Welcome to the Nashville School of Historical Fencing!

We are dedicated to the study and practice of the martial arts of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. These complex and sophisticated fighting arts were lost for centuries but are now being rediscovered and revived through the modern practice of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). Our primary focus is the longsword in the "Kunst des Fechtens" of the German master Johannes Liechtenauer, a tradition dating from the 14th-16th century. Our other focuses include later period systems such as 17th century Italian rapier and 19th century sabre.

Our next "Intro to Longsword" session will be Sept. 24 - Oct. 29, 2026. Registration will open soon! If you'd like to get on our email list to be notified when registration opens, please contact us at nashvillehema@gmail.com. This course is for all new students, no previous experience is necessary. 

 

 

Events
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In the Name of St. George II!
Jul
25
In the Name of St. George II!
Russellville High School
07/25/2026 9:00 AM – 07/26/2026 5:00 PM
"In the Name of Saint George! II" returns this year as a 2 day event - featuring Longsword, Saber and Rapier & Dagger tournaments, July 25th - 26th, 2026. Saint George, the legendary warrior-saint and dragon slayer stands as a timeless symbol and example of courage, chivalry and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. For centuries, Saint George has been the patron saint of knights, warriors, fencers and those who take up arms for honor, defense and virtue. Our tournament In the Name of Saint George! II is a celebration of those knightly virtues that Saint George embodies and is not just a contest of arms but also a tribute to the chivalric spirit of discipline, respect and valor that defines the martial traditions of Europe. He slew the dragon, he died a martyr. In his name we compete, not for glory alone but to carry forward a legacy of skill, honor and virtue. *All events will be Open tournaments, however depending on the number of competitors, the Longsword compeition may be divided into two divisions - "Division I" (Hema rating 1450+) and "Division II" (Hema rating 1450-) tournaments. All tournament results will be submitted to HEMA Ratings. Links to tournament rules can be found below Longsword rules Saber rules Rapier & Dagger rules The tenative schedule for the event will be as follows: SATURDAY 8am - Doors open 9am - Longsword Open pools 11am - Longsword elims and finals 1-1:30pm Lunch 1:30pm - Rapier & Dagger Open Pools 3:30pm - Rapier & Dagger elims and finals 6pm - Conclusion SUNDAY 11am - Doors open 12:30pm- Saber Open pools 2:30pm - Saber elims and finals 4pm - Conclusion The event will be hosted at the Russellville High School gymnasium - 1101 W 9th St, Russellville, KY 42276. Russellville is a little over an hour north of Nashville and 25 minutes from Bowling Green, KY. For those coming from out of state, we recommend looking for accomodation in Bowling Green, KY.