The SCA stands for the Society of Creative Anachronism . It’s an international non-profit volunteer educational organization. The SCA’s goal is to research and re-create pre-17th Century skills, arts, combat, culture, and employ knowledge of history through events, demonstrations, and other educational presentations and activities. Like HEMA , there is a portion of the SCA that studies and practices historical martial arts such as rapier fencing, equestrian, archery, armored combat, and thrown weapons. Unlike HEMA, the SCA does this while dressed in historical clothing. The SCA also encompasses the studies of more than just historical martial arts, but also garb making, medieval brewing, period cooking, music/theater, dance, and much more. Many of our students partake in both HEMA and SCA events and tournaments.

FAQs Archive - Boston Academie d'Armes

Q: I don’t think I can make it to your regular group classes. Do you offer private fencing lessons?

We do! We love training fencers one on one and are happy to work with new and current students alike in any of the weapon forms we offer. You don’t have to be a tuition-paying student of the Academie to enjoy the benefits of our one-on-one training. You can learn more about our private training here or email us with any questions.

Q: What gear do I need to start historical fencing?

At first, not much. You’ll typically just need to bring athletic clothing and sneakers to your first set of classes. Folks with a penis and/or testes also need to bring their own rigid groin protection like an athletic cup. Boston Academie d’Armes provides the rest of the basic safety gear and weapons you’ll need to start as loaner gear. Over time, you’ll want to get your own gear, and our staff and student body are more than happy to provide links and advice on what to get and from where.

Q: Is historical fencing accessible to disabled people?

In the right environment, it totally is! Groups, such as the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing , have adapted modern sport fencing to work with folks with disabilities. We think historical fencing can achieve the same. And there are already fine examples of folks with physical disabilities doing great work in HEMA, such as Reece Nelson , DrCassowary , and HEMA- Disability on Facebook. NOTE : While, currently, none of our staff or students fall under this category, we are happy to work with disabled folks to study and practice historical fencing. Everyone should get a chance to play with swords and live out their swashbuckling fantasies. The Academie is dedicated to working with disabled fencers to make that happen. Learn more about what historical fencing traditions Boston Academie d'Armes studies.

Q: I’m not very athletic. Should I even bother?

We think so! The majority of our fencers never played competitive sports growing up. For many, historical fencing is their first real sport. That’s not to say that having an athletic background isn’t useful. It is! But we’ve found that with solid pedagogy and consistent practice, technique will trump athletic and genetic ability more times than not. We also work with our fencers to improve their physical fitness and athletic ability while operating within their current physical limitations, including those caused by injury or disability.