6 Week Beginner Course

$165.00

Our 6-week beginner sword fighting courses are perfect for new folks looking to give Historical European Martial Arts a try! Through the course you will get to use the longsword, sword & shield, and dagger. Not only do you get to experience a variety of weapons, but you will also be able to handle rare historical facsimiles. At the end of the course, you will be certified to participate in sparring. Our 6-week course is a fun and friendly introduction to HEMA and will aid in the transition into our regular classes. We have limited capacity to guarantee that we can provide equipment for everyone.

Enrollment is open to anyone 15 or older. However, anyone under 18 will need a legal guardian to be present on the first day of class to sign a liability waiver in person on their behalf. Legal guardians are not required to stay for classes but are more than welcome to stay if they wish.

NEW COURSE COMING SOON

Week 1, Intro to Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)
Week 2, Basics with Longsword
Week 3, Basics with Longsword
Week 4, Basics with Sword & Shield
Week 5, Basics with Rondel Dagger
Week 6, Practical Application & Sparring

Frequently Asked Questions for Historical European Martial Arts

How do I get registered for the 6-week beginner course?

Please fill out our registration form. You will receive a confirmation email along with a class outline for the course followed by payment instructions.

Do I have to take the 6-week course before being allowed into regular classes?

Not at all! We've designed this course to be beginner friendly and ease people into our regular membership, so we strongly encourage folks to start with the 6-week course, but it is not mandatory. We offer one-time drop-in classes and a variety of membership options if the 6-week course isn't what you're looking for.

What if I miss a class in the 6-week course?

We strongly encourage you to not miss a class, however, we understand that things can come up. If you miss a class our instructors will work with you to schedule a time to catch up so that you don't fall behind or you can take one of our regular classes in lieu of the missed class. Please note that we cannot offer partial refunds for missed or unused classes.

What does it cost?

Our 6-week beginner course is $165.00 per person. For a detailed list of all of our prices and membership options please see our rates here.

Do I need to buy any equipment?

With the exception of athletic cups, we provide everything you need. Athletic cups are strongly encouraged as anatomically necessary and are required for sparring. Besides an athletic cup, you don't need anything else. Once you decide that this is a hobby you want to spend time doing, we can help recommend the best and safest gear for you. But you won't need to buy anything else until you're ready to do so. If you want to buy equipment, please talk to one of our instructors first to confirm it is appropriate for our activities.

Do you have a Code of Conduct?

We do, and we require members to abide by it. We will cover it in the first class of the 6-week beginner course, but you can read it here. We also have a Safe Sparring Protocol.

What should I bring to my first class?

We suggest you wear comfortable clothes suitable for movement and exercise. A water bottle is also strongly recommended. We don't allow outside shoes on our training floor, but you're welcome to wear any type of gym shoe that is a dedicated indoor only shoe - many of our members opt for wrestling shoes, xero shoes, or runners. As long as they are comfortable, suitable for physical activity, and are only used indoors.

What if I am under 18?

If you're under 18 you will require a legal guardian who is over 18 to be present in person to sign a liability waiver on your behalf. Legal guardians are strictly those who have been appointed legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the minor. Our regular classes and our 6-week beginner courses are open to anyone 15 and over.

How soon can I spar?

We require all members to pass a Rank 1 test before they are allowed to spar or they must complete the 6-week Beginner's Course. This is partly for insurance purposes and partly to keep you and others safe. Members who have not passed the rank requirement will not be permitted to do full contact sparring. This ensures that all of our members have a strong understanding of our safety protocols, code of conduct, and sparring expectations so that everyone can have fun and be safe. There is no exception to this rule. On average, most folks can get this done after a few weeks with us, but it is different for everyone and you are allowed to take things at your own pace.

We have a Safe Sparring Protocol that all members must abide by.

Do I have to spar?

Not at all! We encourage sparring as part of our holistic approach to martial arts, but we will never force you to do anything you are uncomfortable with. We hope that we can get you feeling ready to try sparring, but ultimately you are the one to make that decision.

Could I get hurt?

Like any sport, physical activity, or martial art there is always a risk of injury. However, we use safety equipment, blunted and flexible weapons, and adhere to a strict code of conduct to minimize the possibility of injury. Safety is everyone's responsibility, and we will never make you do anything you're uncomfortable with.

Are the swords sharp?

The swords that you will use for sparring, solo drills, and partnered drills are not sharp. The weapons will be nylon synthetic trainers, foam, or blunted steel as appropriate for the activity.

Do you require face masks and vaccinations?

We follow state mandates and guidelines, which means things can change at any moment. Currently, we do not require face masks. We do not require vaccinations or proof of vaccination status.

What happens after the 6 week course?

We hope that after the 6-week course you will have found a new passion in sword fighting. You are welcome to join our regular membership to continue taking sword classes with us.