Carried by masters-at-arms as a symbol of their authority, the fearsome Iberian greatsword known as the montante was used in both battlefield and civilian settings. This class will primarily focus on the foundational rules authored by Diogo Gomes de Figueyredo, supplemented by the works of other Iberian masters. Concepts from the system of La Verdadera Destreza will also be explored. For safety, there will not be any contact sparring in this class but there will be partner drills as well as solo work. Any large greatsword, be it steel, synthetic, or wooden, will suffice - even 5-1/2 feet of closet pole will work! - but longswords are not suitable for these techniques. Hard protection is not required, but a pair of light gloves is recommended.
Ronin Richards
Meyer's Rappier* - Essentials and Techniques
This is a beginner friendly class that will focus on the essentials and techniques needed to understand sidesword/rapier and how it fits into Meyer's KDF.
*not a typo, this is how Meyer spelled it in his book and his take on this weapon is often spelled this way. The weapon he was using is closer to what we would call a sidesword today. To differentiate this from the later Italian Rapier we have chosen to preserve that spelling.
Ted Elsner
Ted Elsner
Introduction to Historical Fencing: Longsword is a beginner-friendly class designed as the ideal starting point for learning the longsword. In this session, you’ll be introduced to the core fundamentals of longsword fencing, including stance, footwork, and cutting mechanics. After completing this class, students who wish to continue will advance to Longsword: Essentials.
Erro Greenwood
Longsword: Essentials is our foundational course on the use of the German longsword. In this class, you’ll learn the primary cuts, stance, footwork, and defensive actions. Sessions are held in a group setting with an emphasis on personal growth and skill development. Most students spend between 8 and 12 sessions in this class before earning their White Ribbon rank and advancing to Longsword: Techniques.
Ted Elsner
Arthur Henry
Ted, Arthur
Ted Elsner
Arthur Henry
Longsword: Techniques is an intermediate-level class open to students who have completed Longsword: Essentials and earned their White Ribbon. In this class, you’ll train with a partner through paired drills while learning the named techniques from Joachim Meyer’s Kunst des Fechtens.
Freeplay Sparring: Longsword is an open session for anyone who wants to fence in a relaxed, self-directed environment. You don’t need to be a member or have prior HEMA experience to participate (however fencing experience is required). This session is a supplement to the Longsword: Techniques class and is free to anyone who takes the preceding class. There is a $20 fee for non-members, while prepaid members may use one of their purchased classes or pay the drop-in rate. Monthly, semi-annual, and annual memberships include free access.
Peter Morrow
Arthur Henry
Peter, Arthur
Peter Morrow
Arthur Henry
The Liechtenauer Lift’n Hour is a strength training class designed for historical fencers who want to build functional strength. While experienced lifters are welcome, the class is geared toward beginners. Participants will follow a 5x5 strength program with coaching on proper form. Those who attend the Sunday class may also use the school’s equipment during the week under instructor supervision.
Alexander Snook
Alexander Snook
The German Kunst des Fechtens includes the use of many weapons, including the rondel dagger and grappling. This class explores this portion of the tradition and is acceptable for beginners or advanced students alike.
George Silver's Paradoxes of Defense and Brief Instructions Upon My Paradoxes of Defense form the basis of the material that this group studies. Held the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month it is open to anyone interested in the English Art of Defense
Douglas “Nytshaed” Leonard
Douglas “Nytshaed” Leonard
A beginner friendly class on the Lightsaber for Children (8+) and parents taught by Douglas 'Nytshaed' Leonard, a TSL champion fencer. Embrace your inner desires and learn to use that elegant weapon of a more civilized age.
Chris "Mongoose" Ryan
Chris "Mongoose" Ryan
The goal of this class is to study and apply 16th century sources for sword in one hand and using an additional object in your off hand. The class will mainly focus on Sidesword manuals. A shorter rapier (37" or less for most people) with hand protection is sufficient for the class. Basket hilts, sabers, and arming swords with padded or gauntleted hands will work with most of the material we will cover. Padded Hema jackets are not required but additional protection for elbow, knee, and back of head are needed for sparring. Calibration will be lighter than HEMA tournament standards. Various offhand weapons will be made available depending on the topic of the day.
Arthur Henry
Arthur Henry
A Fundamentals to Italian Rapier class is taught by Arthur Henry, the number 2 ranked Rapier and Dagger fencer in the world. This is an intense class for people looking to improve their fencing performance in a competitive setting. A water bottle is recommended for this class.
Peter Morrow
Peter Morrow
This class immerses you in the elegant world of French smallsword fencing, a refined martial art steeped in history. From mastering footwork to executing precise thrusts, you'll learn the artistry and precision of this classical form, honing both body and mind in the process. Taught by Peter Morrow of the Diamond Rose Academy d’Arms
Arthur Henry
Arthur Henry
Wednesday Fight Night is open to anyone who wants an opportunity to test their skills. You don’t need to be a member or have prior HEMA experience to participate. There is a $20 fee for non-members, while prepaid members may use one of their purchased classes or pay the drop-in rate. Monthly, semi-annual, and annual memberships include free access.
If this is your first time attending, your session is free.
Ronin Richards
Ted Elsner
Ronin, Ted
Ronin Richards
Ted Elsner
Longsword: Essentials is our foundational course on the use of the German longsword. In this class, you’ll learn the primary cuts, stance, footwork, and defensive actions. Sessions are held in a group setting with an emphasis on personal growth and skill development. Most students spend between 8 and 12 sessions in this class before earning their White Ribbon rank and advancing to Longsword: Techniques.
Ted Elsner
Ted Elsner
Longsword: Techniques is an intermediate-level class open to students who have completed Longsword: Essentials and earned their White Ribbon. In this class, you’ll train with a partner through paired drills while learning the named techniques from Joachim Meyer’s Kunst des Fechtens.
Andrew Pietersen
Book 0/10
Andrew Pietersen
This study group class meets every Sunday to explore the use of the Highland Broadsword and other British Military weapons. As this is a study group session and not a formal class it involves more interaction with period texts than other classes. Students will be expected to be prepared to discuss elements of the text. Additionally study group sessions may be cancelled unexpectedly, please contact us via info@sachema.com if you are looking to attend.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Please let us know ahead of time if you are not able to make your scheduled time.
You are now on the waitlist. If a spot opens up we will notify you via Email.
On our schedule, class colors indicate the level or type of session:
Green — Beginner friendly. Open to anyone with no prior experience.
Light Grey — Requires completion of the beginner class first (currently applies to Longsword: Essentials).
White — Requires a White Ribbon to participate.
Red — Requires a Red Ribbon to participate.
Yellow — Youth sessions for students ages 11 to 13.
Brown — Freeplay sparring sessions open to all who have finished a beginner program or otherwise be authorized by their instructor.
Blue — Study groups, which are beginner friendly but may occasionally be canceled. Please check in before attending.
These colors make it easy to identify which classes are right for your level and interests.
We are moving to a new location effective November 1, 2025. The address displayed is for the new location. If you need to visit our previous location before that please email us. Please bare with us over the rest of October, things are a bit messy at the moment.
Sacramento Historical Fencing Academy
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Kaden Wang
