About us
Welcome to Crossroads Swords, a passionate and dedicated community of individuals devoted to the study of historical fencing. Our mission is to explore the wisdom preserved in treatises penned by weapons masters of the past and combine it with a thorough understanding of the historical context. By applying these ancient techniques to modern scenarios, we strive to embody the grace, cunning, and speed displayed in historical combat.
We extend an open invitation to anyone with an interest in historical fencing to join us on this path of discovery. Together, we aim to attain mastery of our art, as well as of ourselves. We warmly invite you to be a part of our community and share in the pursuit of this worthwhile endeavor.
Upcoming events
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Sunday Morning Longsword Class!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USSundays, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Open Floor: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Instructors: John Knoch & Will Oaksmith
Join Crossroads Swords for a recurring German longsword class focused on historical European martial arts from the medieval period. We draw from early German sources such as Ringeck, Danzig, and Lew, as well as later sources like Meyer, combining historical interpretation with modern application and training methodology.This class is beginner friendly, with the first hour dedicated to fundamentals and core mechanics before progressing into broader applications and partnered drills. The material is widely applicable to many historical and fictional two-handed weapons systems.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.How to Join:
Your first two class days are free. Before attending, please review all of our policies, then create a PushPress account and sign up for at least the free trial membership through HEMAA using the links on our website:
https://crossroadsswords.com/join-us1 attendee
Battlefield Combat: Greatsword, Armor & Polearms
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USSecond and fourth Sundays 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
This class explores historical approaches to fighting with and against multiple opponents. Drawing from German, Italian, and Spanish fencing masters, students will translate historical teachings on one-versus-many and multiple-versus-multiple combat into practical drills and exercises.
The class will explore group-combat applications for a variety of weapons, with particular attention given to weapons and equipment historically associated with battlefield or one-versus-many fighting. Topics will include greatsword, polearms, armored combat, defending against multiple attackers, coordinating attacks with others, and moving effectively as part of a group.
Because group combat presents different risks than ordinary one-on-one fencing, the class will place special emphasis on communication, control, situational awareness, and the safety rules necessary for practicing group combat in a HEMA environment.
This class is beginner friendly and also gives experienced students an opportunity to apply their existing skills in a very different style of fighting.Recommended Gear:
Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own. Loaner equipment will be available for students who do not yet have their own gear.How to Join:
Your first two class days are free. Before attending, please register through PushPress:
https://crossroadsswords.com/join-us2 attendees
Tuesday Night Smallsword Class!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USTuesdays, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Open Floor available before and after class
Instructors: Alec Martinez & Jess CatanzanoThis class explores the refined systems of 18th-century French smallsword fencing, drawing primarily from the works of Domenico Angelo, P. J. F. Girard, and other contemporary French masters.
Students will study posture, precision, bladework, footwork, and technical fencing concepts within one of the foundational systems of modern fencing history. The class is beginner friendly and welcomes both new and experienced practitioners.
Open Floor training and sparring opportunities are available before and after class.
There is also a Rapier class before this at 7pm.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.How to Join:
Your first two class days are free. Before attending, please review all of our policies, then create a PushPress account and sign up for at least the free trial membership through HEMAA using the links on our website:
https://crossroadsswords.com/join-us2 attendees
Past events
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