Services

At the time of writing, FederWyrm is a one-person not-for-profit project run by one swordling (Sascha) from his West Yorkshire home.

My focus is on managing small regular study groups, event workshops and giving 1 to 1 tuition.

Fees cover the cost of insurance & fair use and wear on equipment, but excludes venue hire and travel expenses unless explicitly agreed.

Study Groups & Lessons

Join our study groups and lessons to immerse yourself in the world of Historical European Martial Arts. At FederWyrm, we focus on longsword, saber, and polearms, studying historical manuals to hone technique and understanding. Whether you're new to HEMA or refining your skills, our structured lessons and collaborative study sessions offer a welcoming environment to learn, practice, and grow.

A study group is a gathering of people who meet regularly to explore a particular subject together. Members share insights, discuss readings, and collaborate on research to deepen their understanding. In the context of HEMA, a study group allows practitioners to analyze historical manuals, refine techniques, and exchange knowledge in a structured yet collaborative setting. It’s a great way to learn from others while honing your own skills!

My study groups run between 2-4 weeks per subject and include formal lessons, partner drills, self-study and light sparring, depending on learning goals and the focus of the group.

Check out some of our Study Groups here:

1-on-1 tuition

Personalized coaching for dedicated martial artists. With tailored instruction, our 1-on-1 tuition provides focused guidance on longsword, saber, and polearm techniques, ensuring rapid improvement and deep historical insight. Whether mastering footwork, refining strikes, or understanding tactical principles, private lessons help you sharpen your skills with expert attention.

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

Workshops & Events

Experience the thrill of HEMA beyond regular training with our workshops and events. Dive into specialized seminars on historical techniques, engage in sparring meetups, or participate in immersive beginner & taster sessions. FederWyrm's event workshops bring together the curious newbies and the seasoned pactitioners to refine their craft, explore historical combat, and connect with a passionate community.

Having hosted workshops at Wild North, SwordPunk, Hares To Heroes, and—hopefully—Core Element 2025, FederWyrm offers dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that merge tradition with practical application and a chipper, inclusive modern approach to learning & motivation.

The SlowPlay Society

In Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and other weapon-based martial arts, slow play refers to a training method where practitioners execute techniques at a reduced speed with light protective equipment. This allows them to focus on precision, control, and proper mechanics without the pressure of full-speed combat.

At The Slow Play Society, we believe that mastery begins with control. Our bi-weekly gathering of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) fencers is dedicated to refining technique, deepening understanding, and fostering camaraderie through the art of slow play.

Precision over speed. Thought over instinct. Mastery over chaos.

Through deliberate, measured sparring, we explore historical techniques with an emphasis on accuracy, strategy, and skill development. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the art, our sessions provide a space to hone your craft, engage in thoughtful exchanges, and build a community that values learning and respect.

Join us as we step back from the rush of combat to truly understand its rhythm, structure, and intent. Because sometimes, the best way to become a better fencer… is to slow down.

Slow play is particularly useful for:

  • Developing technique – Practitioners can refine their movements, ensuring they follow historical manuals accurately.

  • Building muscle memory – Repeating actions slowly helps ingrain them into the body for instinctive execution at higher speeds.

  • Improving reaction time – By analyzing an opponent’s movements in slow motion, fighters learn to anticipate attacks and respond effectively.

  • Enhancing safety – Slower movements reduce the risk of injury, especially concussions and hand injuries, when practicing with steel weapons.

This method is used in drills, sparring, and structured exercises to help fighters transition from learning a technique to applying it in live fencing and sparring scenarios with greater speed and intensity. It’s a crucial part of mastering historical fencing styles, ensuring that speed doesn’t come at the cost of learning, accuracy, liveliness or effectiveness.

Interested? Please get in touch HERE to ask for available spaces.

  • Location: Windhill Community Centre, Church St, Windhill, Shipley BD18 2NR

  • Times & Dates: please check for availability

Still not convinced? Then read my blog post on Slow Play: HERE