Beginner's Classes
Join us In-Person or Virtually!
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 aged 16 and up 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.
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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.
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For In-Person Classes each week you will:
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Meet at our new space (12112 Anderson Mill Rd Bldg - 9B)
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Follow our Covid Guidelines which you can find HERE
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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
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Open to non-local participants with an added cost for shipping & handling. Please contact us for exact pricing based on your location.
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Basic Package
Cost: $215
Register for your course on TeamUp HERE
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​Private Lesson
Cost: $75 for one (one hour)
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.
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Rapier
Thibault is all about controlling the center, but doing it with flair! In this system, the training circle is key as well as a keen understanding distance, point control, and when to drive in.
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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 and then expand to other sources such as Lecküchner. Cutting, footwork, and grappling are all a part of this weapon system.
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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.
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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 and then expand to other sources for a holistic learning experience.
