles his work assures that students gain a universal knowledge about these martial arts. Marcus gained experience as a trainer on events in Krefeld, Fulda, Vienna and Dijon.

Falko Fritz

Falko Fritz (*1976) started historical fencing in 2007. He became a member of Hammaborg in 2008 and joins Dierk Hagedorn to international gatherings as a co-trainer since then. In addition to the long sword his main interest is the "langes Messer" (long knife), which includes the interpretation of the texts as well as technical aspects of sword construction. The langes Messer was introduced to the regular Hammaborg training in 2009. Falko Fritz is a member of HEMAC since 2011.

Ingo Petri

Ingo Petri (*1981) began his martial arts career in 2001 with reenactment fencing and later on also with huscarl. In 2008 he turned towards historical fencing at Hammaborg. His main focus lies on fencing with sword and buckler and with the military sabre. Together with Julia Gräf he has transliterated the German texts of Paulus Hector Mair and started the interpretation of sickle fencing. For this reason he manufactured sickle simulators and sharp sickles according to the illustrations on Mair’s codices and tested them. He has held training classes for various weapons at both national and international events.