Drop-In
HEMA Trial classes are offered once a week on Saturdays at 1pm. They allow prospective students to sample all of the different fencing forms we work with and to get a taste for what they might enjoy. These sessions are also available for current students who are looking for a bit of extra training time. If you think HEMA might be the sport for you but you aren’t quite sure where you want to start, consider purchasing a drop-in pass and dropping in on a Saturday afternoon to try it out for yourself!
Beginner
Beginner-level courses cover the basics of the system, including attacking, defending, movement, and some introductory plays and sequences. Beginner-level courses are appropriate for anyone – students with no experience at all, students with some modern fencing background looking for an introduction to HEMA, and even students studying another fencing form who want to expand their skills. Beginner-level students will be able to use our loaner gear as necessary and are not required to purchase any specialized equipment, but should come prepared with comfortable indoor shoes, a water bottle, and groin protection as necessary for any and all types of courses.
Intermediate
Intermediate-level courses expand on the material covered in the previous level. In many cases, students may be ready to move to an intermediate course after one term of beginner classes, but this period of time may be longer for some weapon systems than others depending on the complexity and diversity of the available historical treatises. Intermediate classes will vary in content between each individual fencing form, but they will generally incorporate more complex plays from the historical texts along with more specialized techniques and, in some cases, the introduction of content from other historical sources that support the material covered in the beginner course.
Some intermediate courses may also begin to explore techniques commonly seen in competitive HEMA events with the goal of preparing students to eventually compete in tournaments. Students can expect to remain in the intermediate course for an average of two to three full course terms. While loaner gear remains available for all students, by the end of an intermediate-level course, many students will wish to purchase some gear of their own. This often includes a personal helmet, gloves, or a sword, allowing them to train at home.
Advanced
Advanced-level courses follow a less structured curriculum than either of the beginner or intermediate courses. They will often be designed to remain relevant with changes in the current competitive HEMA scene, and might include analysis of current top competitors and collaborative work on strategies and techniques to counter them.
Advanced courses will often borrow techniques from many different sources for any given fencing form both for competitive and historically interesting purposes. While nothing prevents beginner and intermediate students from participating in competitive tournaments, students in advanced courses are the most likely to attend tournaments outside of the province, and some may occasionally have part of their registration or travel fees sponsored by the school.
Private/Semi-Private
Perfect for students who are looking for more personalized or specialized instruction! Students who book private sessions are often looking to get ahead of the competition, to work through a specific technical issue with the instructor of their choice, or even to catch up after missing a few classes or starting a semester a little bit late. Semi-private sessions allow you to bring a second student with you - this is a great opportunity to drill and spar with a friend in a structured setting while receiving targeted feedback and support. Anyone interested in booking a private or semi-private lesson should email us at terranovaswords@gmail.com to inquire about rates and lesson schedules!
Types of Classes
spring semester
ClasSes
(april20 - june 14th)
epee the dueling sword
Discover the art, discipline, and fun of fencing! Our brand-new program is designed for children ages 8 and up, and is inspired by William Gaugler’s The Science of Fencing. We will explore the rich tradition of Italian fencing from the late 19th century, bringing history to life in an exciting and age appropriate way. This program uses modern safety equipment appropriate for youths as young as 12, so parents can feel confident while kids explore this timeless sport. Through structured lessons, students will build coordination, focus, and confidence while learning a skill that has been practiced for centuries.
Class size will be limited, 12 students maximum.
What to expect:
Learning thrusts and parries with the Epee
Learning the sport side of epee, and the historical
Basic fencing footwork
Light sparring
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
*Not required* Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are also available)
*Not required* Fencing mask (we do have loaners available)
When?
Mondays 7:30pm-8:30pm - Adult Epee/Smallsword
Friday 6:00pm-7:00pm - All ages Epee (Ages 12+)
The art of two swords
Discover the dynamic and rarely taught discipline of The Art of Two Swords, inspired by the works of Domingo Luis Godinho, a late 16th-century Portuguese fencing master.
In this unique program, students explore the principles of wielding two swords simultaneously through structured, scenario-based training and kata-style drills drawn from historical sources. Emphasis is placed on coordination, timing, positioning, and tactical awareness, helping students understand not just how to move, but why each action matters in combat.
Alongside dual-sword work, participants will also be introduced to rapier or sidesword paired with dagger, expanding their versatility and deepening their understanding of historical fencing systems. These combinations develop ambidexterity, control, and strategic thinking in a highly engaging and challenging way.
Blending historical tradition with practical application, this class is perfect for students looking to broaden their skillset and experience a more advanced and artistic side of fencing.
What to expect:
Instruction on the fundamentals of the sidesword/rapier
Intensive training on scenarios
Combat tactics
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
When?
