Intermediate Longsword — Ages 18+
Deepen your longsword skills with advanced drills, steel fencing, and open sparring.
The Intermediate Longsword class builds on the foundations learned in Beginner Longsword. Students progress from shinai to steel feders, developing more advanced techniques, tactical thinking, and controlled sparring intensity. The class follows a two-hour format: the first hour covers instruction, drills, and coached sparring, while the second hour opens up for free fencing where experienced students test themselves in open sparring. Students should complete the Beginner class before joining Intermediate.
Class details
- Class name: Intermediate Longsword
- Program: Adult program
- Ages: Ages 18+
- Skill level: Intermediate — prior longsword experience expected
- Prerequisites: Completion of Beginner Longsword or equivalent prior longsword training, plus instructor approval.
- Day and time: Mondays 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Time zone: Pacific (America/Los_Angeles)
- Location: 7588 Delaware Lane, Vancouver, WA 98684
- Status: Currently running
- Trial: $5 one-time trial class, loaner gear provided
- Membership: covered by any BladeFit Academy membership or punch card
- Booking: https://bladefit-academy.gymdesk.com/signup/v/DLy7q
Why we train this
The longsword is the most complete weapon system in HEMA. Our curriculum is grounded in the medieval Liechtenauer tradition, drawing from principles preserved in historical treatises and brought to life through modern coaching. This approach connects students directly to the lineage of European swordmasters while keeping lessons practical and relevant. Training develops distance management, timing, body mechanics, and martial decision-making in ways that translate to every other weapon — preserving and evolving a 600-year tradition of European martial excellence.
Historic roots
Our longsword curriculum is rooted in the medieval German tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer, whose verse treatise — the Zettel — became the foundation of an entire lineage of swordsmanship spanning the 14th through 16th centuries. Liechtenauer's system emphasizes efficient movement, initiative (Vor), and the seamless integration of cuts, thrusts, and wrestling into a unified fighting art. His teachings were passed down and expanded by masters such as Sigmund Ringeck, Peter von Danzig, and Hans Talhoffer, creating one of the most well-documented martial traditions in European history. At BladeFit, we study these sources not as museum pieces but as living instruction — applying their principles to modern training, sparring, and competition.
Required and recommended equipment
Loaner equipment is available for trial classes and for new students.
- Fencing mask
- Chest protector
- Heavy sparring gloves
- Gorget (throat protection)
- Standard Feder (Regenyei Armory)
- Back of the head protection
- Athletic clothing
Trial policy
Every BladeFit Academy program uses the same trial policy: a one-time $5 paid trial class. Loaner gear is provided for the trial, so nothing needs to be purchased in advance.
Applies to: All youth and adult programs, including Cubs Club.
Contact and location
- BladeFit Academy, 7588 Delaware Lane, Vancouver, WA 98684
- Phone: (360) 207-0252
- Email: lisa@bladefitacademy.com
- Some youth classes meet outdoors at Leroy Haagen Memorial Park, Vancouver, WA
About BladeFit Academy
BladeFit Academy teaches Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), swordsmanship, movement, and fitness to youth and adults in Vancouver, Washington.
BladeFit Academy, 7588 Delaware Lane, Vancouver, WA 98684. (360) 207-0252. lisa@bladefitacademy.com.Content last updated 2026-07-30.