What is HEMA?

HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts and covers a broad spectrum of martial arts dating from all the way up to the early-modern period. For our purposes, we generally study martial weaponry from 13 th to 15th Century.

What aspects of HEMA do we cover?

Much of what we study is boiled down to 15 th century longsword, in the German tradition. Our primary discipline is Kunst de Fechtens, or KDF. However, we also plan to train in other disciplines as well, including Meyer and the Italian discipline of Fiore.

Do I need experience in HEMA to join?

Prior experience is welcomed, but not mandatory! We are a beginner-friendly group that is excited to meet new people interested in training!

What level of athleticism is required to participate?

One of the benefits of training in HEMA is the ability to largely go at your own pace. In our experience, if you can handle mild-intensity cardio for extended periods of time, and have good hand-eye coordination, you should be able to train just fine. However, if you do have any health concerns or complications that may prevent you from training safely, we ask that you first consult with your healthcare professional before attending training.

When is class?

Class is every Sunday beginning at 11:00am, unless otherwise stated in our News and Updates Column.

How MUCH ARE CLASSES?

Your first class is free. After that it is $20 per class or you can purchase a membership: $70/monthly or $150/quarterly.

How can I pay for class?

We prefer you pay for classes in-person upon arrival, either through Cash, Zelle, or PayPal. You can pay for individual classes, or sign up for a membership and buy your classes in bulk, at a discounted rate. Speak to your instructor for more information on this.

How long Is class?

Expect training to run two hours. First hour will be warm-ups, drills and overview of the day’s lesson. Second hour is practical application.

What do I wear to class?

We ask that you wear athletic equipment appropriate for a light workout. Athletic shoes, gym shorts, and t-shirts are all golden. We also ask that you wear proper personal protective equipment to training, such as an athletic cup, etc.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

We have enough gear to accommodate a full class of students, when running through a lesson. Although it is not mandatory for you to purchase your own gear, you will eventually want to do so for the sake of proper fitting and preference. That said, if you already practice HEMA, you are welcome to bring your own gear. It just needs to be of a recognized brand, and in good quality. No cracked swords, or collapsed fencing masks please.

Do you have gear available for purchase?

No, we do not sell gear. However, when you are ready, we can direct you to reputable sites that will be able to supply you with everything you need!

Where can I buy my own gear?

There are a number of reputable shops online that we can recommend for acquiring gear suitable for HEMA. But as always, please be sure to check with your instructor before purchasing any gear. Chances are we have experience with the product you are looking to buy, or we may already own it, and you are welcome to give it a test run!

What if I am late to class?

You are still free to join the class as long as there is room; however, due to the size of our facility, we may end up with a full class. If that is the case, please know that once class is full, we do close the doors to latecomers.

Do you have facilities/changeroom/parking at the establishment?

Yes we do! We have ample parking, and restrooms available!

Can bring a friend to watch?

Due to our limited space, we prefer you bring someone to participate, rather than spectate! If you have friends who would like to join us, please let us know in advance.