How do I join?

If you’d like to receive an intro lesson (free of charge), we typically hold those in the first half (6:30-7:30 PM) of our Monday classes. Fill out our contact form and let us know a Monday that works for you! We’ll show you the ropes of historical fencing and let you get a feel for what real longsword fighting is like. If you’ve already had an intro lesson or have another question about joining, reach out to us and we can help!

What does it cost?

Our adult club dues are $80 a month, our youth class rates are $20 a class, and all members pay a yearly organization fee of $35/yr. More information about membership pricing (as well as how to pay) can be found on our membership page.

When/Where do you guys meet?

Both our adult and youth classes are held three times a week at Savannah Pickleball Academy (4102 Meding St) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Our adult classes from 6:30-8:30 PM and our youth classes meet from 6:45-7:30 PM. We hold class at the outdoor covered court, visible from the parking lot.

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+. Information about joining 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 once they commit to it, but we keep a supply of loaner gear and swords for new members to use. For those who want to commit to learning, we offer a free month of dues if you buy your own HEMA mask and back of head protection within the first 3 months of joining.

For those it applies to, groin protection is always recommended during class, 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 (but gradually). 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 (in order of importance):

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

For youth members (also in order of importance):

1. A HEMA fencing mask (back of head protection is recommended but not required),
2. A padded training longsword (instructors can provide more specifics)
3. Light HEMA gloves (preferred) 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! Some clubs practice cutting objects with sharp swords, but our club does not use them. We use a blunt steel training sword called a feder (German for “feather”). For beginners and youth students, we use padded foam swords.

What exactly is historical fencing?

Historical fencing is the practice of recreating fencing with real weapons and real techniques that existed in the past. This is usually done with a historical source, often a combat manual written by a master who lived in the past. Using historical weapons and historical sources separates HEMA from other fields such as LARP and Modern Olympic Fencing.

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 by nobles for duels and other types of combat, 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 some 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 (normally on Fridays, our free sparring day)!

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

HEMA is both a martial art and a sport with tournaments held all around the world. All members are encouraged to compete if they want, and you can absolutely join without any prior experience in any sport! We teach swordplay from the ground up to be as beginner friendly as possible.

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. Just come as often as you can!

Is there a ranking/belt system?

The short answer is no. HEMA is not centrally organized, so some clubs will offer a ranking system similar to belts or titles, and others will not. Our club operates on a very egalitarian training philosophy, so experience is generally what determines what little seniority we go by. There are optional ranks members are encouraged to attain through Schola Saint George, our national organization, but those do not affect status in SLFC.

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.

Have other questions? Give us a shout below and we’ll try to get back to you in a timely manner (and feel free to bother us again if we don’t).