Historical Fencing | Black Flag Arts

Black Flag Historical Fencing is a peer-guided study group focusing on the reconstruction and application of historical martial arts and their associated weapons. Areas of study include various historical weapons and their applications in both single combat, civilian duels, and battlefield scenarios. Study may also include unarmed martial arts accompanying historical fighting systems. Regions of study include Europe, East Asia, the pre-colonial Americas, and more.

Historical Fencing & Martial Arts

Club sessions involve open fencing/sparring in a variety of weapons including rapier, katana, staff, jian, saber, polearms, longsword, and more, with a focus on one-on-one coaching provided by the instructors. This is how fencing has been primarily taught throughout history, and while this does require students to be self-driven and motivated to improve through their own study/practice, it also allows active and personalized coaching in a wider range of topics.

Black Flag Historical Fencing meets once a week, on Monday - 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.

NOTE: Our club does not offer group classes. Sessions are focused primarily on open fencing/bouting, with instructors providing one-on-one coaching to each member. Club members will be coached in the basics when they first join, and topics covered may necessitate group study, but "classes" are not the primary goal of these sessions.

See the Schedule and Membership pages for info on sessions, pricing, and more.

Equipment / Sparring

Equipment for historical fencing 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.

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)

Tier 0 - Foam/Soft weapons

Fencing Mask
Gloves (lacrosse/Red Dragon or better)

Tier 1 - Light Synthetic (above-the-waist targeting, no thrusting, light contact)

Fencing Mask
Plastic Chest Protector or HEMA Jacket
Rigid Elbows
Gloves (lacrosse/Red Dragon or better)

Tier 2 - Medium Synthetic (full body target, light contact)

Fencing Mask w/ Back of Head Protection
Gorget/neck protector
Plastic Chest Protector or HEMA Jacket
Rigid Elbow/Knee Protection (shin/forearm recommended but not required)
Gloves (Red Dragon or better)

Tier 3 - Standard Synthetic / Steel Fencing

Fencing Mask w/ Back of Head Protection
STEEL: 350N Minimum Fencing/HEMA Jacket (rigid chest protector optional for padded jackets, but recommended)
Rigid elbow/knee protection
Shin/forearm protection (recommended for light contact, required for standard intensity sparring)
Gorget/rigid throat protection
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 Historical Fencing is a simple system, based on skill progression, commitment, and exhibition of the core values of the club.

MEMBER - All new club members are simply that - members. Enjoy your new sword hobby!

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 (as adjudicated by an instructor). You are now free to "move about the cabin" of historical fencing, 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.

FREE SCHOLAR - Senior club members and instructors who have demonstrated a high degree of competence in at least their primary weapon or area of study. 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.