Throughout history, few weapons have gained such an iconic status as the medieval longsword. Used by knights, royalty, soldiers, and rogues alike, the longsword is a versatile and complex weapon, with a massive depth of history and use. Now, it’s time to learn how to use it yourself!

In our six week beginner’s course, you will learn real techniques, as written down hundreds of years ago by medieval fencing masters. Working from 15th and 16th century manuscripts and treatises, the course will cover all the key components to get started with swordfighting. This beginner course will arm you with the basic concepts and body mechanics to start your sword fighting career and get stuck into our regular classes afterwards without fear – or just tick something cool off your bucket list and have something brag about with your friends!

Basic equipment will be provided by the Vanguard Centre as part of the course, but suitable clothing and footwear must be brought by each participant.

This course is suitable for people over the age of 16 years.

The course will cost £130 for 6 lessons over 6 weeks, with passes available for purchase through our online shop.

The lessons are scheduled at 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday afternoons, the 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st of January, and the 8th, and 154th of February 2027.

10/01/2027 Week 1: Intro to the sword, postures, and footwork. Basic cuts, openings, and flourishes.
17/01/2027 Week 2: Attacking the four openings, basic parries and defences.
24/01/2027 Week 3: Zornhau, Zorn ort, basic thrusts.
31/01/2027 Week 4: Intro to winding and the 3 woundings.
07/02/2027 Week 5: Zwerchau, and adapting to different situations.
14/02/2027 Week 6: Starter sparring, and cutting practise.

beginners longsword

Beginners Longsword Course 2027