Across Brisbane and beyond, Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) clubs bring centuries-old swordplay back to life. From the precise techniques of 1300s longsword to the elegance of Renaissance Spanish rapier, each group explores a unique martial tradition, studying from original historical texts. This June, these clubs are coming together in Stafford for a special weekend of workshops — and you’re invited.
Whether you’re currently a student of HEMA or you have never picked up a sword before, we have workshops for you.
Beginner sword fighting workshops
Learn the basics of attack and defence using a real blunt sword. Clubs around Southeast Queensland practice many different versions of historic fencing.
We have beginner events using swords just like the ones you've seen in Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, or Zorro.
Expert sessions for HEMA students
Explore HEMA from three different streams -
Research - where you might workshop interpretations of a text that has been lesser explored locally, attend lectures, or explore adjacent areas of interest to HEMA.
Refinement - where you will be applying broadly applicable principles with a skills improvement focus.
Recreation - where you get the chance to fence socially, with a prize each day for the person who collects the most opponents on their dance card.
Events
Participating Clubs
Swordwork Brisbane was made possible thanks to the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund, and the hard working volunteers in the fencing community.
We acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We aim to be a welcoming, safe, and fun. We are committed to making our event open to all, and to ensuring that HEMA reflects the communities in which we live. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming place for people of all ages, abilities, genders, cultural, ethnic or religious backgrounds or socio-economic status.
Discriminatory language or anti-social conduct is not tolerated in any form. We honour Companion Cards issued by state governments.
Thuruna St, Stafford, QLD