Swordplay Guild of Romeo

Swordplay Guild of Romeo We are a Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) club. Our focus is on European martial traditions which are derived from documented historical sources.

As such, we look at fighting systems from the later middle ages and early modern period. Earlier manuscripts tend to be fragmentary or are derived from writers commenting on battles or fighting and do not yield a complete fighting system to study. With that in mind, our main focus is the longsword as taught by Joachim Meyer. Joachim Meyer, a self-described Freifechter (Free Fencer) wrote the, The

Art of Sword Combat around 1568. He was a fencing instructor in the 16th century and left behind a comprehensive system of swordsmanship to study. Over time, we will also look at other weapon styles and systems, such as dagger, pole arms, rapier, small sword, sword and buckler, and dussack. Europe has a number of weapons and schools of thought regarding their use over centuries, which allow us a great amount of material of learn from, interpret, and practice. It is important to note that these are predominately unarmored fighting styles. If you are interested in armored combat, there are other groups in the Detroit metro area that do focus on armored fighting. Like all martial arts, even in the 16th century, basics, such as footwork, guards, stances, and cuts were stressed, and repetition was and remains the key. Like many martial arts, the study of the sword can improve students’ physical fitness, mental focus and self-discipline. These are beneficial to people from all walks of life. The study of the sword certainly has a mind, body, spirit aspect to it. As students’ progress, free-play (sparing) can be added to the course of study, and then HEMA approved protective gear is necessary to ensure safe practice. Also, throughout the year, there are tournaments and events when clubs come together for classes, competition, seminars, etc. We welcome any questions, or stop by for a visit.

Open practice tomorrow at the usual time.
06/05/2026

Open practice tomorrow at the usual time.

Good class today, as we started our study of Burgundian Poleaxe. We’ll focus on this weapon and manual for the next sev...
06/03/2026

Good class today, as we started our study of Burgundian Poleaxe. We’ll focus on this weapon and manual for the next several weeks. Good times!

05/30/2026

We don’t often take on new students, simply a matter of space, equipment and providing enough instructor to student time to ensure safety as well as learning and applying the material.

However, with that said, as we shift our studies to poleaxe, we might be adding Wednesday’s to our class schedule. This allows us to spread out, but also creates a few openings. So if you are interested in joining the Guild, send me a message.

Best,

Dr. Kevin

05/30/2026

Good practice this afternoon, thanks to all who showed up as well as brought water. Had the privilege of "patching" in the newest full member of the Guild, with a special guest in attendance. Congratulations to Brendan "The Purple Terror" as our newest full member! Tuesday begins our study of Burgundian poleaxe. Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Were?
05/30/2026

Were?

Looking forward to Tuesday.
05/27/2026

Looking forward to Tuesday.

Good class today as we put down our daggers and pick up poleaxe for our next class and study. A bit of a lecture to dis...
05/27/2026

Good class today as we put down our daggers and pick up poleaxe for our next class and study. A bit of a lecture to discuss the historical context of the weapon and how it was employed in battles as well as the more common pas d’ armes and list.

05/22/2026

All, we will be meeting at the same time tomorrow. Please use the front door. For those traveling over the holiday weekend, have a great time, be safe, and we'll see everyone on Tuesday.

05/20/2026

Good class yesterday as we continued our study of medieval dagger combat. Added some grappling, take downs as well as some stress testing, regarding grappling to control the dagger, disarms, and protecting oneself. A good workout on one of the first hot days of the year.

Full length weapon rack, so very nice, and built to a medieval pattern. Leaving Rondel dagger behind in a week or two a...
05/16/2026

Full length weapon rack, so very nice, and built to a medieval pattern. Leaving Rondel dagger behind in a week or two and starting our study of poleaxe.

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231 N Main Street
Romeo, MI
48065

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