Learn to Swordfight
Have serious fun with history
Level Yourself Up
Fencing is so much more than exercise. Through swordplay you’ll learn how to move efficiently, and how to see your opponent. Discover new strengths, both mental and physical, through recreating this piece of history.
​
Learn the skills of the heroes of legends ...conveniently. Use our Video Courses to practice where you want, when you want. Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Are you a night owl that’s Netflixed out? Your schedule always fits!
3 Day Free Trials
on Memberships
Introduction to Italian Longsword
SwordMates Live
In-depth video series paired with technique demonstrations, training guides, and practice suggestions.
​
Storytime Archive
It's better with friends! A live online beginners class for longsword. They run for 5 weeks. Turn on your web cameras for coaching. Optional equipment package.
​
We have a series of fascinating recorded lectures to give you context for the life of a historical warrior in Europe.
​
Storytime Live - Free Lectures
- Pedagogy: Tools and Techniques for Recreating Historical Martial ArtsJan 22, 7:00 PM CSTOnline EventOur first Raising the Dead lecture looked at the TEXT and how historiography should inform WHAT we are reading. Tonight we look at *what* we use to interpret those techniques, and HOW we go about building a training practice, before we can even think about fencing.
Modern Masters are within reach
Swordplay Online was created by the Chicago Swordplay Guild, an organization with over 20 years of experience researching and teaching historical European martial arts (HEMA). Now their well-honed lessons are being recorded, reaching students across the globe.
Our instructors have an incredible amount of knowledge to pass on to the next generation. Their mission is the continuation of the art, so it is not lost again. You can be part of history in a very literal way.
Real Historic Sword Fighting
Lessons come from fencing masters from the 1300 - 1600’s. This is a faithful recreation based on surviving source materials (manuscripts, artwork and weaponry), tested by thousands of students on multiple continents.
