There is a thriving HEMA scene in Glasgow, and we are delighted to be part of it all at the Vanguard Centre!
Established in 2015, the Vanguard Centre is a full-time training centre for archery, blacksmithing, and HEMA. We have a venue just south of Central Station in Glasgow city centre and our sessions are taught by professional instructors with years of experience.
Our HEMA practices are thoroughly based in historical sources. We follow books written by fencing masters of the past and we try to recreate these methods as a functional and enjoyable martial art today.
Safety is of great importance to us, so we wear protective gear such as modern fencing masks and padded gloves. We also work hard to make our space as welcoming as possible and are always happy to chat and see what we can do to help include you in our sessions.
We believe that the Vanguard Centre is one of the foremost HEMA schools in Glasgow, and we strive every day to make this statement true!
Current HEMA Classes
Rotating Fighting Arts is where we look at a new HEMA discipline every two months, giving an opportunity to taste and experience the variety of fighting systems described in the historical source material.
Read on for more information about rotating fighting arts.
Book your participation in one of our rotating fighting arts classes.
Scottish Broadsword & Military Sabre is the class where we study some of the various different methods for using single-handed cutting swords during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Read on for more information about broadsword and sabre.
Book your participation in one of our broadsword and sabre classes.
Longsword – Intermediate is a fast-paced and athletic sword-fighting discipline from the 15th and 16th centuries. The intermediate class is intended for people who already have some experience with the longsword and who can work happily at slightly higher intensities.
Read on for more information about longsword.
Book your participation in one of our longsword classes.
Longsword – Fundamentals is a whole-body workout with one of the most iconic medieval swords! In this session, suitable for beginners, we will go through the basics of how to fence with a two-handed sword.
Read on for more information about longsword.
Book your participation in one of our longsword classes.
If you have any questions about any of these activities, please send us an email or give us a call, and we will be happy to help.