Our classes are pedagogically structured and led by experienced practitioners. The Basic classes are all beginner-friendly. If you’d like to join in the fun for the first time, it’s a good idea to drop us a message first at gladiolusschool (at) gmail.com.
The language varies with who is in class – we’re committed to keeping everyone safe and training usefully in both English and Finnish.
Our training schedule:
- Basic class on Tuesdays at 18 – 19:30 / Valimo Gym
- Basic class on Thursdays at 18 – 19:30 / Valimo Gym
- Intermediate class on Thursdays at 19:30-21 / Valimo Gym
You can find us in MyClub by searching for Gladiolus School of Arms. We also have a Facebook group where all trainings are posted as events.
Also check out the Events page!
Our training hall is easy to get to with both public transport and by car. Entrance via Takomopolku!
For prices, see Membership and fees. Your demo class is free!
Note that by attending, you are agreeing to follow our Code of Conduct, which aims to keep everyone safe during training.
Our focus is on Fiore dei Liberi’s system of armizare, including wrestling, dagger and longsword. We work closely with the source material (Fior di Battaglia / Flos Duellatorum). We also make good use of materials produced by Guy Windsor.
Send e-mail to gladiolusschool [at] gmail.com for more info.
Valimo Gym
Skill level – what should you know?
You don’t need to know anything in advance, and there’s no “minimum required fitness level”. The point is not to know, the point is to learn. Even if you’ve never trained anything in your life, do 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 occasionally have starter courses (enquire at gladiolusschool@gmail.com) but we’ll make sure you have a safe and productive start.
(Note: Minors should be accompanied by an adult at least to begin with.)
Equipment – what to bring?
For your first training session, all you need is comfortable exercise clothes: t-shirt and trousers (full length is best). We recommend flat-soled indoor shoes.
After a safe solo start we move on to pair practice, which involves protective equipment. The minimum for safe pair practice with blunts is a fencing mask (350N for drills, 1600N for sparring), and padded gloves are recommended.
We use blunt steel training swords and wooden or blunt steel training daggers.
We have some swords, daggers and masks to borrow, but as a rule it’s good to bring your own gear if you own any. And if you don’t know where to get some, talking to your training buddies is the best way to find out!