Columbus United Fencing Club (HEMA)

## Swords are Awesome! So Are you!

Come learn art of historical fencing, with our fundamentals class.

This class is designed for the complete beginner, and will teach you HEMA fundamentals through the longsword. Over the course of 4 weeks, you'll receive instruction in basic footwork, form, and technique.
Topics that we will cover in class include:

• Basic footwork and stances
• Proper cutting structure and blade alignment
• Accurately reading distance between you and your opponent
• Introduction to offensive and defensive techniques
• Application of techniques in sparring
• Reading your opponent and making tactical decisions
• Understanding and following safety protocols

What gear do I need?
No gear is required! Lender gear will be provided for you to participate in the whole session. Just wear comfortable gym clothing and bring a water bottle.

After the course is completed, you will still be able to borrow loaner gear. We find that most fencers purchase their own equipment at a rate that allows us to have gear available for every student that needs it.

However, priority for gear goes to the newest students.

What happens at the end?
At the end of four weeks, you will be sparring ready. You will be invited to join the rest of our class offerings. Although the class is focused on longsword, the fundamentals you learn will be applicable to our other weapon types, such as Military Sabre and Rapier, meaning that you will want to take this course even if your passion is for another weapon form.

But I've never held a sword before!

No worries! Our club teaches fencers of a wide range of fitness and skill levels. Our beginner's course is perfect for anyone who has never fenced before, or fencers that are completely new to HEMA.

Swords are Awesome! And So Are You!
Come learn the art of historical fencing with our Fundamentals Class.
Designed for complete beginners, this 4-week course introduces you to the basics of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) using the longsword. You’ll learn foundational skills, including footwork, form, and technique.

In this class, you'll cover:

• Basic footwork and stances
• Proper cutting structure and blade alignment
• Gauging distance between you and your opponent
• Offensive and defensive techniques
• Applying techniques in sparring
• Reading your opponent and making tactical decisions
• Safety protocols and best practices

What gear do I need?
None! All loaner gear will be provided for you. Just wear comfortable gym clothes and bring a water bottle. After completing the course, you’ll still have access to loaner gear, though priority goes to new students. Most fencers eventually purchase their own gear at their own pace.

What happens after the course?
By the end of the four weeks, you’ll be ready for sparring! You’ll also be invited to join our other classes. While the focus is on longsword, the skills you learn will be applicable to other weapon types like Military Sabre and Rapier, so this course is a great foundation no matter your weapon of choice.

But I’ve never held a sword before!
That’s okay! We welcome students of all fitness and skill levels. Whether you’re new to fencing or HEMA, this class is the perfect place to start.

Swords are Awesome! And So Are You!
Come learn the art of historical fencing with our Fundamentals Class.
Designed for complete beginners, this 4-week course introduces you to the basics of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) using the longsword. You’ll learn foundational skills, including footwork, form, and technique.

In this class, you'll cover:

• Basic footwork and stances
• Proper cutting structure and blade alignment
• Gauging distance between you and your opponent
• Offensive and defensive techniques
• Applying techniques in sparring
• Reading your opponent and making tactical decisions
• Safety protocols and best practices

What gear do I need?
None! All loaner gear will be provided for you. Just wear comfortable gym clothes and bring a water bottle. After completing the course, you’ll still have access to loaner gear, though priority goes to new students. Most fencers eventually purchase their own gear at their own pace.

What happens after the course?
By the end of the four weeks, you’ll be ready for sparring! You’ll also be invited to join our other classes. While the focus is on longsword, the skills you learn will be applicable to other weapon types like Military Sabre and Rapier, so this course is a great foundation no matter your weapon of choice.

But I’ve never held a sword before!
That’s okay! We welcome students of all fitness and skill levels. Whether you’re new to fencing or HEMA, this class is the perfect place to start.

Swords are Awesome! And So Are You!
Come learn the art of historical fencing with our Fundamentals Class.
Designed for complete beginners, this 4-week course introduces you to the basics of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) using the longsword. You’ll learn foundational skills, including footwork, form, and technique.

In this class, you'll cover:

• Basic footwork and stances
• Proper cutting structure and blade alignment
• Gauging distance between you and your opponent
• Offensive and defensive techniques
• Applying techniques in sparring
• Reading your opponent and making tactical decisions
• Safety protocols and best practices

What gear do I need?
None! All loaner gear will be provided for you. Just wear comfortable gym clothes and bring a water bottle. After completing the course, you’ll still have access to loaner gear, though priority goes to new students. Most fencers eventually purchase their own gear at their own pace.

What happens after the course?
By the end of the four weeks, you’ll be ready for sparring! You’ll also be invited to join our other classes. While the focus is on longsword, the skills you learn will be applicable to other weapon types like Military Sabre and Rapier, so this course is a great foundation no matter your weapon of choice.

But I’ve never held a sword before!
That’s okay! We welcome students of all fitness and skill levels. Whether you’re new to fencing or HEMA, this class is the perfect place to start.