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
174
Saturday Sabre Class!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USSaturdays, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Open Floor: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Instructor: Nathan PumphreyThis recurring sabre class explores the use and evolution of the one-handed military sabre across multiple historical traditions. Material may include Hutton-style military sabre, Polish sabre systems, and modern Olympic sabre concepts for context and comparison.
Students will develop cutting mechanics, footwork, tactical concepts, and an understanding of how different sabre traditions approach combat and movement. The class is beginner friendly and open to all experience levels.
Open Floor follows class and provides dedicated training and sparring time.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.
Loaner equipment is available, and students are welcome to bring their own sabres.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
Saturday Sword and Shield Class!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USSaturdays, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Open Floor available before and after class
Instructor: Eric LoweThis class focuses on historical sword and shield systems from Italian sources such as Achille Marozzo and Antonio Manciolino, with additional reference to other 16th-century authors where appropriate.
Students will work with both bucklers (small center-gripped shields) and rotellas (larger arm-strapped shields), developing a broader understanding of late medieval and Renaissance sword-and-shield combat. The class is beginner friendly and suitable for students interested in any form of one-handed swordsmanship.
Open Floor training and sparring opportunities are available before and after class.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.
Loaner equipment is available, and any one-handed sword simulator is welcome.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
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-us2 attendees
Tuesday Night Rapier!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USTuesdays, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Open Floor: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Instructor: Alec MartinezJoin Crossroads Swords for a progressive curriculum focused on Renaissance-era one-handed rapier fencing. Systems rotate throughout the year and include Spanish Destreza, Italian traditions such as Capo Ferro, Fabris, and Giganti, as well as Dutch sources like Thibault.
This class is beginner friendly and designed to introduce students to historical rapier fundamentals, movement, blade mechanics, and tactical concepts across multiple traditions.
Open Floor follows class and provides dedicated training and sparring time.
There is also a Smallsword class after Open Floor.
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-us4 attendees
Past events
578
