Welcome to the Wessex School of Arms.
“There is no manner of teaching comparable to the old ancient teachings, that is, first their quarters, then their wards, blows, thrusts, and breaking of thrusts, then their closes and grips, striking with the hilts, daggers, bucklers, wrestling, striking with foot or knee in the coddes, and all these are safely defended in learning perfectly of the grips.” -George Silver - Paradoxes of Defence (1599)
At the Wessex School of Arms we research and train in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), with a particular focus on the martial arts systems current in England between the 16th and 19th centuries – the Nobel Science of Defence.
- Our core training covers backsword, quarterstaff and unarmed self-defence. These skills form the foundation for training with all manner of weapons, including sword and buckler, sword and dagger, two hand sword, pole arms and dagger fighting.
- We are a member of the British Federation for Historical Swordplay (BFHS). All of our instructors carry BFHS instructor qualifications.
- Our clubs are open to all over 18 years old regardless of gender, background or ability.
