HOW IS IT ALMOST THANKSGIVING?!
It's ok, swords will always be there for you.

#holidaystress #swords #historicalfencing #community #hema

Just when you thought you were out free and clear from an exchange.

#hema #swords #swordfighting #historicalfencing #historicalswords #martialart

What are you doing this weekend?! You could be at the Austin Celtic Festival, where we will be swinging swords for fun. We will be there all weekend with sword demos and free classes, as well as the return of our mini sword tournament, the CELTIC CLASH! Come by and say hello.

#hema #swords

Competing is only one part of studying HEMA, but for those who want it, we can help you get there. Start your sword journey today with a beginner's course or even a dagger date with a friend, lover, or frenemy to see if it's for you. Can't wait to cross swords with you!

#hema #swords

It's a simple answer, really...

#hema #swords #historicalfencing #historicalswords #medievalart #funny #teaching #practice

Happy spoopy haunting!

#hema #swords #halloween #austin #traversecity #historicalfencing #historicalswords

There aren't enough words to express our thanks to the HEMA community that showed up, to the new sword fans who braved the rain, and to who supported our weird from day one. We can't wait to see you all next year for another Tournament of St. Ambrose! We can't wait to see you next year!

Looking to start your sword journey?
Check out what classes we have on offer!

#hema #swordfighting #historicalfencing #historicalswords #swords #fitness #traversecity #austin

One of the best parts of HEMA is finding a community you can count on. Like when you're in between pools and you need to shorten the handle on your rapier to keep the pommel from flying off. You can count on Kevin Franklin of Dirty Rotten Pirate Leather to have the tools and heart to help.

When it's exciting to START painting and much less exciting to KEEP painting...
Our new sword home is getting upgraded bit by bit to welcome whoever wants to learn how to safely hit their friends.

#hema #swordfighting #traversecity #diy #historicalfencing #historicalswords #learntoswordfight

It's pretty un-BEE-lieveable (yes, bee puns) that we are sold out for our very first swordfighting event at St. Ambrose. We are beyond excited to showcase some great fighting with both our local and visiting competitors, as well as some fun exhibition fights.

#hema #swords #northernmichigan #mead

The leaves are changing.
The weather is cooling.
You know what that means....

It's cloak time.
(aka HEMA sweatah weathah)

#hema #swords #historicalfencing #historical #martialarts #swordfighting #historicalswords #historicalweapons #fencing #fall #cloak #renfairefashion

Starting off your week with a little trivia!

#hema #swords #history #trivia #historicalfencing #meyer #messer #longsword #themoreyouknow #fencing #austin #traversecity #northernmichigan

Grand Traverse Historical Weapons Guild is excited to be out on the Open Space today in TC, helping support and celebrate our queer community. Come say hi, enjoy the weapons petting zoo, and learn about swords!

#lgbtqia+ #pride #upnorthpride #celebratepride #happypride #hema #swords

How can you NOT do this when you find the perfect sword stick on a hike?!

#hema #swords #historicalfencing #historical #martialarts #swordfighting #historicalswords #historicalweapons #fencing #hiking #hike #greatoutdoors #sticknation #sticksword #joy #fun #simple things

Swords are for EVERYONE! We are an inclusive sword-fighting community teaching people how to safely hit their friends since 2016. We are passionate about facilitating a space where anyone and everyone feels safe and seen as they learn. Come see us at the @upnorthpride resource fair

Tell me that's not what you think George Silver would talk like.

#hema #swords #historicalfencing #historical #martialarts #swordfighting #historicalswords #historicalweapons #fencing #buffy #swordandbuckler #buffythevampireslayer #buffyandspike #buffytheslayer #vampireslayer #buffyslayer

There is nothing like going to the OG! We were lucky enough to visit the Harry Ransom Center at UT to look over some really old books that filled us with joy and knowledge.
Meyer - THE BEST SOURCE EVER 1570
Agrippa - Science of Arms
Marozzo - Art of Arms
Cpt John Godfrey - Small sword (1747)

We are dreaming of leaves changing colors and swords. So it's a pretty typical September day. If you haven't gotten your tickets for the Tournament of St. Ambrose, they are going fast! Check out the St. Ambrose Cellars FB event page.
We can't wait to raise a glass with you!

#hema #swords

Thibault took wound care seriously.

#hema #swords #historicalfencing #historical #martialarts #swordfighting #historicalswords #historicalweapons #fencing #thibault

We've all had that "I can do it" thought before in sparring. And your coach usually asks, "Are you suuuuuure?" and we confidently say "YES!"

#hema #swords #historicalfencing #historical #martialarts #swordfighting #historicalswords #historicalweapons #fencing #tournament #sparring

We hope you are enjoying the long weekend. There is no better way than to relax with a glass of mead from our friends at St. Ambrose and...your favorite sword. If YOU need some mead and swords in your life, be sure to mark your calendars for the Tournament of St. Ambrose on October 18th.

You know which one you are...
#hema #swords #historicalfencing #historical #martialarts #swordfighting #historicalswords #historicalweapons #fencing #funny #reading

WEIRD Open 2025 is in the books! We are so thankful for this amazing community that never fails to show up in joy. We are so looking forward to next year and hope to see you there. Thank you to those who attended, volunteered, and cheered from afar. We appreciate you all.
photos lilio.camere

Heading into the great big BLUE SKY! But with swords.