Mission Statement:

We are a beginner friendly martial arts club, recreating historical Sword Arts and We focus on diversity, fun, being safe and getting fencing-fit. As such, we seek to provide a safe and accessible space for anyone who would like to become involved in the historical sword arts community. We are seeking for our members to leave a session healthier and happier than before they entered it.

We are also proudly supporting the Esfinges, the Women’s HEMA network and the LGBT+ community.

What?

Our main sources of study are the traditions of Unarmoured Longsword fencing. We are working from a well developed syllabus and students measure their own progress in a workbook. Our weapon of choice is the two-handed longsword. We also offer instruction in Quarterstaff, Saber, Arming Sword & Buckler.

Facilities

This depends heavily on the chosen venue. If you book Sascha to come to you, venue space and facilities will depend on what is locally available.

At our main hall at the WindHill Community Centre there are regular and special-access toilets. There are no changing rooms, although the access toilets are spacious and can be used as such and if more privacy is desired. There is a small kitchenette and relaxation spaces outside the hall and in the garden. Please try and bring your own drinks and snacks or cups but be mindful about potential allergens and consume these outside of the training hall.

What to bring?

You only need to bring yourself initially. We have a small selection of safe training weapons to share. This being a physical activity we recommend comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement. There is no dress code, except that participants should launder their training clothes and not arrive in muddy boots.

Minimum age

We are currently unable to admit anyone under the age of 18 or adults classified as being at-risk. If you are lucky enough to look young enough to pass as such, please can you bring some form of ID.

Fees and Membership

Classes are very affordable at £10 per session. However, we are also offering concession pricing for members on income support or everyone who’s going through a tough spot. Please reach out in confidence to discuss.

Student Insurance currently runs at £4 / year, which includes membership with our umbrella organisation, the British Martial Arts and Boxing association.

We are in the process of setting up payment options. Please enquire via email. We are a non-for-profit organisation and training fees cover hall rental, wear and tear on equipment and software packages that help run the club. Any surplus monies are invested back into the club to purchase more training and safety gear for us to use!

1st taster session is free!

Training & Culture

A bit about what to expect from a typical session:

• We usually begin with a light and easy warm-up which may involve various mobility exercises, training with light to moderate weights according to ability and some group games. Some of these games may involve gentle contact exercises.

• These are voluntary and the intensity is geared towards individual ability (i.e. as energetic or gentle as desired).

• Afterwards we equip everyone with a training sword simulator and engage in movement drills where partners take turns practicing various sword techniques. The simulators may be padded, synthetic or steel depending on the exercise. The drills are initially clearly scripted and mostly non-contact/cooperative at the beginning. The techniques which the drills are meant to teach follow a number of historical manuals on sword exercise and fencing.

• Students may track their progress in our club curriculum and learning tracker. Lessons may cover a number of techniques and concepts, and there is a lot of overlap. If students miss sessions, they can catch up in later lessons covering the same or similar concepts. In this manner, everyone can progress at their own pace.

• Lessons may include combat games and very light touch-sparring with safety gear.

• We encourage people to acquire their own swords & safety gear if they enjoy the activity (such as fencing masks and safety gloves), at which point trainees may engage in free fencing and sparring with other members and and on open sparring days.

• We are not a purely Sparring Club as such, although we support intense sparring and Tournament attendance for those who wish to pursue it. We will help refer to suitable groups and set up sparring meets where there is a desire to increase the intensity of training.

• There is no contract and commitment. People may come and train as they like, however after the 1st month we must insist that students take out membership and student insurance with our umbrella organisation, the BMABA (see above).

GROW Model of coaching.

The GROW model is a coaching framework used to structure conversations for personal development and goal-setting. It stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Way Forward or Will, guiding individuals through a process of identifying objectives, assessing their current situation, exploring possible strategies, and committing to action.

In martial arts, a GROW conversation can be a powerful tool for coaching and self-improvement.

• Goal: A student sets a clear objective, such as improving their longsword footwork or mastering a specific saber technique.

• Reality: They reflect on their current skill level, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

• Options: They explore different training methods, drills, or study resources to enhance their practice.

• Way Forward: They commit to a plan, setting milestones and ensuring accountability in their training. It’s important that a student agrees to a plan they can follow at least 85%-90% of the time to retain their motivation.

This structured approach helps martial artists refine their techniques, overcome challenges, and stay motivated in their journey.

Improving Footwork in Longsword

• Goal: "I want to improve my movement and positioning in longsword sparring."

• Reality: "I struggle with maintaining balance and reacting quickly to my opponent’s attacks."

• Options: "I could focus on drills like passing steps, practice slow sparring, or study historical footwork techniques."

• Way Forward: "I’ll commit to practicing footwork drills three times a week and reviewing my sparring footage for adjustments."

Mastering Roworth’s Saber Cuts

• Goal: "I want to execute Roworth’s cuts with precision and speed."

• Reality: "My cuts lack fluidity, and I sometimes telegraph my movements."

• Options: "I could refine my mechanics with slow drills, work on timing with a partner, or analyze historical sources for insights."

• Way Forward: "I’ll dedicate 15 minutes of each training session to slow, controlled cutting drills and seek feedback from my coach."

Building Confidence in Sparring

• Goal: "I want to feel more confident and strategic in sparring."

• Reality: "I hesitate when attacking and struggle to adapt to my opponent’s movements."

• Options: "I could focus on structured sparring exercises, study fight analysis, or work on mental preparation techniques."

• Way Forward: "I’ll participate in at least one sparring session per week and set small tactical goals for each match."

Get in touch today and let’s find out where your GROW conversation will take you!