Monthly Womens/URG Sparring and Coaching

swordswomen's avatar August 5, 2025

We have recently started a monthly coaching and sparring session in Godalming, Surrey.

Hosted by The School of the Sword, these gatherings are open to all women and URG fencers and are free of charge.

So far we have had a great turnout from some talented and enthusiastic fencers. Followed by a social trip to the local pub, this is a great opportunity to connect with the wider HEMA community, share experiences, and make friends.

If you want to stay informed about our next meet up, contact me using the button below.

Contact us

Bartitsu Extravaganza

swordswomen's avatar February 8, 2025

29 March 2025 By the Sword presents:

Mses. Garside, Ireland and Kirk in

A Bartitsu Extravaganza!

The perfect workshop for Edwardian ladies, gentlefolk and gentlemen, you will learn how to handle ruffians and ne’er do wells in a variety of capers and consequences.

Featuring classes on cane, pugilism and grappling, you will learn the art of self defence following the teachings of Edward William Barton-Wright.

Book promptly for early bird price £35

£40 after 10 Feb.

Broadwater School Sports Centre, Godalming, Surrey

18 and over only

Tickets available here

Flowers of Battle: Fiore Dagger and Unarmed

swordswomen's avatar March 20, 2024

This month we were proud to host two brilliant instructors in a Fiore double bill Seminar.

Emilia Skirmuntt of the UK taught classes in Dagger, and Kimberleigh Roseblade from a Canada came especially to teach unarmed grapples and defence.

The event was a sold out success thanks in part to an enthusiastic contingent and support from our friends at the Exiles. Attendees were from many different clubs and levels of experience, and we even had participants fly in from Ireland and Sweden.

Follow Emilia and Kimmie to see where they are teaching next, and follow By the Sword to keep up with all of our events.

Kimmie shows Bruno the hand
Emilia demonstrates a grapple on Mike
A Fabulous Flock of Fiore Fans

Women’s and Nonbinary Sparring

swordswomen's avatar February 20, 2024

The Internet spoke (our Instagram followers) and we listened: coming this April – a Freeplay Day for women and nonbinary folks.

We are very excited to put this together as it’s an opportunity for femmes and thems to fence in a safe, friendly environment. For many of us it’s a rare chance to fence people outside our usual range of training partners.

More news to follow!