Swordfighting

Longsword

Sabre

Smallsword

Rapier

Sword & Buckler

Flail

Longsword Sabre Smallsword Rapier Sword & Buckler Flail

Learn to Swordfight from world Champions

Learn Historical European Martial Arts in Calgary and Airdrie. Bighorn Historical Combat is a diverse community built around a shared passion for historical swordfighting.

Our coaches bring a strong mix of martial arts experience and competitive success, with over 30 years of combined training experience, and over 50 tournament medals earned across three continents. We offer training for all skill and fitness levels in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Using modern training methods, we focus on helping you improve, while also building a strong sense of community.

Click here for Rates & schedule
Click here for Location & contact

Swords & learning

We provide training for a wide variety of swords. Our specialty focuses on the two handed Longsword, Sabre, and Smallsword but are also experienced with the flail, Scottish basket hilted sword, messer, sidesword, and sword & buckler. We use a mix of steel, and foam to provide a low barrier of entry no matter your budget.

Equipment

Your safety is a top priority for us. We follow high safety standards, with approved gear lists and clear protocols, while still offering options for different budgets.

To help you get started, we’ve partnered with several gear retailers so you can get equipment at the best possible price. Our experience also means we can guide you toward exactly what you need, without the guesswork.

Armoured gloves for Swordfighting

Beginner Day

We are offering beginner days! The first Sunday of every month we train new students in the basics of the two handed longsword, and a single handed sword (usually Sabre or Smallsword). Register today for next month’s beginner day to learn how to swordfight in a very beginner friendly environment!

Click here to learn more about our beginner day

Community

Historical fencing is well known for its warm and inclusive community, welcoming people from all walks of life with open arms (pun intended). It doesn't matter if your hobbies are weightlifting, knitting, tabletop RPGs, sports, going to the pub, concerts, videogames, or painting miniatures. You are sure to find like-minded people to swing swords with and make new friends along the way.

We also have a club Discord with over 100 members, with fencers from across Alberta, BC, and even the Maritimes!

Click here to learn more about us & the club!

Events & competition

What’s a great way to make friends? Why, swordfighting of course.

What’s an even better way you may ask? By swordfighting across the world!

There are competitions all over the globe and we go to many of them and host them ourselves. Events are a fantastic excuse to travel, meet new people, and to test yourself via the thrill of competition; we can’t recommend them enough! Our coaches are some of the most seasoned tournament veterans in the country and can help prepare you for your first, or your twentieth!

Swordfighting competition exchange using longsword

  • "Did the intro program here with my spouse and we loved it! Really fun way to get into different kinds of HEMA sword skills and such a nice group of folks."

  • "Awesome group of people getting good at an awesome sport, what's not to like?"

  • "Great club atmosphere that is very accepting and interested in both the historical and practical aspects of Hema fencing! I have really enjoyed getting to know and meet people both in the club and the Hema community at large I highly recommend you trying it out if you are interested!!"

  • "Solid crew, great instructions, and quality equipment. Highly recommend them to everyone who wants to learn the ancient ways of combat."

  • "Julian has clearly put in the time and effort. He is both a wonderful coach and provider of the Hema experience. I've found his lessons to be easy to follow, engaging to listen to and in a fun, positive environment. I recommend anyone who is interested in this sort of thing to give his club a go."

  • "Julian is one of the best HEMA coach I've ever had. He's extremely passionate and knowledgeable/skilled in both theory and the practical application of fencing while utilizing modern movement theories. He does this while also being open, personable and friendly. 12/10 will train with again!"

  • "I found Bighorn Historical Combat when i was looking for a way to get more active and healthier with out going to the gym. Started by joining their beginners program and have not stopped going ever since. The coaches/instructors are knowledgeable and willing to both teach and listen. They provide a friendly non toxic atmosphere and have a wide variety of HEMA experience and skill levels."

  • "Really excited to see a professional sword school in the North Calgary / Airdrie area. Head Coach Julian spent over a decade gaining knowledge and experience before starting Bighorn, so even though this is a relatively new establishment, it certainly doesn’t lack in experience and professionalism. I can personally attest to the friendliness and sportsmanship of Bighorn’s membership, and look forward to every opportunity I get to cross swords with these folks "

  • "They are an awesome group of people dedicated to the art of combat and keeping a fun and inviting learning environment. There is always help offered and by very highly skilled fighters."

  • "Julian is a world class coach and competitor. 🐏🐏🐏🐏🐏/5"

Sounds good?

I'm ready to start swinging swords! Where do I go?
When are classes & what are the rates?