Tidewater Renaissance Fighting Arts

Tidewater Renaissance Fighting Arts Historical European Martial Arts (German Style) Saturdays from 6:15pm-9pm at South Norfolk Martial A Best of all, everything we teach is 100% authentic.

Tidewater Renaissance Fighting Arts (TRFA) is a non-profit martial arts and fencing organization dedicated to the study and practice of historical European martial arts dating from the 1200s to the 1600s. Our Medieval and Renaissance martial arts are dynamic, blindingly fast, aggressive, and deadly. In fact, many of our techniques are not allowed in modern UFC matches. We cover everything from the

intensely practical, like unarmed combat (Kampfringen and Abrazare) and dagger/knife fighting, to improvised weapons, to the revered knightly weapons used on Medieval and Renaissance battlefields. Our weapons include longsword, cutlass, sword-and-buckler, sidesword (aka military rapier or cut-and-thrust sword), quarterstaff, spear, pike, and pollaxe/halberd, and Montante(Greatsword). There's no made-up fantasy here, no impractical tricks, and no play acting. Just serious, deadly martial arts designed for self defense in every situation and designed by men who lived and died by the sword. Our fighting styles come from such noted historical masters as Master Sigmund Ringeck, Master Joachim Meyer, Master Johann Georg Pascha, and more. Join TRFA and fight like a knight!

One of our instructors Timothy Ware recently participated in a HEMA demonstration at Harvest Faire with Sword Circle!
05/08/2026

One of our instructors Timothy Ware recently participated in a HEMA demonstration at Harvest Faire with Sword Circle!

A few of our instructors went to an Armored fighting workshop. It looks like they had a great time!
05/06/2026

A few of our instructors went to an Armored fighting workshop. It looks like they had a great time!

Ramirez and the Venans (Visiting Knights) at The Tournament of the Argent Lion.
04/28/2026

Ramirez and the Venans (Visiting Knights) at The Tournament of the Argent Lion.

04/27/2026

Ramirez could not fight and record at the same time, but this was what fighting was like at the Deed of Arms!

This weekend our instructor Ramirez fought at the Tournament of the Argent Lion Deed of Arms! The gathering included 25 ...
04/27/2026

This weekend our instructor Ramirez fought at the Tournament of the Argent Lion Deed of Arms! The gathering included 25 Armored Knights divvied into "tenants" (holders) were knights who hosted the Deed and challenged "venants" (comers) to combat. Tenants hung their shields, emblazoned with coats of arms, on trees or tents, and challengers would ask them to fight until satisfaction was met. But it was not all fighting and there were classes the day before was a great feast and revelry after!

04/17/2026

We want to wish our instructors Tim, Steve, and Maya a great time this weekend at Compagnia call: the Path to Arms. Class will still be held this weekend led by Ramirez.

TRFA will be here, representing in style both in the fighting list and off!
03/06/2026

TRFA will be here, representing in style both in the fighting list and off!

Revelry and Restoration is TOMORROW! 

See below for a couple of reminders about the event.

Where is the event? The Historic Martin Mansion, 524 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507

When does it start?: Saturday March 7th, 2026 from 6PM - 9PM

Dress Code: Costumes are encouraged but not required! Outfit inspiration can be drawn from a Midsummer’s Night Dream, Ever After, A Knight’s Tale, and general Renaissance festival garb!

For any questions give us a call at 757-623-9814 or email [email protected]

To learn more about this event please visit www.hunterhousemuseum.org - limited tickets are still available!

To those participating next weekend at the charity event and those of you making it possible, this toast is for you!Phot...
02/24/2026

To those participating next weekend at the charity event and those of you making it possible, this toast is for you!

Photo by Hannah Yurchison

At Tidewater Renaissance Fighting Arts, we don't just teach you how to use swords. Our study is based around a collectio...
02/22/2026

At Tidewater Renaissance Fighting Arts, we don't just teach you how to use swords. Our study is based around a collection of Renaissance weapons anf historical arms.

Do you want to see Medieval Combat and have a great time? TRFA will be doing our next exhibition here for charity.
02/06/2026

Do you want to see Medieval Combat and have a great time?
TRFA will be doing our next exhibition here for charity.

​​Step into an enchanting evening where history, imagination, and community spirit intertwine. Inspired by the magic of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this Renaissance-themed fundraiser invites guests to wander through a world of twinkling lights, whimsical décor, and timeless cha...

01/30/2026

Due to the current weather prediction for snow before and during practice, we are cancelling practice for Sat Jan 31st!

Keep training at home, and we will see you all next week.

Side note: Ramirez is sad as he has been looking to try out his new messer since last week's cancellation. :-(

Send a message to learn more

Address

2405 Bainbridge Boulevard
Chesapeake, VA
23324

Opening Hours

6:15pm - 9pm

Website

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