Our training centers around the attributes and skills necessary to excel in historical fencing, both martially and competitively. The Longsword is our primary weapon of study, we also routinely train with Rapier, Rapier & Dagger Dussack/Messer, Military Sabre and Sword & Buckler systems throughout the year with intermediate and advanced level students. We approach our training in a holistic manner and believe that pursuing the art of fencing offers an excellent path for the development of mind, body and spirit. The key attributes we seek to cultivate in our training include agility, speed, strength, explosiveness, endurance, coordination, technical skill, fortitude, discipline, mental toughness, sportsmanship and self-control. Fencing is a challenging but very rewarding pursuit and if taken seriously is more than just a hobby, but a lifestyle to truly implement its essence and gain maximum benefit.
Our ancestors who developed and trained in these martial arts staked their lives upon them, thus in addition to skill and prowess, it is obvious that physical fitness was an essential element in swordsmanship and the use of arms. Thus to faithfully revive these arts, our school places a strong emphasis on the necessity of the physical culture required and aims to develop the body, sharpen the mind and cultivate the martial spirit in the process. Though ultimately an individualistic pursuit, we value the camaraderie of training together and pushing one another’s limits in the pursuit of excellence.
The first stage of our training for all students involves an equal amount of calisthenic conditioning and foundational skills development. This primarily consists of improving fitness, internalizing proper body mechanics and learning the foundational elements of footwork and handling the longsword – in a controlled and efficient manner. All new students must begin with our Introductory course, which we open 2 times per year, typically in the Spring and Fall. Exceptions are only made for students with prior adequate HEMA experience and instructor approval.
Our beginner’s courses are structure in three progressive 8 week courses – “Introduction to Longsword”, “Beginner’s II”, and “Beginner’s III.” The difficulty and expectation level of the these courses progress steadily, at the end of the 6 months of beginner’s courses, students who have sucessfully passed are invited to join our Intermediate classes.
After students have successfully passed the beginner’s courses, partnered drills form the core of training, and with experience – sparring and related high intensity drills. Our school regularly participates in competition and tournaments, both internally and externally, and with instructor approval all students are encouraged to attend competitions.
We currently open enrollment for new students 2x per year, typically in the spring and fall. If dates have not been announced, please feel free to email us to find out about the next session for new student recruitment.
To register and see our current list of classes go to: https://nashvillehistoricalfencing.tidyhq.com
CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesdays 6-8pm – Intermediate & Advanced
-2nd Presbyterian Church, 3511 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215
Thursdays 6-7:30pm – Intro/Beginner, 7:30-8:30pm – Intermediate & Advanced
-2nd Presbyterian Church, 3511 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215
Sundays 2-4pm (On Occassion) –Advanced
-Russellville Middle School Gym, 1101 W 9th St, Russellville, KY 42276
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
– Women’s Longsword Introduction
Thursday 6-7pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church
*We are currently offering this course once per year, leading up to our general Spring session of “Intro to Longsword”. We plan to reopen this course in the Spring of 2024.*
This course is designed to provide women an introduction to the use of the longsword and the world of HEMA. Historical fencing is an excellent way to get in shape, improve cardio, strength, and coordination while having a lot of fun! This is a challenging yet rewarding class, so come prepared for a great workout!
This course will introduce the fundamentals of longsword fencing, including general use of the sword, footwork, guards, and conditioning. It is a great option for those interested in trying out HEMA before committing to a longer course and buying equipment.
It is our goal to promote the development of female representation in HEMA and build camaraderie, whether you’re totally new to HEMA or have martial arts/fencing experience, this course is for you and we hope you’ll join us! All equipment is provided, only athletic clothes and training shoes are required.
This course will be followed by our bi-annual “Introduction to Longsword” course which is open to all new students and the first in our series of 3 progressive beginner’s courses.
To register for classes go to: https://nashvillehistoricalfencing.tidyhq.com
-Introduction to Longsword, 8 week course $120
*All new students must enroll in our Introduction to Longsword course*
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church
In this 8 week course, students will explore the fundamentals of German longsword and build a physical foundation for their HEMA training. Topics will include physical conditioning, footwork, body mechanics, basic fencing theory and general use of the longsword. This is a challenging course so come prepared for an intense workout! A large emphasis is placed on general fitness and conditioning specific to HEMA. All students must complete our Introductory course and evaluation before proceeding to Beginner’s II and III classes. All equipment will be provided, athletic clothing and shoes are required.
To register for classes go to: http://nashvillehistoricalfencing.tidyhq.com
-Beginner’s Longsword II, 8 week course, $120
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church
For students who have successfully completed “Introduction to Longsword,” this class will continue to build upon the foundational elements. Students begin contact drilling with partners in preparation for more advanced training and concepts. A mask and BOH protection is required to enter this class. HEMA Alliance membership is also required. Sword trainers are provided. Basic gloves such as lacrosse or “Red Dragon” are recommended, loaners will be available.
To register for classes go to: http://nashvillehistoricalfencing.tidyhq.com
-Beginner’s Longsword III, 8 week course, $120
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church
For students who have successfully completed “Introduction to Longsword’ and “Beginner’s II”. Building on the previous beginner’s courses, this class will further refine foundational elements and prepare to students to enter the intermediate class with full intensity drilling. By the end of this course, students are required to purchase their own steel training sword and gloves and jacket.
To register for classes go to: http://nashvillehistoricalfencing.tidyhq.com
-Intermediate and Advanced classes, $70/month
Tuesdays 6-8pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church
Thursdays 7:15-8:15pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church
Sundays 2-4pm in Russellville, KY – Advanced (by invitation only)
Once students have successfully completed our Intro, Beginner’s II and Beginner’s III courses and have passed evaluation they are invited to join our ongoing Intermediate group. Our intermediate and advanced students train together the majority of the time and are occasionaly divided in classes depending on specific training. These classes are composed of students of various skill levels and great emphasis is placed on drilling, theory, conditioning and sparring. Once competency is achieved in longsword, students will explore other weapon systems including dussack, rapier, military sabre, messer and sword and buckler over time. Intermediate and Advanced classes are by invitation only
To register for classes go to: http://nashvillehistoricalfencing.tidyhq.com
For questions feel free to contact us:
NashvilleHEMA@gmail.com
Nashville School of Historical Fencing 