Welcome! We are a school of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) with locations in Central and Western Massachusetts. We fence with longswords, rapiers, sabres, and more, and we'd love to have you study with us! Come take an intro class and find out what the art is all about!

 

We are different from other HEMA clubs in that we learn from both historical sources and living traditions such as bâton (two-handed stick) and classical fencing (fencing traditions handed down from before modern Olympic-style fencing). Rather than trying to copy techniques from two-dimensional, static books, we found our practice in the fundamentals of movement, distance, timing, leverage, and geometry, and then use this living knowledge to bring the techniques and theories found in the historical sources to life. These principles are then broken down and taught from the ground up in a way accessible to modern people, using proven pedagogy. Our lead instructor Ken Mondschein, who both holds a PhD in history and is certified as a fencing master, has studied classical sword and stick arts both in the US and in Europe, translated numerous treatises, and written instructional manuals. Please see Dr. Mondschein's books and watch our videos for more on our philosophy.

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No matter why you're interested in ancient swordplay, you'll find a home with us! Some of our members enjoy competing in local HEMA tournaments; we also do demos at Renaissance Faires, Celtic festivals, and other events. Some of us also participate in reenactment groups such as the Society for Creative Anachronism. All of us, however, enjoy the physical and mental benefits that come from training together!

CLASS INFO

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We offer classes in Central and Western Massachusetts. For either location, you can start at any time, but please email us for more information and to let us know you're coming! Before your first class, be sure to read our Class Information page for what to bring, to access the electronic waiver, etc. Finally, don't forget to sign up for the email list to get announcements and access the Facebook discussion group and Discord server (we're very active as a community, as well as a fencing school!).

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To make our school more accessible, we are pleased to now offer sliding-scale tuition on an honor system. Basic floor fee (for facility use) is $10, with options for $5 increments to $25. Discounted monthly rates are $80, $125, or $160.

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Northampton

 

Classes are held at the First Churches of Northampton on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6–8 PM. The entrance is on the side of the church, on Center Street. There is parking in the municipal garage on Gothic Street after 5 PM; a footpath at the back goes to Center Street. Please email so that we know you are coming; the door only opens with a key code. (Knock loud!)

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Worcester

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Classes are held at Worcester Fencing Club on Tuesday evenings from 6:45–8:45 and Sunday mornings (schedule below). Tuesdays are single-handed weapons (and bâton for beginners); Sunday is longsword (and bâton for beginners). Please see class information for minimum ages, what to wear/bring, etc.

Sunday Worcester schedule: The Women's/LGBTQ Group meets at 10 AM, followed by regular class from 11 AM to approximately 1 PM.

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Private Lessons

 

Individual lessons with Ken as a supplement to or introduction to training are available, as are remote classes. Available time slots are Worcester on Sundays before 10 or after 1, or Tuesdays between 5:15–6:45, or at your own location, and on Mondays before 6:30.

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UPCOMING EVENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2025
 

Regular classes will be held unless noted below!

 

• May 3–4: Demos/jousting at the Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Faire

• Also May 3–4: Arsenal Assault of Arms (HEMA tournament)

• May 17: SCA beginner's/gender minority event in Easthampton

• May 18: NO CLASS (modern fencing tournament at WFC). Group trip to NH Ren Faire.

• May 23-26: SCA equestrian event

• May 30–June 1: IGX (HEMA tournament)

• June 20–22: Brass Frog (HEMA tournament)

• June 27-29 SCA equestrian event

• July 19: Glasgow Lands Scottish festival (demo)

• July 25–Aug 10: Pennsic

• September 6: SCA equestrian event