Longsword

HEMA in Glasgow: Longsword classes at the Vanguard Centre.
HEMA in Glasgow: Longsword classes at the Vanguard Centre. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2020.

The longsword was a weapon popular in the the 15th and 16th centuries. It was normally used with two hands, but it was light and nimble enough that it could be used with one hand when necessary.

At our longsword classes in Glasgow, we teach an authentic historical method of sword fighting, according to books mostly written by the 15th and 16th century German masters, and sometimes make comparisons to Italian or Spanish source materials for interest. We teach German Longsword in a loose curriculum, so with repeat attendance you could easily learn multiple styles and interpretations of the same techniques across 200 years! Our main areas of study are Joachim Meyer, Johannes Liechtenauer, Sigismund Ringeck, and the Kolner Fechtbuch.

It is from these sources that we are able to reconstruct the system as a modern martial art today, where we practise with modern safety gear and training equipment. Safety of participants is a high priority!

Our Longsword classes are divided into 2 different classes for different levels of students – Fundamentals for learning the basic moves and techniques of the system (the building blocks) on Saturday afternoons, and Intermediate lessons on Thursday night for more developed application (how to put it all together).

Our Saturday class on

Schedule

ClassHEMA: Intermediate Longsword
DayThursday evenings
Time19:30 – 21:15
BookingBook online
ClassHEMA: Longsword Fundamentals
DaySaturday afternoons
Time16:00 – 17:45
BookingBook online

Send us an email if you would like to ask any questions beforehand.