Requirements
- Participants must be 16 years or older.
- No previous fencing or martial arts experience is required.
- Loaner masks, gloves, and swords are available for new students.
- Men must bring a groin protector.
What to Expect
Getting Started
At your first class, you'll meet the instructor, fill out a waiver, and get oriented.
Class Structure
Each session starts with a warm-up, followed by skill-building drills, technical instruction, and interactive exercises. The focus is on building foundational skills while advancing at your own pace.
First Class Experience
New students begin with our Friday Beginner Class, which provides eight weeks of foundational instruction before students can join other classes on the weekly schedule. Lessons rotate, so you can start on any Friday; there is no set course start date.
You’ll begin with the basics of movement, guards, and techniques. No prior fencing or martial arts experience is needed to get started, and loaner fencing gear is available.
Clothing
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for movement and athletic shoes suitable for exercise. Groin protectors are required for men. Bring water and be prepared to move!
Loaner Gear
Loaner masks, gloves, and swords are available throughout your beginner training and beyond. We’ll also discuss gear recommendations to help you decide when and what to purchase.
Friendly Atmosphere
Our classes are welcoming and supportive, with students of all skill levels learning and growing together.
No Pre-Registration Required
You don’t need to sign up in advance, just show up for your first class and we’ll take care of the rest!
What You'll Learn
What We Study
Explore the martial tradition of Kunst des Fechtens (KDF), the “Art of Fencing,” based on the teachings of 14th-century fencing master Johannes Liechtenauer.
Through modern training techniques, we bring the practices recorded in historical manuscripts to life, blending history, skill, and discipline.
Weapons Taught
Our training emphasizes the German longsword as a foundational weapon, but students also have the opportunity to explore a variety of historical disciplines, including:
- German longsword: A versatile two-handed blade.
- Sword & buckler: A pairing of a one-handed sword and small shield.
- Messer: A single-edged German weapon resembling a large knife.
- Broadsword: A double-edged Scottish sword with a protective basket-shaped hilt.
- Sabre: A single-edged military sword widely used during the Age of Sail.
- Dagger: A fast-paced, compact weapon.
- German folk wrestling (ringen): A traditional grappling art used with or without weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for movement and athletic shoes suitable for exercise. Bring water. Men must also bring a groin protector.
No. We have loaner swords, masks, and gloves available for new students, so you do not need to purchase HEMA equipment before getting started.
New students begin with eight weeks of Friday Beginner Classes before joining our other weekly classes. Lessons rotate and there is no set course start date, so you can begin on any Friday.
Beginner Classes are held on Fridays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Students may arrive up to 30 minutes early to gear up, stretch, and prepare for class.
Want to join but can’t attend on Fridays? Contact us and let us know. We’re continuing to evaluate our class schedule and want to hear from prospective students who need a different beginner class day.
Your first Friday Beginner Class is free. After your trial class, sign up for the 1 Day Per Week plan at $45/month. New students receive 50% off their first two months, making it $22.50/month, with promo code NEWSTUDENT.
After your first eight weeks, you can choose the membership plan that best fits how often you want to train.
We train at CrossFit Vicerant, located at:
351 Victory Rd., Unit 2
Winchester, VA 22602
Look for the two large garage doors and enter through the pedestrian door between them, marked "Warehouse 351."
Longsword is the foundational weapon of our KDF training and introduces many of the core concepts used throughout our HEMA practice, including movement, distance, timing, guards, and basic offensive and defensive techniques.
As you progress, you'll need your own protective equipment and training gear appropriate for the type and intensity of training you're doing. Your instructors can help you understand gear requirements and choose appropriate equipment before you make purchases.
Groin protection is required for men during all training. For sparring, women are required to wear a rigid plastic chest protector with a flat or slightly contoured design. Full-cup or deeply contoured breast protectors and padded, catcher-style chest protectors do not meet this requirement.
Ready to Join?
Your first Friday Beginner Class is free, and new students get 50% off their first two months with promo code NEWSTUDENT.
There’s no set course start date, so you can begin on any Friday. Check out our full class schedule and pricing to get started.
Can’t train on Fridays? Contact us and let us know. We’re continuing to evaluate our class schedule and want to hear from prospective students who need a different beginner class day.
