What We Do
At Steel Ring Academy, we don't just swing swords. We offer a unique blend of historical traditional, modern combat sport, and community.
We firmly are committed to maintaining a positive training environment where all students can grow their skills and confidence while having fun!
At Steel Ring Academy, we utilize a Spiral Approach for our curriculum, re-visiting and building upon skills as students progress through additional concepts. Our seven-level ranking system tracks an individual student's skill progression and achievements, allowing for personalized growth and development within the group class structure.
Steel Ring Academy prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive environment. SWORDS FOR ALL!
Our Core Values
Strength
We believe in the importance of strong minds and bodies. We train our minds through study of historical manuscripts and our bodies through sword training.
Respect
Respect for ourselves, each other, and our differences as individuals creates a supportive, growth-mindset learning environment. Our school is founded on the belief that community is important.
Authenticity
While western sword martial arts is of a broken lineage, we strive to maintain authenticity to the historical sources in our modern study.
What Is HEMA?
HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts
HEMA is the study and practice of individual weapons combat as it was taught and practiced in the Medieval and Renaissance periods all over Europe. Historical manuscripts and treatises are are studied and the instructions are then applied for use with modern equipment and safety considerations.
Historical sword fencing is growing in popularity, and HEMA organizations are found in numerous countries worldwide. HEMA sporting events are held around the globe every year. HEMA's broad and diverse scope of period covers weapon and fighting styles from hand-to-hand grappling, to sword play, to polearms and great shields.
HEMA attracts a broad spectrum of people for many reasons. Here at Steel Ring Academy, we allow our members to explore and study any and all the aspects of HEMA as they wish. We give a framework and guidelines in which a person can grow.
Sport Track or Feder-Fechter - the appeal to competitive swordplay in arenas of tournaments and conquest.
Traditional Track or Ernst-Fechter - the appeal to the connection to history and actual people of the past, and learning the same techniques and methods to use swords.
Enthusiast Track or Schimpf-Fechter - the appeal to spend time and energy learning things that bring people together in camaraderie.
To perpetuate and encourage all three tracks, we deliberately plan classes for adults and teens and activities that will benefit each of the three tracks in equal measure. We ensure fun, fit, and edifying experiences and keep things fresh.