Vanguard Swordsmanship Academy

Vanguard Swordsmanship Academy in Ashgrove, Brisbane, teaches Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) — a weapons-based martial art with a strong physical, technical and athletic dimension. Reviewers describe a school led by some of the top-ranking HEMA fencers in the world, with an excellent sparring culture and high-quality instruction that spans complete newcomers through to seasoned veterans of the sport.

The atmosphere comes through clearly in the feedback: a welcoming, fun-loving learning environment built around a diverse and friendly group of members. Reviewers, including visitors from other clubs, describe how easy it is to get along with everyone, and how accommodating the trainers are. There's frequent mention of the adrenaline and physical challenge of the sport — described as great exercise and unlike anything else — making it as much a fitness pursuit as a martial-arts one.

Newcomers are well catered for, with spare training gear and protective equipment provided so beginners can spar and practise techniques safely. Training centres on sword and dagger but stays open to other systems on free training nights. For people in Ashgrove and the surrounding inner-north-west suburbs wanting an active, skill-rich martial art with a genuinely welcoming community, Vanguard Swordsmanship Academy is highly recommended by its members.