Group Class
At The SwordFight Club, our group classes centre around the longsword — the most iconic and widely practiced weapon in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).
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When
Every
Friday, 18:30–20:00
📍The Pavilion Leisure Centre, Studio 2
High Street, Bromley BR1 3EF
👉 Upon arrival, go to reception and let them know you're here for the Historical Fencing class in Studio 2. They’ll direct you to the room.
👥 Whether you're solo or want to bring a friend, you're welcome to drop in anytime — no experience necessary.
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Pricing
• £15 per class — pay by
cash or card on the day
•
5-Class Pass: £65 (save £10) — tracked at each session
All essential training equipment is provided for beginners. Just wear comfortable sports clothing — and bring your curiosity!
🛡️ The Three Pillars of Longsword Training
Our training follows a rotating curriculum built on three core pillars, each based on a distinct historical fencing tradition. Each pillar runs for three months, offering focused and progressive development.
- Augsburg Group
Based on sources from southern Germany, this pillar draws primarily from the Bauman Fechtbuch (Codex Wallerstein) and incorporates the work of Antonius Rast, Paulus Hector Mair, and other Augsburg masters. It offers a bold, structured approach to longsword fencing, rich in grappling, timing, and control.
- Levada Tradition
Rooted in the teachings of Pietro Monte, a 15th-century Spanish-Italian mercenary and fencing master. Monte’s system blends martial pragmatism with scholarly insight, offering a dynamic style that emphasizes measured movement, rising strikes, thrust, and military efficiency. This tradition presents a rare and intellectually rich approach to longsword combat.
- Anonimo Bolognese
A cut-and-thrust system from Renaissance Italy, drawn from the Bolognese school. This pillar explores longsword within a broader martial context, influenced by civilian dueling and sidesword traditions. It encourages tactical adaptability, guard transitions, and a deeper understanding of fencing geometry.
Each pillar is delivered across three levels:
- Beginner – Build strong fundamentals and body mechanics
- Intermediate/Advanced – Sharpen technique and tactical understanding
- Deep Dive – Explore historical context, fencing theory, and technical details