Tuesdays 9:00pm-10:00pm (age 16+)
spanish Rapier
The rapier was not only a symbol of style and status, but also a practical weapon widely used for civilian self-defense during the Renaissance. This program is rooted in the teachings of Salvatore Fabris, drawing from his renowned 1606 treatise Lo Schermo, overo Scienza d’Arme. Students will also explore foundational techniques from broader Italian fencing traditions to deepen their understanding and skill in the art.
What to expect:
Instruction on the fundamentals of Rapier & Dagger
Intensive full body intensive training
Combat tactics
Agility training
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
When?
Monday 9:00pm-10:00pm (age 16+)
italian & german lONGSWORD
The longsword is the most well-known knightly weapon of the late medieval and the early Renaissance periods. It has a long hilt intended mainly for two-handed use, as well as a simple guard in the shape of a cross, and a double-edged blade that averages a full metre in length! Despite the size of the weapon, the two-handed grip allows the wielder a greater degree of control than many one-handed swords. It is every bit as fast as the rapier or sabre, and when matched up against other weapons the longsword’s superior length often gives it an edge over the competition! Our longsword programs will take students from the very basics of wielding a two-handed sword all the way up to complex plays drawn from historical treatises as well as a wide range of competitive longsword fencing strategies.
The Italian Longsword courses centre around the works of Fiore dei Liberi (written between 1400 and 1410), Philippo Vadi (written around 1487), and Achille Marozzo (published in 1536). Students will learn a mixture of cuts, thrusts, parries, footwork, and a number of maneuvers and techniques unique to the longsword. While these techniques are all drawn from the centuries-old instructions written by these three Italian fencing masters, they will be presented in an engaging and easy-to-understand lesson format.
The German Longsword program centers around the works of Joachim Meyer, who was a 16th century German fencing master. Meyer wrote four fencing manuals that covers various weapons, but for this course we will only look at the two-handed longsword. Meyer’s manual on the longsword is primarily written for tournament fencers of his time, and acts as a synthesis of much of the older German Leichtenauer tradition. This class will focus on building a repertoire of Meyer’s interpretation of actions and combining them into more complex and calculated exchanges, as well as a deep examination of Meyer’s perception of time within a fencing match. Students will also learn a wide variety of solo and partner drills to hone their competitive edge outside the salle!
Classes are approximately 60 minutes in length, and all adult classes are followed by half an hour of sparring time for any adults who wish to participate. Protective equipment and training swords will be made available for use during classes, but students are welcome to purchase and bring their own equipment if they so choose, provided that equipment meets the school’s standards for safety. While free sparring is not offered for youth classes, students will still have the chance to test each other’s skills safely with our specialized padded swords during regular class activities.
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Hockey or lacrosse gloves (special longsword gloves are available for purchase at our physical store. Loaners available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners available)
When?
Tuesday 7:30pm-8:30pm - Adult Beginner Early German Longsword (age 16+)
Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm - All Ages Beginner Italian Longsword (age 12+)
Thursday 7:30pm-8:30pm - All Ages Beginner Italian Longsword (age 12+)
Friday 7:00pm-8:00pm - Adult German Longsword Drills (age 16+)
Kids & youth Pawson saber Academy
Introduce your child to the speed, excitement, and tradition of sabre fencing with our Sabre Program created by Coach Neville Pawson.
This program is built around a simple, intuitive approach that makes learning sabre feel natural and fun from day one. Students are guided through the fundamentals of footwork, timing, and cutting actions in a way that’s easy to understand, helping them build confidence quickly while developing real skill.
Rooted in traditional fencing methods, classes emphasize clean technique, control, and respect, while still keeping the energy high and engaging for younger fencers. Through structured drills, games, and light sparring, students learn not just how to fence, but how to think, react, and move like true sabreurs.
Whether your child is brand new or looking to build a strong foundation, this program offers a supportive and exciting environment to grow, learn, and enjoy the art of sabre.What to expect:
Learning strikes and attack combinations with the sabre
Basic fencing footwork & parries
Light sparring
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
*Not required* Hockey or lacrosse gloves (lacrosse gloves are the better of the two)
*Not required* Fencing mask (we do have loaners available)
When?
Monday 5:30pm-6:30pm - Kids (age 8-12)
Monday 6:30pm-7:30pm - Youth (age 13-16)
Tuesday 5:30pm-6:30pm - Kids (age 8-12)
Tuesday 6:30pm-7:30pm - Youth (age 13-16)
Saturday 10:00am-11:00am - All Ages (age 6+, Parent and sibling class)
polish sabre
In the 17th century, the sabre was a staple weapon in Poland. Be it as the favored weapon of the legendary Polish hussars or the nicest of Polish infantry weapons, this heavy curved sword was as terrifying of a sight to see to its opponents as it was a beautiful one. Many different non-polish sources talk of the gorgeous, as well as deadly, style of polish sabre these warriors used.
