Beginner's Classes
Join us for a Virtual or In-Person Beginner's Course!
So, you're ready to pick up the blade and begin your sword journey! We are pleased to be your starting point and look forward to supporting you on your HEMA adventure no matter where it takes you!
During this 6-week course, students will learn the basics of longsword, dagger, rapier, and single sword techniques that will prepare them for the exciting world of sword fighting. Once this course has been completed, students will be able to take part in our regular classes as well as open sparring.
Students are encouraged to reach out to their instructor with questions or concerns at any time during the length of the class. If a student would like more instruction along the way, they may purchase a package that includes a private lesson or add them à la carte. This class is designed to appeal to the solo practitioner as well as those with training buddies.
What's included for both Virtual and In-Person:
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A longsword trainer from Purple Heart Armory
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A study guide packed full of exciting information and reminders about what you've done in class.
For In-Person Classes each week you will:
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Details coming soon on location!
For Virtual Classes each week you will:
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Schedule a 20 minute socially distanced in-person intro lesson and pick up materials (This can be done virtually if you are non-local with materials shipped to you).
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Watch a new training video every week.
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Upload a homework video to a secure DropBox then receive personalized feedback/corrections.
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Participate in a live class discussion for technique tips and Q&A
Open to non-local participants with an added cost for shipping & handling. Please contact us for exact pricing based on your location.
Basic Package
Cost: $190
Register for your course on TeamUp HERE
Private Lesson
Cost: $75 for one (one hour)
Classes
Mixed Weapons
Join us for this technique class that focuses on the major concepts of fighting such as timing, distance, structure, and more as they apply across all weapon systems. Classes will dig into everything from dagger to ringen to longsword and more!
Sword & Buckler
This class centers on I.33 texts as a functional system that employs a full contextual presentation of guards, sieges, and how to use them. Have fun learning from the oldest known HEMA source.
Historical Dance
This class looks at the contemporary dances that were performed at court or on village greens by anyone and everyone. You will get smatterings of historical context as you learn how to strut, bounce, and flaunt moves that are sure to turn history-minded heads.
Weapon Systems
Longsword
There is a heavy focus on the German Kunst des Fechtens tradition (KdF) in this class. Though we draw heavily from Lichtenauer training, we still explore the basic concepts covered in the mixed weapons classes and how they apply to the longsword weapon system.
Rapier
"The Art of Dueling" by Fabris is the base for our study of this Italian martial art. It can be used alone, with dagger, or even with a cloak. Footwork, body positions, and timing are focused on in this fighting system.
Sword & Buckler
Walpurgis Fechtbook is one of the earliest manuscripts currently available which is also known as MS I.33. In this class, students focus on how to defend their sword hand with the buckler as well as the basics of sieges and wards.
Messer
There are many approaches to Messer work in HEMA, but we take a great deal of our training from the dussack technique laid out by Meyer then expand to other sources. Cutting, footwork, and grappling are all a part of this weapon system.
Ringen
Ringen or wrestling is at the basis of all fighting. It teaches structure as well as opens up grappling techniques most often found in dagger, singlesword work, and longsword. We pull from Meyer.
Dagger
"Swing dancing with daggers"
That is a good description as any of the kind of quick paced, more often than not full contact feeling that comes with dagger fighting. We like to start with Meyer then expand to other sources to explore technique.
