6 Week Beginner Sword Fighting Course

Awaken your passion and come wield a sword.

Learn Real Sword Fighting in Kelowna!

Your Adventure Starts Here.

Ever wanted to learn how to fight with a sword? Now’s your chance!

Whether you’re inspired by The Lord of the Rings, anime, medieval history, or simply looking for an exciting new hobby, Okanagan Combat Guild (OCG) offers beginner sword fighting classes right here in Kelowna, BC.

Discover the art of historical swordsmanship in our 6-week Beginner Sword Fighitng Course. Learn authentic techniques, train alongside fellow enthusiasts, and experience the excitement of wielding a sword for yourself.

No experience necessary. All training equipment provided.

Course Overview

Course Price: $199 CAD

Duration: 6 weeks — 12 hours of instruction

Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Kelowna Arts Academy, 1180 Houghton Road, Kelowna

Ages: 16 and older

Experience: None required

Equipment: Provided

Limited to 8 participants per course.

Check Available Start Dates

What Is HEMA? Discover Historical Sword Fighting!

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), also known as Historical Fencing, is the study and practice of authentic European fighting techniques preserved in historical manuscripts and fencing treatises.

Modern practitioners study, interpret, and test these techniques to reconstruct the martial arts practiced by European fighters centuries ago.

At Okanagan Combat Guild, we explore a variety of historical weapons, including the Longsword, Rapier, Dusack, and Dagger.

Unlike choreographed movie fights, HEMA focuses on developing practical swordsmanship through historical techniques, controlled partner exercises, and sparring.

Our beginner sword fighting lessons introduce you to this fascinating martial art in a structured, supportive environment.

You don’t need to know anything about swords or martial arts to get started. We’ll teach you from the beginning.

What Will You Learn in Our Beginner Sword Fighting Classes?

Over six weeks, you’ll build a foundation in historical European swordsmanship through hands-on instruction and practical exercises.
No prior martial arts experience is required.

Learn Authentic Sword Fighting Techniques

Over six weeks, you’ll build a foundation in historical European swordsmanship through hands-on instruction and practical exercises.

Train with Longsword and Dusack

Learn the principles of one-handed and two-handed swordsmanship using the Longsword and Dusack, building skills that can be applied to other historical weapons.

Build Coordination, Strength, and Confidence

Develop balance, flexibility, coordination, and physical conditioning through exercises designed to support your swordsmanship.

Practice with Training Partners

Apply what you’ve learned through supervised partner drills that develop timing, distance, control, and technique.

Experience Your First Sword Fight!

Your final class includes beginner-friendly foam sword sparring, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills into action in a controlled, supportive environment.

Join Our Next Beginner Course

Who Can Join?

Our beginner HEMA classes in Kelowna are open to anyone aged 16 and older, regardless of experience or fitness level.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, a fantasy enthusiast, a history lover, or someone looking for an alternative to the gym, there’s a place for you at Okanagan Combat Guild.

We believe that historical fencing should be accessible to people from all walks of life.

At OCG, you can expect:

A welcoming, inclusive community where everyone is treated with respect.
Patient, structured instruction designed for beginners.
Training adapted to different experience and fitness levels where safely possible.
Opportunities to develop confidence, coordination, and new friendships.
A respectful training environment where harassment and hate are not tolerated.

If you have an existing injury, physical limitation, or concerns about your fitness, talk to us. We’ll work with you to determine appropriate and safe ways to participate.

You don’t need to be strong, athletic, or experienced to begin. You just need a willingness to learn.

Get Started

Meet the Instructor

Adam Ritz

Over a Decade of Historical Fencing Experience

Adam Ritz has been training in HEMA since September of 2012 and took over as Guildmaster and Head Instructor early 2017. Since then he has pursued his passion of Historical Fencing along with hundreds of students, developing his skills as an Instructor and spending countless hours reading, interpreting, and testing the techniques found within ‘The Art of Combat’.
Deleted: He hopes to continue building a community where everyone works together to improve their skills and rebuild the art of fencing through a lineage that has survived only in text until recent decades.

What Our Students Say

I have been a club member for over 2 years. Our Guild master Adam is a passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable instructor. I highly recommend this fun affordable sport.

Mathieu Dorian

Adam is a very helpful, thoughtful and supportive coach. With expertise and the rare skill of knowing how to share it, tailoring his teaching to help his students in ways they understand. He has a welcoming disposition and a scholarly attention to studying a historic martial art. At times he has reconstructed the physical form from that which only existed in words. The OCG is a great club for anyone interested in historic European weapons and the art of using them in a full contact, but safe environment. With Longsword, Rapier and others.

Nolan Cummings

Excellent instructor and noble character. I would follow this man into battle.

Cole Cyre

Adam strives to make sure his students truly understand the fundamentals of what he is teaching. I agree with this because I understand no amount of instruction can cover all situations and at some point deep understanding of the fundamentals will keep you out of trouble.

Adam maintains a positive attitude and professional appearance at all times, understanding that the small details truly matter.

Damian Gleadhill

We Have Everything You Need to Get Started

We provide the swords and protective training equipment you’ll need for your beginner classes.

Simply bring:

Comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely.
Indoor athletic shoes.
Water to stay hydrated (a drinking fountain is also available).
An athletic cup, required for participants taking part in sparring.

Class Location and Schedule

Where

Kelowna Arts Academy
1180 Houghton Road, Kelowna, BC

When

Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

On-site parking is available, with additional street parking nearby when needed.

We ask students to arrive ready to begin at 10:00 AM and to contact us if they expect to be late or cannot attend a session.

Safety is central to our training. All activities are supervised and conducted with appropriate equipment, control, and instruction.

All students are expected to review and follow OCG’s Code of Conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all! Our six-week beginner longsword course is designed for people with no previous experience. We start with the fundamentals and build your skills progressively.

No. OCG provides the training swords and protective equipment required for the course. An athletic cup is required for sparring.

HEMA is a contact martial art, and like other physical activities, it carries some risk of injury. We manage those risks through structured instruction, appropriate protective equipment, supervised exercises, and an emphasis on control and safety.

No particular fitness level is required to start. Our beginner classes accommodate a range of abilities, and exercises can be adjusted where appropriate.

After completing the beginner course, you’ll have the opportunity to continue developing your skills through Okanagan Combat Guild’s regular classes and ongoing training.

Those fictional sword fights are a great source of inspiration! HEMA is different because it focuses on techniques drawn from actual historical fencing sources. You’ll learn how historical swordsmanship works rather than choreographed combat.

Yes. Our beginner classes are open to students aged 16 and older. Participants under 19 may need a parent or legal guardian to complete the required registration and consent documentation.

Ready to Begin Your Sword Fighting Adventure?

Reister today for Okanagan Combat Guild’s six-week beginner sword fighting course and discover an exciting martial art, learn practical historical techniques, and become part of Kelowna’s historical fencing community.

More course start dates to be announced.