Canterbury Medieval Combat teaches the medieval German longsword from the original fight books. This page covers what to expect at your first session: what to wear, what kit you’ll need (very little to begin with) and how training progresses.
No experience needed, and we provide your first sword.
What we teach
We follow the Liechtenauer tradition, the German system of medieval martial arts recorded in 14th and 15th-century fight books. Our core weapon is the longsword, and that’s what we train most weeks.
The German tradition splits combat into three areas:
- Blossfechten: unarmoured fighting
- Harnischfechten: armoured fighting
- Rossfechten: mounted fighting in armour
Beginners start with Blossfechten. Historically this was fought in everyday clothes with no armour or padding, which makes it the natural place to learn the fundamentals.
We also bring in other weapons from time to time, and run workshops and extended sessions through the year.
Who can train?
HEMA suits a much wider range of people than many martial arts. Men and women of all ages and fitness levels train with us. You build skill and conditioning as you go, so you don’t need to be fit before you start.
Beginners mainly do solo drills and partner work under close guidance, focusing on stance, footwork, guards and the core cuts.
Please note: we currently accept students aged 18 and over. Before your first session, tell us about any medical conditions or injuries so we can adapt your training.
What to wear
Come in comfortable clothes you can move in, such as a t-shirt or tracksuit with clean indoor trainers. Bring water too, because it gets warm once you’re moving.
Some members occasionally train in historical clothing. It helps show why techniques, and the illustrations in the fight books, look the way they do.
Equipment
At your first sessions: we lend you a synthetic longsword trainer, so you don’t need to buy anything.
Once you decide to stay: your own synthetic trainer is an affordable first purchase.
Protective kit: we recommend starting with protective gloves and a fencing mask.
Free sparring (later on): if you go on to free fencing you’ll need fuller protection: a padded jacket, arm and leg protection, and throat and groin guards. At that stage you might also consider a steel longsword. We can recommend trusted suppliers when you get there.
A word on steel swords: every blade must be blunt, made for training and approved by us before use. A decorative “wall hanger” from a boot fair isn’t safe and won’t survive training. You’ll know when you’re ready for steel, and we’ll guide you on what to buy.
Our wider community
We’re members of the KDF (Kunst des Fechtens), a network of German medieval martial arts schools across the UK. Membership gives our students access to a wide pool of knowledge, the chance to train in weapon systems taught at other clubs, and once or twice a year, single or two-day workshops at the Royal Armouries.
Where and when
Venue: St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Canterbury
Sessions: Mondays / Thursdays 7pm to 9pm
Cost: £7 per session Membership £25 per year
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience?
No. Most of our students had never held a sword before their first session. We start from the basics.
Do I need to be fit?
No. Training builds your fitness gradually, and we adjust to your level. Bring water and go at your own pace.
Is there an age limit?
We currently accept students aged 18 and over. There’s no upper age limit, and people take up HEMA at every stage of life.
Is it safe?
Yes. Beginners work with synthetic trainers through controlled drills and partner work, under an instructor’s supervision. Free sparring only comes later, with proper protective equipment.
Do I need to buy a sword or any kit?
Not to begin with. We lend you a synthetic longsword. Once you decide to continue, gloves and a fencing mask are the first things worth buying, and we’ll advise you on them.
Can women train?
Absolutely. HEMA relies on technique, timing and structure rather than size or strength, and women train with us regularly.
What is HEMA?
HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts. It’s the practice of reconstructing European fighting systems from surviving historical manuals, known as fight books.
Will I get to spar?
If you want to. Sparring is optional. Once you’ve built solid fundamentals and the right protective kit, you can take part in free fencing with other members.
Do I have to wear historical clothing?
No. Normal sportswear is fine. Some members wear historical clothing occasionally, but it’s never expected.
What if I have an injury or medical condition?
Let us know before your first session. Most conditions can be accommodated with some adjustments to how you train.
Do you teach other weapons?
Longsword is our core focus, but we run sessions and workshops on other weapons throughout the year. Keep an eye on our events page.