Manchester School of Arms

We are a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) Club Based in Manchester

Historical Sword Arts

Manchester Sword Club

In HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), we study historical manuals to recreate martial art techniques from the past.

We work from a variety of sources, from Fiore dei Liberi, to German traditions of unarmoured longsword, to later 19th century British Military sabre manuals among others.

We teach classes on how to perform the historical fencing techniques, as well as give you the opportunity to put this into practice in sparring.

Light Contact Sparring

Light touch sparring with safety gear and padded weapons is part of every lesson and advanced students have access to sparring with blunted steel or synthetic swords.

We are not a purely Sparring Club as such, although we support intense sparring and Tournament attendance for those who wish to pursue it.

We will help refer to suitable groups and set up sparring meets where there is a desire to increase the intensity of training.

German & Italian Longsword, British Military Saber, Staff & Dagger work

Our main sources of study are the German and Italian traditions of Unarmoured Longsword fencing. We are working from a well developed syllabus and students measure their own progress in a workbook.

Our weapon of choice is the two-handed longsword. Drills take place with blunted steel swords and padded safety swords for beginners.

We also offers instruction in Italian Longsword, Quarterstaff, Saber, Wrestling and dagger fencing.

Where and when?

Every Monday & Thursday at 19:00-22:00
Christ Church, Moss Side, Manchester, M14 4GP
Classes will be running on the same day, every week, until further notice.

Classes are split into fundamentals & intermediate sessions.
Fundamentals sessions are suitable for all, intermediate sessions assume some experience and passing a safety assessment by instructors.
Please see the booking schedule here:

We will HELP YOU LEARN

We treat our students with respect and patience, and we believe in the dignity and autonomy of the individual. Our stated aim is to create an environment where Students leave a class happier and healthier than they were before.

We all have different levels of experience, different backgrounds, and different learning and communication needs. All activities are opt-in. You can choose when, and to what extent, you participate in a class or activity.

If you are uncomfortable with an exercise or activity, our coaches will provide a suitable alternative. We will never shame anyone for not participating or for asking for accommodation. Students are welcome to ask questions and give each other feedback (especially to help a training partner calibrate their resistance level correctly); however, only our coaches may provide instruction.

Sad Goodbyes 2023

Sparring and Guests 2023

TRAINING PACKAGES

Our club is run as a not-for-profit venture. We price our sessions fairly to make this sport as accessible as possible to all. Any proceeds are invested directly back into the club to acquire and maintain weapon simulators & safety equipment, as well as provide unique training events and guest instructors.

£ 0 Taster Session

Join our regular classes for a free taster session
Come and meet our amazing Students!

£ 10 Single Session

EACH session is 90 minutes
This includes a warm-up, drills and progressive exercises, light touch sparring if desired.
(pending availability - please enquire first)

£ 7 - 7

Multi-booking discount

We look to offer affordable instruction for all
Book a month in advance, you receive a discount and a guaranteed space!
(pending availability at time of booking)

£ 5 Single Session

Concession for low income
Committed to helping our most vulnerable friends and members to keep doing the sport.
Please enquire in confidence.

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARMS