
Come and enjoy a weekend of fencing training and camaraderie in the Australian bush.
We have made several improvements to the camp for 2025.
- Professionally catered meals to give everyone more time to train;
- Indoor full size basketball court on site so there is room for everyone to fence even if the weather is bad;
- Air Conditioned dorm accommodation for everyone’s comfort.
Sword Camp is designed to help you learn and improve your historical martial arts skills while having fun. Experienced instructors will teach you new skills, as well as coach you during sparring sessions, to give you plenty of chances to practice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced historical fencer, you will find something to challenge you. The camp is a great way to meet new HEMAists and hit them with swords. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
BOOK HERE
CAMP HANDBOOK & INFO FOR PARTICIPANTS
LOCATION
CYC Adanac
47 Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction 3797

FURTHER INFO ABOUT THE CAMP
What does each day at the camp look like?
Each day begins with a class we think everyone would benefit from, then we split into 3 streams of classes aimed at different experience levels, interests, and weapon focuses (typically an introductory class, an advanced class, and something unusual). Then it’s time for coached sparring activities and free fencing. After that, lunch and another round of classes. Later in the afternoon we’ll get into the group combat and war games.
Last year, after dinner, campers variously enjoyed social time, including some card/board games, and took some time alone to recharge their social batteries, before starting all over at breakfast the next day. We also often play even sillier fencing games, roast marshmallows, or pull out the lightsabres.
In summary, each day will include approximately 4 hrs of formal training, 2 hours of coached sparring/ fencing games, and at least an hour of dedicated self directed training/sparring time.
Breakfast
Plenary Workshop for everyone
3 streams of morning classes
Coached sparring
Lunch
3 streams of afternoon classes
War Games
Dinner
Lectures and Social time
Who should go?
Anyone who has trained in historical fencing for 3 months or more. There will be classes and mentoring for very experienced fencers as well as newer fencers. We can all work together to improve our skills.
Who are the instructors?
See the list of instructors confirmed so far here,
We still looking for more awesome instructors to help improve everyone’s fencing, across one or more of the three streams of classes. If this is you, or you would like to make an instructor recommendation, please send an email to: historicalfencingaus at gmail dot com. Instructors will have reduced ticket prices based on their travel costs.
Is there a tournament?
Yes, there is a competition. The winners will be the team and persons who do the most: sparring, classes, and chores, over the camp. Yes there are prizes 😉
There will also be official reffereed and HEMA Rated challenge matches offered on Monday morning.
Will there be loaner gear?
Yes, there will be a variety of weapons available to borrow. However, If you need to borrow PPE you should organise that with your club.
Do you need a lift to the site?
We will be facilitating connections for lifts to the site. If you would like a lift make sure to include that info in your booking.
If you can pick people up from Lilydale station, the airport or somewhere else in Melbourne please let us know when you book.
The site is also easy to get to via public transport Public transport directions from the city to the site here.
What weapons will be taught?
There will be classes, coaching, and sparring with the following weapons: Longsword, Sabre, Rapier, Two Handed Sword, Sidesword, Sword & Buckler, Sword & Dagger, Foil, Wrestling, and Polearms. If there’s something else you want to fence with bring it, odds are someone else will want to play with it too.
Are you having trouble getting there?
If you are keen to attend, but are experiencing financial hardship, there are various options available to ensure you are able to attend including: installment plans, volunteering to help organise and market the camp, and solidarity (i.e. free) tickets.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Camp Admin (Gindi) can be reached on the HFA fb page, or via email to ( historicalfencingaus at gmail dot com ).
I hope to see you there!
CAN YOU HELP?
Send me an email (historicalfencingaus at gmail dot com) if your answer is yes to any of these questions:
Can you design cool logos? We are looking for an awesome design for the camp tshirts.
First aid qualified? We need a few volunteers to offer first aid on site if required.
Happy to give lifts? Assistance getting people to and from the site is very helpful.
Would you like to instruct? We are looking for a variety of awesome instructors to help improve everyone’s fencing, across one or more of the three streams of classes. If this is you, or you would like to make an instructor recommendation, please send me an email. Instructors will have reduced ticket prices based on their travel costs.
Current instructor list here
PRICING










