Black Flag HEMA is a Historical European Martial Arts club in Tampa, FL focusing on longsword, rapier, saber, dussack, and the overall martial traditions of Europe and the West from the 16th through the 19th century.
Historical Fencing & Martial Arts
HEMA, or Historical European Martial Arts, is a collection of independent martial systems that trace their roots back to medieval Europe - specifically, martial systems that originate in Europe (and often the global west) to which there is no living lineage in the modern day, but surviving written records (from instruction manuals to firsthand accounts) do exist for us to base our research on. Practice involves technical martial arts instruction in a variety of weapons including longsword, saber, polearms, rapier, and more, as well as overall skills work and frequent open fencing/sparring.
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Black Flag HEMA has classes and open fencing sessions twice a week, Monday and Thursdays from 630 to 830 - we welcome fencers of all skill and experience levels and strive to create an accessible martial arts environment that allows individuals to focus on high performance and skill application in line with their personal goals. Our club works to balance the historical, tournament, martial, and fun of getting to sword fight your friends regularly - there are all sorts of ways to "do HEMA", and we believe in supporting a fencer's individual goals.
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See the Schedule and Membership pages for info on sessions, pricing, and more.
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Black Flag HEMA is a HEMA Alliance club.
Equipment / Sparring
Equipment for HEMA can be both confusing and expensive. We highly recommend attending a class and chatting about your goals, weapon preferences, and more before purchasing ANY equipment.
As a general rule, always plan on wearing athletic attire you can move comfortably in, and closed-toed athletic shoes. Your first investment will be "personal athletic protection" - an athletic cup most commonly, or a breast protector.
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As a HEMA Alliance Affiliate club, we adhere STRICTLY to the HEMA Alliance safety policy - the HEMAA Safety Policy can be found by clicking here.
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Our free play/fencing is split into tiers based on goals and intensity, and the gear requirements are listed below.
Free fencing/sparring Tiers and MINIMUM Associated Gear Required
(all tiers require sex/gender specific protection, as stated above)
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Tier 0 - Foam/Soft weapons
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Fencing Mask
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Gloves (lacrosse/Red Dragon or better)
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Tier 1 - Light Synthetic (above-the-waist targeting, no thrusting, light contact)
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Fencing Mask
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Plastic Chest Protector or HEMA Jacket
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Rigid Elbows
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Gloves (lacrosse/Red Dragon or better)
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Tier 2 - Medium Synthetic (full body target, light contact)
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Fencing Mask w/ Back of Head Protection
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Plastic Chest Protector or HEMA Jacket
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Rigid Elbow/Knee Protection
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Gloves (Red Dragon or better)
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Tier 3 - Standard Synthetic / Steel Fencing
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Fencing Mask w/ Back of Head Protection
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350N Minimum Fencing/HEMA Jacket (rigid chest protector optional for padded jackets, but recommended)
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Rigid elbow/knee protection
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Shin/forearm protection (recommended for light contact, required for standard intensity sparring)
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Gorget/rigid throat protection
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Gloves (Light padded gloves for complex hilted rapiers, baskets, etc.; Red Dragon or better for sidesword/open hilt saber; Sparring Gloves/SPES Heavy Gloves for longsword/open hilted swords;)
Ranking System
Ranking at Black Flag HEMA is a simple system, based on skill progression, commitment, and exhibition of the core values of the club.
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MEMBER - All new club members are simply that - members. Enjoy your new sword hobby!
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SCHOLAR - Upon completion of your "patch test", you are given the club patch to affix to your jacket. The test is a simple skills test, and only must be completed for your primary area of study (rapier, saber, or longsword). You are now free to "move about the cabin" of HEMA, representing our club at tournaments and events safely and proudly. You may also begin exploring other source material, weapons, etc. with the blessing of the club. Scholars are distinguished by the Black Flag patch on their jacket/kit.
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FREE SCHOLAR - Senior club members who have demonstrated the ability to assist with instruction in at least their primary weapon or area of study, and potentially to lead instruction for Scholar-level members on their own. Free Scholars are expected to be able to help coach fencers to improve their practical skills, as well as have an understanding of the historical source material to build lessons and answer questions. Free Scholars are distinguished by a blue sash around their offhand calf/leg.
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PROVOST - Provost is the highest achievable rank in the club. Provosts are expected to be able to lead class on their own, to test Scholars for their patch, and to be fluent in all styles the club offers (at least enough to provide feedback and informed coaching to students of the style). Provosts often will travel to participate and exchange knowledge at larger events around the globe, and disseminate that knowledge to the club. Provosts are distinguished by a red sash around their offhand calf/leg.