HEMA Longsword Introductory Seminar
HEMA Longsword Introductory Seminar
Historical European Martial Arts
Experience the historical art of European longsword in this intensive, full-day introductory seminar. This is active, demanding instruction—not a sword demonstration or casual sword-swinging experience.
Students will progress through the foundations of longsword fighting, including physical conditioning, stance, footwork, guards, strikes, thrusts, parries, distance, timing, combinations, and tactical movement. Skills will be developed through structured partner exercises and progressively resistant drills before culminating in supervised live sparring.
No previous martial arts or sword-fighting experience is required. Foam training swords and protective equipment will be supplied.
A Foundation, Not Mastery
This seminar provides a brief introduction to the fundamentals of longsword fighting. You will leave with practical experience, and a clearer understanding of how the weapon is actually used—but you will not become a swordsman in one day.
Developing credible skill requires consistent practice, physical conditioning, and at least 100 or more hours of serious training. This seminar gives you the foundation upon which that training can begin.
Seminar Schedule
9:00–10:00 Sign-in, introductions and conditioning.
10:00–11:00: Stance, balance, footwork and distance
11:00–12:00: Guards, fundamental strikes and attacks with footwork
12:00–1:00: Lunch
1:00–2:00: Strikes and parries
2:00–3:00: Strikes, thrusts, parries and combinations
3:00–4:00: Structured sparring drills
4:00–5:00: Controlled live sparring and closing review
Important Information
Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: $150 per participant
Minimum age: 14
Lunch: Bring your own lunch or visit one of several nearby restaurants during the one-hour break.
Clothing: Wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for vigorous movement.
Equipment: Foam swords and required protective equipment are provided.
Sparring: Live sparring is optional and subject to instructor approval. Male participants must bring and wear a properly fitted athletic cup to spar. No cup, no sparring.
Participants under 18 must have a waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian.
Physical Expectations
Historical swordsmanship requires strength, endurance, coordination and discipline. Participants should expect a demanding workout and sustained physical activity throughout the day.
Students may rest or sit out when genuinely necessary, and the instructor will work with participants of different abilities. However, everyone is expected to bring an honest effort and a willingness to train. This seminar is not intended for those who only want to swing a sword without completing the physical and technical work.
Please consider the physical demands before registering. Refunds will not be issued because a participant underestimated the required level of activity.
Limit 10 per class.
HEMA Longsword Introductory Seminar
Historical European Martial Arts
Experience the historical art of European longsword in this intensive, full-day introductory seminar. This is active, demanding instruction—not a sword demonstration or casual sword-swinging experience.
Students will progress through the foundations of longsword fighting, including physical conditioning, stance, footwork, guards, strikes, thrusts, parries, distance, timing, combinations, and tactical movement. Skills will be developed through structured partner exercises and progressively resistant drills before culminating in supervised live sparring.
No previous martial arts or sword-fighting experience is required. Foam training swords and protective equipment will be supplied.
A Foundation, Not Mastery
This seminar provides a brief introduction to the fundamentals of longsword fighting. You will leave with practical experience, and a clearer understanding of how the weapon is actually used—but you will not become a swordsman in one day.
Developing credible skill requires consistent practice, physical conditioning, and at least 100 or more hours of serious training. This seminar gives you the foundation upon which that training can begin.
Seminar Schedule
9:00–10:00 Sign-in, introductions and conditioning.
10:00–11:00: Stance, balance, footwork and distance
11:00–12:00: Guards, fundamental strikes and attacks with footwork
12:00–1:00: Lunch
1:00–2:00: Strikes and parries
2:00–3:00: Strikes, thrusts, parries and combinations
3:00–4:00: Structured sparring drills
4:00–5:00: Controlled live sparring and closing review
Important Information
Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: $150 per participant
Minimum age: 14
Lunch: Bring your own lunch or visit one of several nearby restaurants during the one-hour break.
Clothing: Wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for vigorous movement.
Equipment: Foam swords and required protective equipment are provided.
Sparring: Live sparring is optional and subject to instructor approval. Male participants must bring and wear a properly fitted athletic cup to spar. No cup, no sparring.
Participants under 18 must have a waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian.
Physical Expectations
Historical swordsmanship requires strength, endurance, coordination and discipline. Participants should expect a demanding workout and sustained physical activity throughout the day.
Students may rest or sit out when genuinely necessary, and the instructor will work with participants of different abilities. However, everyone is expected to bring an honest effort and a willingness to train. This seminar is not intended for those who only want to swing a sword without completing the physical and technical work.
Please consider the physical demands before registering. Refunds will not be issued because a participant underestimated the required level of activity.