A Treasure for All of Us

At The SwordFight Club (shortly “SwordFight” or “SF”), everyone is welcome.


No matter your gender, background, or experience, you have a place here. We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all can learn, grow, and enjoy the practice of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).


History shows that people of all walks of life—across cultures—have trained, fought, and learned together. We honour that tradition by embracing diversity and mutual respect in everything we do.


We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or hate speech.
HEMA is for everyone—and we are stronger together.


HEMA instructor leading longsword class at The SwordFight Club in Bromley

Geometry and Body Mechanics

Everything we teach is grounded in logic, geometry, and the study of human body mechanics.
Our approach helps you understand not just what a technique is—but why it works.

We teach you how to observe and apply these fundamental principles, so you can truly understand the techniques found in our historical sources.

Time, Distance, Transition

These are the three universal elements that bring fencing—and any martial art—to life.

It’s not just about knowing techniques or angles. The true challenge lies in recognizing when to strike, from what distance, and how to transition between actions under pressure.

At The SwordFight Club, you'll train to master these essential elements. Through structured drills and sparring across varying intensities, you'll sharpen your timing, refine your distance, and develop smooth, adaptive transitions—turning knowledge into skill.

Gábor Antali, ambidextrous HEMA instructor and founder of The SwordFight Club

Meet Your Instructor – Gábor Antali

I’m Gábor Antali — an ambidextrous historical fencing coach, passionate about the art, science, and philosophy of the sword.


My journey into martial arts began in my youth, but it was in 2013 that I found my true calling: Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to uncovering the secrets of historical fencing manuals and applying them through modern training methodologies.


I began my formal training at Ars Ensis, Hungary’s largest HEMA school, and in 2017, I joined the London Longsword Academy, training under the renowned Dave Rawlings. There, I deepened my skills, refined my understanding, and grew into my role as both an instructor and a coach.


In 2023, I founded The SwordFight Club, based in Bromley, UK — a community-driven HEMA school committed to high-quality training, historical insight, and inclusive practice. My coaching is shaped by both historical precision and real-world experience, drawing from HEMA, boxing, wrestling, and MMA.


Outside the salle, I’m a lifelong student of Stoic philosophy, with a deep appreciation for Classical Antiquity, Renaissance culture, and mythology — all of which inform the way I teach and train.


I am also the creator and author of HemaLore, a written series dedicated to exploring historical fencing culture, manuals, duels, and martial insights across time.