The Scholars of Alcala proudly presents volume 1 of the Meyer Rapier Drill Book. This study guide summarizes and explains the rapier plays found in chapters 4 thru 8 of Joachim Meyer’s A Thorough Description of the Free, Chivalric, and Noble Art of Fencing, Showing Various Customary Defenses, Affected and Put Forth with Many Handsome and Useful Drawings. Additional essays, drills, and other exercises are included to help the fencer understand the material. This guide should be used in conjunction with a translation of the original text. They are published under the following titles. • The Art of Combat: A German Martial Arts Treatise of 1570, translation by Jeffrey L. Forgeng • Foundational Description of the Art of Fencing, translated by Rebecca Garber This edition is coil bound so that it lays flat and can easily be held with one hand while teaching.