When/Where do you guys meet?

Both our adult and youth classes are held three times a week at Lake Mayer Park on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Our adult classes from 6:30-8:30 PM and our youth classes meet from 6:30-7:30 PM. We hold class at the Roller Rink/Hockey Rink and sometimes at the Tennis Courts (usually on Wednesdays when there’s hockey).

What age groups do you offer classes for?

We have classes for any aspiring student 12+! Our adult practices are 17+ and our youth classes are 12-16. Information about joining can be found on our membership page.

How do I join? What does it cost?

If you’d like to try it out, come to a practice! You can message us on our social media or send us an email at ssg.sav@gmail.com if you’d like to attend a class. We will work you through our beginner curriculum and you can try swinging a real sword to decide if it’s something you might want to pursue further.

Our adult club dues are $50 a month, our youth class rates are $150 a month, and all members pay a yearly organization fee of $35/yr. More information about membership pricing can be found on our membership page.

Do I need to buy any of my own gear before I start?

No! If you’re new, we recommend you do not purchase anything before you start. We encourage members to buy their own gear eventually, but we keep a supply of loaner gear and swords for new members to use.

For those it applies to, groin protection is always recommended, even outside of sparring.

What gear do I need to have eventually?

HEMA is a full contact sport, and we wear a lot of protective equipment. You don’t need your own gear right away, but we do recommend you purchase your own equipment eventually. The following pieces are required by our club, and all gear should be HEMA-rated (note: youth members have different gear requirements).

For adult members:

1. A HEMA fencing mask with back of head protection (can be purchased separately or built-in),
2. HEMA tournament rated gloves,
3. A HEMA sparring jacket,
4. Elbow protection (like elbow pads),
5. Throat protection (also called a gorget).

For youth members:

1. A HEMA fencing mask (back of head protection is suggested but not required),
2. A padded training longsword (instructors can provide more specifics)
3. Light HEMA gloves or lacrosse gloves.

If you need more information, please contact us directly.

Do you guys use real/sharp swords?

No. Our swords are authentic, but they are not sharp! Sharp swords are practiced with in HEMA, but never against another person, and our club does not use them. We use a blunt steel training sword called a feder, German for “feather.” We also offer other types of training swords, including synthetic swords, padded swords, and foam swords for youth classes.

What exactly is historical fencing?

Historical fencing is the practice of recreating real fencing techniques that existed in the past. This is usually done with a historical source, often a combat manual written by a master in the past. Using a historical source separates HEMA from other fields such as LARP. Modern Olympic fencing is derived from the same historical technique we study. HEMA has a few key differences from modern fencing, such as the heavier weapons we use and the thicker protection we wear.

In our club, we primarily use the longsword. The longsword is a type of European sword designed to be used in two hands, most popular between the 14th and 16th centuries. It was a weapon used for dueling and war, and is the most popular weapon in HEMA today. If you’re unfamiliar with what the longsword looks like in a fight, this is a great video showcasing very high level longsword fencing.

Does HEMA have weapons other than longsword?

Yes! While our club focuses on the longsword, there are many other weapons that are practiced in HEMA. This includes, but is not limited to, saber, rapier, sword & buckler, rapier & dagger, and messer. We occasionally do devote some of our time to the other weapons!

Is this a sport? Can I join without prior experience?

There is a very active and growing sport side to HEMA, with tournaments held every year around the world. All members are encouraged to compete if they want, but you can absolutely join without any experience in any sport! We teach swordplay from the ground up starting with the fundamentals in our historically-sourced fencing curriculum.

Is attending class mandatory?

No! We do encourage attendance and would love for you to be a dedicated member, but you’re not required to attend every single class. Come as often as you can!

Is there a ranking/belt system?

HEMA is not centrally organized or based on any traditional ranks, so ranking systems will vary from club to club. Some organizations offer belts similar to Eastern martial arts, some have no ranking at all.

We do offer ranks, but not in the traditional sense. Our ranks don’t signify that you are a “better” fencer than anyone else. They’re a way for our members to advance their knowledge of our fighting system and the principles behind it. Practical application and skill is an important part of progressing through these ranks, but overall they test your personal dedication to studying and learning the historical sources we use.

More information about our ranking structure can be found out by talking to one of our instructors at practice.

Are there other people that do this?

Yes! HEMA is a growing movement around the world. You can find lots of historical fencing on YouTube and there are new clubs being founded all the time! HEMA Alliance offers a club finder to search for HEMA clubs near you.