Martial Arts
Historical Sword Fighting
Martial Art
Traditional Martial Arts
We aim to transmit the traditional European martial arts in a way that is meaningful and relevant to the present day.
But what exactly do we mean by Historical European Martial Arts, also known as HEMA?
In short, HEMA refers to martial disciplines that originated on European soil, spanning from Antiquity through to the Early Modern period. Unlike some Eastern martial arts, these traditions no longer have an unbroken lineage or living masters. As a result, their reconstruction relies heavily on historical sources — such as manuscripts, printed treatises, and archaeological findings.
As a guild, we primarily focus on the German fencing tradition from the late Middle Ages. We study the surviving works of historical masters and use these manuscripts as both inspiration and a foundation for developing our practice. In doing so, we help breathe new life into these arts, transforming them into a living tradition once more.
Weapons
Within the Liechtenauer tradition, historical masters explored a broad array of weapons — with the longsword at its core.
We embrace this holistic approach in our guild as well. Rather than training specialists in a single weapon, we guide our students to become versatile martial artists.
Our goal is for students to develop proficiency with various weapons while gaining a deep understanding of the underlying principles of the martial art. This foundational knowledge enables them to adapt and apply their skills across a wide range of combat situations — both armed and unarmed.
Longsword
The longsword, wielded with both hands, is the primary weapon of our guild.
With an average weight of around 1.5 kg and excellent balance, it is both fast and effective — a weapon of precision and power.
In keeping with the traditions of historical fencing guilds, we train with a specific type of practice sword known today as the Feder. This blunt, relatively flexible training weapon has been used since the 15th century to practice longsword techniques safely and with control.
Rapier
The rapier can be seen as a refined evolution of the traditional one-handed sword.
It traces its origins to the 14th-century knight’s sword, gradually developing into a longer, slimmer weapon that could be wielded with ease in one hand. This elegant design shift placed greater emphasis on thrusting techniques, offering both reach and precision.
From the 16th century onward, the rapier rose to prominence across Europe — especially in civilian and dueling contexts. As it evolved, its focus on the thrust became more pronounced, distinguishing it clearly from earlier, more cut-oriented swords.
Rondel Dagger
The rondel, or disc dagger, is a distinctive weapon that emerged in the 14th century.
Characterised by its narrow, pointed blade and disc-shaped guard and pommel, the rondel dagger was designed for precision and penetration — ideal for slipping through the gaps in armour or piercing heavy fabrics.
Often used in conjunction with grappling and wrestling techniques, the dagger played a vital role in close-quarter combat. Its effectiveness lay not only in its stabbing potential, but also in the control it offered during the clinch — making it an indispensable tool for knights and soldiers in confined or armored encounters.
