Training

We train as a beginner-friendly training group. Our classes are pedagogically structured and led by experienced practitioners, and each session has a specific focus. 

We offer training sessions in English/Finnish every week:

Note that by attending, you are agreeing to follow our Code of Conduct, which aims to keep everyone safe during training.

The price of a single session is 12 €, payable in cash, MobilePay or bank transfer. 

If you train often, do join the association for 50 € and pay the 35 € monthly training fee that includes all the training and more.

Top tip: join our Facebook group to receive invitations to all training sessions. This way you'll also know if a session is cancelled or changed.

Our focus is on Fiore dei Liberi’s system of armizare, including wrestling, dagger and longsword. We work closely with the source material (Fior di Battaglia / Flos Duellatorum). We also make good use of materials produced by Guy Windsor.

Skill level - what should you know?

You don't need to know anything in advance, and there's no "minimum required fitness level". The point is not to know, the point is to learn. Even if you've never trained anything in your life, do come and try swords! It's actually pretty common for people to dislike sports but like HEMA :)

Both beginners and more advanced students are welcome. We occasionally have starter courses (enquire at gladiolusschool@gmail.com) but we’ll make sure you have a safe and productive start.

(Note: Minors should be accompanied by an adult at least to begin with.)

Equipment - what to bring?

For your first training session, all you need is comfortable exercise clothes: t-shirt and trousers (full length is best). We recommend flat-soled indoor shoes. 

Eventually, you’ll move on to pair practice which involves protective equipment. The minimum for safe pair practice with blunts is a fencing mask (350N for drills, 1600N for sparring), and padded gloves are recommended. 

We use blunt steel training swords and wooden or blunt steel training daggers.

We have some swords, daggers and masks to borrow, but as a rule it's good to bring your own weapons if you have them. Definitely bring your own protective gear for pair practice if you own any.