Want to join BCHF?
Registration for our August Beginner Longsword session is now open! Register here:
BCHF holds Beginner Classes 2-3 times per year. The Beginner Class is an 8 week course that covers the basics of longsword fencing, as instructed by Fiore’s martial system. The entire course costs $150. No experience required. All equipment provided. Held Mondays 7pm-9pm.
If you are interested in joining us, have questions about membership or classes, or want to join the waitlist to be notified of future Beginner Courses, please send us a message via the “Contact” page, or send us an email at: blackcathistoricalfencing@gmail.com.
BCHF is dedicated to maintaining a community based on inclusion and compassion. BCHF also has a code of conduct policy that strictly prohibits all forms of discrimination, bullying, and harassment. HEMA is for everyone, and we aim to make our club welcoming to all. We encourage people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, and ability levels to learn HEMA with us! Our coaches design our curriculums to be adaptable for all fencers, including those with disabilities that prevent them from fencing while standing.
As of 2-5-2025, all new BCHF members must be at least 16 years old.
Cost:
Beginner Course: $150
Membership: $75/month
Drop-In Fee: $15/ practice
Financial aid is available to those who have demonstrable financial need. Financial aid is considered and granted on a case-by-case basis. It is the goal of BCHF to make HEMA accessible to all people, regardless of income. If you are a BCHF member or student in need of financial aid to continue attending BCHF, please reach out to the BCHF Board of Directors.
Requirements:
We typically ask new members to compete our Beginner Class before joining as full members. However, we may make exceptions for fencers with prior experience.
BCHF provides loaner equipment for those who need it, and therefore we do not require students or members to own their own fencing gear. We do encourage all members to purchase their own gear as they are able to. BCHF members have access to discounts from various HEMA distributors.
All BCHF members are required to maintain their own personal HEMAA membership in order to be covered by our insurance policy.
Members must adhere to the BCHF Code of Conduct and Safety Policy.
Members must be at least 16 years old.
Members must be vaccinated against COVID, and must adhere to our policies on COVID, injury, and illness