WHO ARE WE?
Swordwind was founded in Charlotte, NC in 2014.
We are a martial arts school that studies and trains unarmored medieval fencing with one and two-handed swords in the German tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer and Italian Bolognese tradition.
WHAT ARE
HISTORICAL EUROPEAN MARTIAL ARTS
From the Middle Ages through the 19th century, a rich tradition of European martial arts developed, with masters and students alike recording the fighting techniques of their time. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is the practice of reconstructing these traditional systems using these original documents. We don’t have to speculate about how people fought in the medieval period; we can learn directly from their writings! Swordwind is part of the global HEMA movement, dedicated to reviving these European martial arts, with a particular focus on medieval combat from Germany and Italy.
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Learning To Sword Fight With Swordwind
Inside the World of Longsword Fighting | The New York Times
WHY SHOULD I COME?
Everyone picks up a sword for their own unique reasons. For some, it’s about bringing history to life. For others, it’s a way to connect with the martial traditions of their ancestors. Some are drawn by the challenge of staying fit, while others chase the adrenaline of competition.
All are welcome.
All people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and experience levels are welcome. We ask only that you train earnestly and treat others with respect.
HOW WE TEACH
We approach training in three ways:
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Historical Technique: Studying period treatises and reconstructing the techniques they describe, keeps our fencing grounded in the experience of people who successfully trained generations of fencers to survive real sword fights.
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Sparring: By applying our reconstructions against live opponents*, we test how well we have learned the lessons of past masters.
*Using blunt swords, wearing appropriate protection!
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Test Cutting: Cutting stationary targets with sharp swords gives us appreciation for how edged weapons work, and ensures that the way that we move in sparring would produce real wounds.
AFFILIATES
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