The

FederWyrm

Project

A Historical European Martial Arts initiative built on inclusivity, accessibility and respect.

We strive to break down the social barriers often found in Martial Arts.

With deep roots in fencing, HEMA, and various martial disciplines, we are dedicated to creating safe and welcoming spaces where individuals—regardless of physical ability, personal background, or identity—can explore our fascinating wealth of historical martial techniques and realise their potential without fear of bias or exclusion.

We wish to foster a training environment where every student leaves feeling empowered, healthier, and uplifted. FederWyrm also stands as a proud advocate for the LGBTQA+ community and works to uphold the dignity and right of self-realisation of it’s students and members!

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What is H.E.M.A.?

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is the study and practice of combat techniques from Europe's past, based on historical manuals and traditions. Covering disciplines like longsword, rapier, and wrestling, HEMA revives centuries-old fighting arts with a focus on authenticity, skill, and historical accuracy. Whether for sport, self-improvement, or historical exploration, HEMA offers a unique blend of martial discipline, exploration and scholarship.

Mission Statement:

We are a beginner friendly martial arts club, recreating historical Sword Arts and We focus on diversity, fun, being safe and getting fencing-fit. As such, we seek to provide a safe and accessible space for anyone who would like to become involved in the historical sword arts community. We are seeking for our members to leave a session healthier and happier than before they entered it.

We are also proudly supporting the Esfinges, the Women’s HEMA network and the LGBT+ community.

What?

Our main sources of study are the traditions of Unarmoured Longsword fencing. We are working from a well developed syllabus and students measure their own progress in a workbook. Our weapon of choice is the two-handed longsword. We also offer instruction in Quarterstaff, Saber, Arming Sword & Buckler.

Here at FederWyrm we mostly focus on Sascha’s favourite disciplines which are:

  • Longsword according to the Lichtenauer and related traditions

  • Saber according to Roworth

  • Polearms & Staff according to Joachim Meyer, Andre Paurenfeyndt and others

Motivation

As a martial arts instructor and certified sports coach, I firmly believe in the benefits of a good physical education. My background lies in Fencing and HEMA and to a lesser degree Escrima, Judo and MMA. I also spent a lot of time stage-fighting with various re-enactment groups and had a stint as an archery instructor.

One of my big pet peeves is that a lot of combat sports are fundamentally inaccessible to people who are less physically able or struggle with integration into established clubs due to a lack of resources to facilitate their various personal requirements.

I have also personally witnessed severe bias and even abuse in various clubs and training circles, something I see not only as morally unacceptable but also a direct threat to the survival of the combat sports and martial arts community.

My approach as a coach and trainer is therefore to recognise the individual’s needs, both physical and mental, and work with them so they can discover their potential. My only goal is for my students to leave a session happier and maybe even somewhat healthier than before, unbiased and irrespective of age, gender assignment, ethnicity or indeed personal ability and talent. I also proudly support the LGBTQA+ community.

I have been and am both a student and a teacher and continue my learning journey. In the past I have worked with:

  • The Derby KDF Study Group

  • The Leeds FederWyrm Club (on hiatus)

  • The Swordpunk Event (https://www.swordpunk.co.uk/)

  • The Manchester School of Arms (https://manchesterswords.martialartsuk.org/historical_sword_arts)

I am currently affiliated with the ever-benevolent BMABA, an award winning, independent and self funded martial arts organisation that promotes, regulates and develops martial arts within the United Kingdom.