The School of the Sword

The School of the Sword Italian swordplay of the 15th-18th Centuries as a historically accurate and effective martial art. There is no better time to learn swordplay.

At the School of the Sword we study fencing as it was taught by the Italian masters in the 16th and 17th centuries, using period weapons such as the sidesword, buckler (small handheld shield) and rapier. We take students at all levels of fitness and ability.There is no upper age limit. At a time when we are constantly reminded of the value of health, fitness and well being, historical swordplay can bring great benefits. Established in 2002 The School of the Sword is one of the oldest historical fencing groups in the UK; with a large share of tournament wins at national and international level, a number of published works, and instructors who have taught worldwide. We train on

Mondays 8.00 to 10.00pm at AcademySport, Northumberland Avenue, Reading, Berks

and

Wednesdays 8.00pm to 10.00pm at Broadwater School Sports Centre, Summers Lane, Godalming, Surrey.

This weekend instructors Fran and Emilia taught classes and gave a lecture at Swords of the Renaissance VII hosted by Sc...
01/09/2026

This weekend instructors Fran and Emilia taught classes and gave a lecture at Swords of the Renaissance VII hosted by Schildwache Potsdam, in Germany.

The event is held at the breathtaking and historical Neues Palais in Potsdam, and features a wealth of international instructors. It was a pleasure to be invited back.

Emilia gave a breakout class on solo drills, and Fran taught two workshops: Bolognese footwork and Proceeding with Resolution according to Fabris. She also gave a lecture on building strong communities.

Many thanks to all the attendees, but especially the instructors and organisational team. Amazing work.

10/08/2026
05/08/2026

Tonight in Godalming we summoned Marozzo and explored the segno.

We had three instructors at Fightcamp 2026:Emilia - Fiore longsword disarms Fran - Bolognese footwork using the segnoRic...
28/07/2026

We had three instructors at Fightcamp 2026:

Emilia - Fiore longsword disarms
Fran - Bolognese footwork using the segno
Rick - Polearms according to Marozzo, Meyer, Manciolino and Monte

It was a great event and we look forward to 2027!

Congratulations to Teya, Ren and Claudio who have all passed their safety tests and are now full members of the School! ...
01/07/2026

Congratulations to Teya, Ren and Claudio who have all passed their safety tests and are now full members of the School!

Greatsword, or Spadone, or Montante, is a great teacher: it introduces body mechanics and stability like no other sword ...
15/06/2026

Greatsword, or Spadone, or Montante, is a great teacher: it introduces body mechanics and stability like no other sword can. It gives instant feedback, and once correct form is achieved it’s easier to replicate with smaller weapons. Plus who doesn’t love the big swords? ✈️✈️ ✏📝

29/05/2026

We promise no trees have been hurt in the process;) cuts are very light and controlled teaching Soxford students solo rapier drills this very hot Thursday

It was a very warm evening in Godalming tonight so we trained outside, and also tested our latest members. Congratulatio...
27/05/2026

It was a very warm evening in Godalming tonight so we trained outside, and also tested our latest members. Congratulations Matt and James on passing!

Address

Oxford

Opening Hours

Monday 8pm - 10pm
Wednesday 8pm - 10pm
Sunday 11am - 1pm

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