Youth Longsword — Ages 14–18

Teen longsword training rooted in historical European martial arts techniques.

Youth Longsword introduces teenagers to authentic historical European martial arts (HEMA) longsword techniques. Students study guards, cuts, thrusts, and wrestling from historical sources while developing the strength, timing, and tactical thinking required for steel combat. This is real martial arts — grounded in 600 years of European tradition. This program is not currently running and is not accepting enrolments; the return date and training location have not been announced.

Class details

  • Class name: Youth Longsword
  • Program: Youth program
  • Ages: Ages 14–18
  • Skill level: All levels — beginners welcome
  • Prerequisites: No prior experience required. Students must be within the Ages 14–18 age range.
  • Day and time: return date to be announced
  • Time zone: Pacific (America/Los_Angeles)
  • Location: Location to be announced
  • Status: Not currently running — return date to be announced
  • 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/AvJWW

Why we train this

The longsword is the cornerstone of HEMA. Training with the longsword teaches students to think tactically, manage distance, and commit to decisive action. We draw from the Liechtenauer tradition, connecting modern students to a living lineage of European martial excellence.

Program status and history

Not currently running — return date to be announced

Historical location: the most recent session met at Illahee Elementary School in Camas, WA. That was a seasonal, school-hosted location and is not a currently active BladeFit Academy training site. The location for any future session has not been confirmed.

The most recent session concluded with the Running the Gauntlet tournament in Salem, OR on Saturday, May 30, 2026. That date is a completed, historical event — not an upcoming class date.

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.

Required and recommended equipment

Loaner equipment is available for trial classes and for new students.

  • Loaner gear available on a first-come, first-served basis (limited)
  • Athletic clothing
  • Indoor athletic shoes
  • Fencing mask (required)
  • Chest protector
  • Light sparring gloves
  • Shinai (with cross guard)

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.