In Poland back then, the sabre was more than just a sword. To have a sabre was to have a will and an ability to fight for what you believe. This style of sabre primarily differs from other sabre styles due to it being a heavier weapon. There's too much momentum to stop easily so the Polish developed ways to keep their sword moving, creating a beautiful flowy style involving many twirls and bringing the sword around your body, all the while delivering a flurry of powerful blows.
The Polish sabre is also more curved than many historical infantry sabres, leading to many unique tactics for the trickier of fencers. Either way, few styles of fencing lead to fighters being more comfortable moving their sword around in their hand and letting their blade do the work, making Polish sabre a wonderful option for beginners and already experienced fencers looking to improve their styles alike.
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are also available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are also available)
When?
Wednesday 7:30-8:30pm - Beginner (age 16+)
Wednesday 9:00pm-10:00pm - Intermediate (age 16+)
scottish Broadsword
The heavy, basket-hilted, Scottish broadsword was a devastating weapon to anyone who faced it. It was a popular sword of war in 17th and 18th centuries, and was designed to allow for a style of swift elegance mixed with true Scottish brutality.
The heavy blade made it a powerful tool on the battlefield, though the real innovation was in the basket hilt it had. It offered greater hand protection, as well as adding a counter-weight to the bottom of the sword, allowing strong highlanders to use a hefty weapon while still being fast enough to keep up with the lighter swords of their opponents.
Due to this, the style this sword is used for is a wonderful mix of precise fencing techniques mixed with the raw strength found in the warriors of Scotland. The style also has many techniques and concepts that fully embody the absolute refusal to give up and stop fighting Scotland is known for. This style is perfect for fencers looking to learn one of the most well rounded weapons ever made.
What to expect:
Instruction on the fundamentals of the broadsword and saber
Intensive training on footwork using lunges, slips, and passes
Combat tactics
Agility training
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners also available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners also available)
When?
Thursday 9:00pm-10:00pm - Beginner (age 16+)
Sunday 1:30pm-3:00pm - Intermediate (age 16+)
Conditioning Class
In this non-stylistic conditioning class, students will collaboratively work on fundamental aspects of fitness relevant to historical fencing. Special focus will be paid to explosiveness, flexibility, conscious body dynamics, and safe recovery with the intention of serving as additional training for fencers looking to elevate their art as well as preparation for tournaments. Additionally, fencers will learn basic precepts around grappling and grappling safety, which can apply to nearly any art.
To encourage fencers of all styles, this class has a reduced fee for any active member of Terra Nova Sword School.
What to expect:
Full-body workouts and mobility drills with moderate weight
Medium- to high-intensity cardio
Basic grappling, involving close contact and controlled falls
Discussion of tactics based on physical attributes
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Comfortable shoes and shorts/pants
Yoga mat (optional but recommended)
When?
Saturday 11:00am-12:00pm (age 15+)
Kids larp
Step into a world of adventure with our Dungeons & Dragons–inspired LARP Academy, where young heroes-in-training forge their skills, build their party, and embark on epic quests.
In this immersive program, students take on the roles of adventurers, warriors, rogues, rangers, and more. Learning real-world martial skills through a fantasy lens. Drawing from Historical European Martial Arts, participants will train in fundamentals like swordplay, off-hand techniques, and introductory ranged combat, all reimagined as the tools of a true dungeon-delver.
Each session is structured like a living campaign. Players will work together, take on quests, solve puzzles, and face off against monsters and bosses in live-action scenarios guided by their instructor “Dungeon Master.” Along the way, they’ll develop teamwork, confidence, strategy, and quick decision-making, just like in a real campaign.
Whether your child is new to D&D-style adventures or already loves fantasy worlds, this program blends physical activity with imagination in a way that’s exciting, social, and empowering.
Party size is limited to 6–8 adventurers to ensure every hero gets their moment to shine.
What to Expect
Basic intro to Sabre Fencing
Learning essential footwork & parries to evade the forces of darkness
Basic battlefield tactics for outsmarting enemy creatures
Light controlled sparring against fellow hunters-in-training
What to Bring
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non-marking shoes
Optional
Hockey or lacrosse gloves (lacrosse gloves are better)
Fencing mask (loaners available)
When?
Monday 4:30pm-5:30pm - Kids (age 6-10)
Wednesday 4:30pm-5:30pm - Kids (age 6-10)
Kukishinden ryu is a Japanese school of martial arts that originated in the 14th century. It contains a wide array of techniques including dagger, sword, stick, staff, spear, and glaive. In this workshop we will focus on its techniques for the odachi "big sword" and how they can be adapted and applied to European longsword practice
What to Expect
Basic intro to Japanese Swordarts
Japanese style footwork
Going through the different uses of the sword
What to Bring
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non-marking shoes
Optional
Fencing mask (loaners available)
When?
Sundays 12:30-1:30pm