I have never fenced before, can I join?

Absolutely. We welcome newcomers, and your first practice is free! We will set you up with loaner gear, introduce you to fencing fundamentals, and get a sword in your hand right away.

How do I sign up?

To sign up for your first session, please do so via our Calendly page. After your first (free) session, you can drop in to additional sessions without signing up.

When/where do you meet?

We generally meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Sunday mornings. See our calendar page for class times, locations, and updates. Sign up for your first class via our Calendly.

Do I need a fencing mask or any gear to join?

For your first few practices, you will only need to wear workout clothes, a groin protector if possible, and bring water to drink. We will loan you protective gear or start you out on boffers or rattan sticks. That being said, you will want to purchase a three-weapon fencing mask (i.e. what they wear in modern sport fencing) as soon as possible (we have a stock of new and used masks available for purchase). Ultimately you will need to buy a full set of protective equipment in order to spar with steel swords. Check out our gear guide or talk to us in person about gear.

How much does it cost?

Your first class is free, then you’ll pay either $45/month for unlimited classes, or $15 per drop-in class. Additionally, our members must purchase HEMA Alliance Membership (see below).

Monthly memberships can be paid on-site via tap-to-pay or Venmo, or by purchasing the Monthly Membership item in our web store. Drop-in class fees can be paid on site via tap-to-pay or Venmo.

Our Venmo ID is @masterless-fencing.

All dues and donations are nonrefundable.

Do I have to be a member of the HEMA Alliance to join your club?

Yes, we are a HEMA Alliance affiliate club and therefore all our members must be registered with the HEMA Alliance.

Don’t worry, new members get two months free for signing up, plus a discount on membership through our club. The HEMA Alliance annual fee for our club is $26.

We can register you on-site for free at your first practice, and we can remind you when it’s time to buy the annual membership.

What is HEMA?

Historical European Martial Arts - or HEMA for short - is a collection of weapons-based martial arts reconstructed from historical European fighting techniques. We read and interpret primary sources to develop, practice, and compete in weapons-based fighting.

What weapons/sources do you study?

At our core, we are a longsword group based on early KDF. We primarily study German sources because there is so much material there. Most of our members have also extensively studied Fiore and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Bolognese sources. We also officially cover Messer and Sword & Buckler. Many of our members also enjoy Saber, Rapier & Dagger, and Sidesword.

Does your club compete?

Yes, we have a core contingent of members who are actively participating in HEMA competitions. Our fighters have been finalists at competitions such as IFG Spring Fling and SoCal Swordfight, and success at competitions is one of our training priorities as a club. However, competition is not our only focus, and each of our members pursues HEMA for different reasons, including fitness, excitement, community, and scholarship.

Does sword fighting hurt?

Well, yes, sometimes. Even with protective gear and blunt blades, taking a blow from a big metal object can hurt. However, our equipment works, and the vast majority of strikes are not painful. Safety is our top priority and we never want members to feel unsafe, but we are a sword group based in real combat practice. Injuries are rare, about on-par with any other competitive sport.