Historical martial arts for everyone
Curious about historical European martial arts? Gladiolus is a beginner-friendly training group in Helsinki and Espoo. We explore the art of arms through practical training and historical sources in a welcoming community.
Kiinnostaako, miten Euroopassa taisteltiin historiallisella ajalla? Gladiolus on aloittelijaystävällinen treeniryhmä Helsingin ja Espoon alueella. Harjoittelemme ja tutkimme aseiden käyttöä historiallisten lähteiden avulla mukavassa seurassa.
We train to discover the past art of personal combat in its context, using historical sources and physical practice.
Our goal is to reconstruct and learn European martial arts systems, based on historical sources and our own training experience. (And yes – to play with swords!)
Fiore dei Liberi’s system includes a range of weapons: longsword, dagger, bare hands, spear, and pollaxe.
Roworth’s system introduces general principles that are applicable to many single-handed weapons.
Come train with us
All you need to start is exercise clothes and respect for your fellow humans. Pick your class and come play!
No requirements
No minimum required fitness level. And you really don’t need to know any HEMA or martial arts to get started. We mean it.
We don’t come to class to know, we come to learn.
Even if you’ve never trained anything in your life, come and try swords! (It’s actually pretty common for people to dislike sports but like HEMA.)
Both beginners and more advanced students are welcome – we’ll make sure your training is safe and productive.
And if you’d rather start with other beginners, we do about two Starter Courses a year – check the Events page!
(Note: Age limit 16 years. If you’re under 18, please bring an adult at least to begin with.)
