ARMS Academy

We have moved, but only slightly! Come find us at the unused netball courts between Eddie Mac's and Victoria Park.

If you want to learn historical fencing, we train every Saturday from 9-11am (unless it rains.)

DM for more info!

It's been way too long since we last posted, so here are some photos from the past few weeks.

If you want to learn and in , join us! DM or comment for more details.

Nothing but swords and good vibes at ARMS Academy.

There isn’t really a theme to this post, just a few pictures from recent training sessions and of our mascot.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Taking full advantage of a sunny day to practice Fiore’s sword in two hands.

The second master (think of it as one of Fiore’s techniques) is an interesting one. Two swords clash at roughly the middle of the blade, and the first fighter to thrust or hit the hands is the winner. Think of it as, “Be fast, Git gud”, but all the techniques sound like a pasta dish.

Want to learn medieval Italian longsword? DM to join in, every Saturday (weather permitting) at Victoria Park, 9am-11am.

Also, hands weren’t a target in this, and we were drilling at a very controlled pace, so everyone was safe.

A few weeks ago we did a lesson entirely about thrusts with longsword and sabre. To reinforce the drills, we had some bouts on a narrow stone bridge, where only thrusts counted for valid points.

That’s Matt in blue, and Jason in grey.

It was one of my favourite lessons so far for three reasons. 1: being able to stress test a drill in a contextually relevant setting really brings out the lessons you’re trying to teach. 2: being able to play around in our space is a huge advantage to training in Victoria Park. 3: you get to yell “you shall not pass!”

Also, this was before a recent gear upgrade, and we have more sparring jackets now. Low gear sparring has its place, but we took this really carefully and came out without even a bruise.

In Gqeberha and want to learn historical fencing? Send me a DM, we’ll be happy to have you.

Nice pike square you got there. Be a shame if something… happened to it.

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to travel to Pretoria to compete in Esprit De Combat open sabre tournament.

I don’t have any photos of me actually fencing, the guys taking photos were competing themselves, but you can probably spot my blue jacket in some of these.

The event was an excellent learning experience, and getting my sabre abilities put through the gauntlet was a great way to highlight my strengths and shortcomings.

I didn’t make it to the second half of the tournament, but I came back a better fencer.

Also, the folks of Esprit De Combat were so welcoming and great to hang out with! MACS - Medieval Armed Combat School and Cape Swords HEMA were represented too. Being able to connect with other HEMA clubs in South Africa was a huge highlight. You’re all welcome to join in our training.

Sabre in the park between Matthew (left) and Jason (right).
DM us if you want to take up arms, there’s always room for more.

"What gear do I need?"

For historical fencing? Quite a lot. To join ARMS Academy? Just workout clothes, and maybe sunblock.

Training is free, gear is provided, all you need to do is bring an open mind and a fighting spirit.

To start off 2023, let me introduce myself:

My name is Matt, I'm a life-long martial arts practitioner, and I founded ARMS Academy in 2022. I'm a well-equipped enthusiastic nerd.

Despite loving martial arts and swords for most of my life, I don't hold any credentials as a coach or trainer. I'm quite up front about the gaps in my knowledge, and I started ARMS so I could create a local community to learn with.

So if you're looking for recommendations on gear or weapons, want to learn HEMA as a community, or just feel like geeking out over swords, drop a DM or join in for training.

Ps, the dog is Bumble, she joins in sometimes.