Frequently Asked Questions
Find the Answers You Need
What is Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)?
HEMA is the study and practice of historical European combat systems using surviving fencing manuals written by masters from the 14th to 19th centuries. Students learn with modern safety equipment using steel training weapons.
Is HEMA safe?
Safety is our highest priority. Students train with purpose-built protective equipment and modern blunt steel training weapons under instructor supervision.
What weapons do you teach?
Valour HEMA Academy currently teaches:
- Italian Rapier
- Rapier & Companion Weapons
- Longsword
- Smallsword
- Equestrian mounted combat (summer)
What equipment do I need?
All you need to start are a pair of non-marking indoor gym shoes and basic athletic clothes.
For your first classes, all necessary equipment can be borrowed from the academy. As you continue training, instructors will help you select equipment appropriate for your level.
Do I need any experience?
Not at all. Our students range from young adults to retirees. Training is adapted to individual fitness levels and goals. Everyone trains and advances at their own pace.
How physically fit do I need to be?
You do not need to be an athlete to begin. HEMA naturally develops balance, coordination, endurance, and fitness over time. However, if you have a medical condition that could worsen with exercise please discuss with your doctor.
What historical traditions do you teach?
Our curriculum focuses primarily on the Italian fencing traditions, including masters such as Fiore dei Liberi, Ridolfo Capo Ferro, and Salvator Fabris, while emphasizing historically grounded interpretation and practical application.
Our new Italian sabre and smallsword class beginning September 2026 is in the Italian Scuola Magistrale Militare di Scherma tradition and is taught by Journeywoman Marli Vlok (Provost - Sonoma State University - Fencing Masters Certificate Program)
Do you compete?
Where do you train?
Yes. Students have opportunities to participate in local, national, and international HEMA tournaments. Competition is optional but encouraged for those interested.
We train in Winnipeg at the Valour Community Centre - Orioles Site located at 448 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
When do you have classes?
Our classes run in 10-week semesters. Our next set of classes begins in September 2026:
- Beginner Rapier - Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
With Provost Chad McFarland and Journeyman Nick McConnell
- Advanced Rapier - Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
With Provost Chad McFarland and Journeyman Adrian Jones
- Beginner Longsword - Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
With Provost Doug Crighton and Journeyman Nick McConnel
- Advanced Longsword - Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
With Provost Doug Crighton
- Sabre and Smallsword - Mondays - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
With Journeywoman Marli Vlok (Provost - SSU FMCP)
How do I register?
Contact us through the website, Facebook, or email to reserve a place in an upcoming beginner class.