Hotspur School of Defence

12/03/2026

Great to see a busy room last night for the longsword in two hands of Fiore d'ei Libere. Especially given we had a cadre of new students joining us from our January Foundation Longsword Class which wrapped up last week.
Their efforts were being led by Andrew Armstrong and James Smith (centre of shot facing the camera) who we had the privilege of promoting last night from Assistant Instructor to full Instructor in recognition of their passion, knowledge and long term dedication to supporting both the students and the HSD.
Website update is on the list of things to do where we will share a bit more info about them and their focus in the club (some of it might even be true).

15/01/2026

Classes have re-commenced once again at the HSD for 2026 with great enthusiasm. Our regular classes are on a Monday and Wednesday evening. The first Longsword Foundation class of the year starts this evening but a couple of places still left for April. Nice to see everyone having fun and doing their thing last night whether it be longsword technique, tournament prep or poleaxe interpretation from Le Jue de la Hache.

07/08/2025

07/08/2025

Our 8 week Beginners Course takes you through all the fundamental skills of attack and defence with the longsword. We cover historical techniques as described in manuals written by the fencing Masters of the period, but taught with modern training methods.
Upon completion of the initial 8 week course you will be eligible to continue on to our regular weekly classes where longsword tuition continues but as students progress we also look at other fencing systems of the 14th and 15th Century.
Places on the course are limited. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Training equipment provided
Starts 11th September
Benfield Sports Centre - Newcastle
Book now - https://hosted-uk.coacha.app/FF2P6IDA

24/05/2025

Our friends at BAF are once again putting on the Cavendish Convivial, the North East's only Historical Martial Arts event.

You can get your tickets here https://bartitsu.wordpress.com/the-cavendish-convivial/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKfDj5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFzRE1idDRUNHREZmdLSkc4AR7SdvG4s-Dzddz8vXUW5mSOUbmXZ4txk2EuQlXuaylde9fctNLNym0aE4g5pg_aem_hXxWNrGS0FeJbf4lzlS3Lw

Get Your Ticket Here! We are returning for a fourth year with our friendly little event taking place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. We have instructors from around the UK teaching sessions on self-defence…

10/04/2025

Suit of Swords in Glasgow in October has a great line up. Obviously we’re slightly biased. 😜

Next in our fantastic lineup is Jo York !

DUDE, WHERE'S MY SWORD

We've all been there, one moment you're happily fencing and when all of a sudden you can't use your sword because your opponent has either grabbed it or otherwise stopped in being useful. But the fight doesn't necessarily have to end there.

We'll be looking at some of the plays from various 15th century manuscripts, that can be used when you find yourself unarmed. Whether that's by choice when you fancy a bit of grappling or when your sword is no-longer an option.

You don't have to have done any grappling before, but if you have then you know how fun it can be and that's there's always some fun sneaky things to learn.

ABOUT JO

Jo has been studying various different martial arts since 2000 including Capoeira and Aikido where she earned her Black belt in 2012. In 2017 she joined the Hotspur School of Defence in Newcastle where she trains in Longsword, Messer, Dagger, Sword & Buckler, Poleaxe and unarmed combat from various sources, mostly 15th century. In April 2024 she and the two other instructors took over the running of the School.

Outside of the HSD Jo has taught at HEMA events across the UK and Europe, but this will be her first teaching event in Scotland. In 2024 Jo joined forces with Lauren Ireland from York School of Defence to co-found Messerfest, the UK’s only Messer focused event. And she is part of the team behind the EckyThump! tournament series.

26/02/2025

Our 8 week Beginners Course takes you through all the fundamental skills of attack and defence with the longsword. We cover historical techniques as described in manuals written by the fencing Masters of the period, but taught with modern training methods.
Upon completion of the initial 8 week course you will be eligible to continue on to our regular weekly classes where longsword tuition continues but as students progress we also look at other fencing systems of the 14th and 15th Century.
Places on the course are limited. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Training equipment provided
Starts April 1st 2025
Book now - https://hosted-uk.coacha.app/FF2P6IDA

27/11/2024

Congratulations to all those that played their prizeplays on Saturday! Another 11 new Hotspur Scholars, who all brought their A games. Thanks to all that came to fence them.

11/11/2024

Our 8 week Beginners Course takes you through all the fundamental skills of attack and defence with the longsword. We cover historical techniques as described in manuals written by the fencing Masters of the period, but taught with modern training methods.
Upon completion of the initial 8 week course you will be eligible to continue on to our regular weekly classes where longsword tuition continues but as students progress we also look at other fencing systems of the 14th and 15th Century.
Places on the course are limited. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Training equipment provided
Starts: 16th Jan 2025

Book Now - https://hosted-uk.coacha.app/FF2P6IDA

04/11/2024

We're very excited to be hosting the 2nd Ecky Thump HEMA League on February 1st 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

It's a different kind of tournament which allows for huge array for different weapons and mixed weapons. We have loads of fun in York during the summer for the first one and can't wait for our turn to host!

Book now: https://eckythump.me/booking/

The HEMA Tournament with a difference is back for Episode 2 (or Toon as it's in Newcastle). Hosted by Hotspur School of Defence.

The same format as last time, 3 separate categories, very loosely based on three distinct historical time periods in order to facilitate fun and varied fencing.

Booking and more details: https://eckythump.me/booking/

28/08/2024

We had a great time at Ecky Thump HEMA League last weekend!

Congratulations to winners! Well done to York School of Defence for making it happen.

Guess it's our turn next - Watch this space!