Fencing and HEMA groups
These are practising historical European martial arts (
HEMA) groups and clubs the
DDS know of in the
UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Visit our
useful links resource to find links to other
HEMA-related websites such as forums, resource websites, museums, etc.
Scottish Fencing Groups
Macdonald Academy of Arms - www.macdonaldarms.comEdinburgh CityThis is the school of
DDS founder, Maestro Paul Macdonald, and is dedicated to the study and practice of most forms of European Martial Arts and Historical Fencing. Private tuition is also available at this school.
English Fencing Groups
1595 Club - www.the1595.comSussexThe 1595 Club is dedicated to the practice, study and rebirth of the 'lost' martial arts of Europe. Their primary source is the work of the sixteenth century soldier, philosopher and Master of Fence, Vincentio Saviolo.
Hotspur School of Defence - www.hotspur.org.ukNorthumbriaEstablished in 2003 by
DDS founder member Bob Brooks and named after famed Northumbrian knight Sir Henry 'Hotspur' Percy (c.1364-1403), the Hotspur School of Defence has four chapters covering the north of England and Scottish Borders. The HSD specialises in the weapons of common use in the Borders from the 14th to 18th centuries, namely; dagger, arming sword, longsword, pollaxe, spear and glaive, plus later baskethilt broadsword.
Schola Gladatoria - www.fioredeiliberi.orgLondon, YorkshireLead by Matt Easton, the SG specialise in 15th century Italian longsword, but also offer classes in several other arts as well. There are currently two chapters; SG1 in Ealing, London and SG6 in Bradford.
School of Traditional Medieval Fencing - www.ringeck.orgLondonThe school syllabus is based on the 1430-1450 treatise by Master Sigmund Ringeck (the elder). The disciplines taught are longsword, sword and buckler, dagger, messer, wrestling and pole weapons, involving armoured and un-armoured techniques.
Society for the Study of Swordsmanship - www.ssswordsmanship.co.ukDurham County, YorkshireThe SSS is a Western martial arts group with chapters in Sheffield, Leeds, Durham and Whitby. They study and practise many varieties of combat forms including rapier, longsword, backsword, courtsword, cutlass, infantry sabre, single stick and walking stick.
The Exiles - www.the-exiles.org.ukLondonThe famed company of western martial artists concentrating on the works of the Italian master, Fiore dei Liberi. The group cover all weapons from the Master's works.
Welsh Fencing Groups
UK Fencing Groups
European Fencing Groups
The School of European Swordsmanship - www.swordschool.comFinlandThis school in Helsinki is home to
DDS founder and internationally renowned teacher Guy Windsor. They train in a range of historical European swordsmanship styles, from the knightly combat of the middle ages to the elegant duelling styles of the renaissance and enlightenment periods.
North American Fencing Groups
Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts - www.aemma.orgCanadaThis Canadian School is home to some excellent medieval martial artists and has a most useful website packed with resources. Their teaching is firmly based on the works of the late 14th century swordsmaster, Fiore dei Liberi, demonstrating the deadly practicality and effectiveness of the art as it applies to today's personal self-defense.
Association for Renaissance Martial Arts - www.thearma.orgUSAARMA is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to the study and practice of historical fencing and the exploration and promotion of the Western martial heritage. Their website has a number of useful resources, including an excellent bibliography of treatises.
This list is correct to the best of our knowledge but if you know of a group you would like to see here or that any of the information is out of date, please contact us.
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