What the heck are you guys doing?

We are a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) club which studies manuals from fencing masters published between the 1300’s and 1600’s to learn how the swordsmanship was taught and practiced during the periods in which it was most in use. Then equipped with modern HEMA gear and specialized steel weapons designed to allow us to safely practice at full speed and intensity, we proceed to stab each other! Below is a video of one of our fights.

We also got featured on KDKA Pittsburgh Live Today where Daisy Jade did a segment on exactly what it is we do!

When are we open?

Check the schedule section for which classes are happening on which days, but these are our hours of operation.

• Monday Night from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Tuesday Night from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Wednesday Night from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Thursday Night from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Saturday Morning Afternoon from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

• Sunday Morning (by appointment only) from 9:00 am to 11:00 am

On Fridays, we have special events such as potlucks and Gender Minority Nights. Check our events page to stay up to date!

On Sundays we have private lessons with the founder of the club: Chris Shelton. These lessons are by appointment only. The following weapons systems are available to be taught.

• Beginner Longsword

• Advanced Longsword

• Single Rapier

• Rapier and Cape

• Rapier and Dagger

• Sword and Buckler

• Saber

• Katana

• Side Sword

• Messer

• Dagger

• Small Sword

What is the current Knight School Schedule

• Mondays

• Beginner Longword Class with Tony Cavalline - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

• Free Spar - 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

• Tuesdays

  • Advanced Saber Class with Eric McChesney- 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

  • Beginner Saber Class with Morgan Redfield- 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

  • Free Spar - 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

• Wednesdays

  • Beginner Rapier with Fionn Kusnir - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

  • Free Spar - 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

• Thursdays

  • Intermediate Longsword Class with Connor Stewart - 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Free Spar - 7:30 PM - 8:30 pm

• Saturdays

  • Body Weight Workouts with Eric McChesney - 10:00 am to 11:30 am

  • Sword and Buckler with Chris Shelton - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

  • Free Spar - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• Sundays

  • Private Lessons with Chris Shelton are now moved to Sundays with 3 slots: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am.

How much does it cost?

There is a $20 floor fee every time you come. If you have your own equipment you are free to try out any of the weapons we have available; however, if you require equipment we rent it out for an additional $10.

For students who would like to come as much as the want, we offer a monthly pass. For $89.99 you can fence all you want AND the equipment rental fee is included.

Knight School Enrollment occurs 6 times a year and is our beginner course for new students. For $160, students can fence as much as they like with no equipment rental fees. When they’ve finished the last class, they can get a free t-shirt upon request and can pay $80 a month to keep up the unlimited access.

We have in house tournaments called “Pillowfecht” which happen once a quarter. These in house events cost $20, which goes towards prizes and catering.

I’m totally new. Do I need to bring anything?

Please read our Safety Requirements Page for the following information:

1. What equipment you should bring.

2. What equipment we provide.

3. What are the requirements for being able to free spar.

The short version is that you need to bring workout clothes including shorts, t-shirt, sneakers, groin protection, and a water bottle. All other equipment that is required will be provided for an additional $10. New students don’t have to take classes before jumping into free sparring, but they do need to demonstrate basic fencing equipment proficiency, etiquette, and safety behavior by completing “The Challenge of the Jarl!” explained in more detail on the safety requirements page. Once the challenge has been passed, students will be free to jump into free sparing; however, this is a privilege that can be revoked if you engage in unsafe practices, poor conduct, or unsportsmanlike behavior.

Do you accept kids?

Children as young as 16 are welcome to train with us. Any younger than that and they will need to be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian during practice. If they can fit into our smallest equipment, they are welcome to join in the class but we do not have a specific “children’s” or “teen’s” class available … yet. We’re working on that. Stay tuned for details.

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes we do! On Saturday mornings we have three private lesson spots available

• Sundays with Chris Shelton (The Jarl of Hilt and Helm)

  • 8:00 am to 9:00 am

  • 9:00 am to 10:00 am

  • 10:00 am to 11:00 am

See our class passes page for details.

Do you offer any free lessons?

If you’re interested but don’t want to commit money just yet, the following options are free:

• Spectating a class

• Taking a tour of the facility

• Getting a mini-lesson during free spar sessions

During free spar sessions, feel free to ask the admin to give you a crash course on HEMA. They will explain:

• What HEMA is

• What HEMA is similar to but different from (ie Olympic Fencing, LARP, Armored Combat)

• Basic footwork

• Basic guards

• Basic attacks

At the end of the free class, you will get the change to swing a sword but not participate in sparring. For that, you will need to sign the waiver and pay us.

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us at hiltandhelmfencing@gmail.com!