GETTING STARTED HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW.
HMB Foundations:
A SPEEDY ENTRY
INTO sword fighting
A SPEEDY ENTRY
INTO sword fighting
To ensure you can join our regular classes safely, we've developed a special beginners course that will take you through the very basics needed for a speedy kick-start of your journey into the world of full contact armoured fighting.
STEP BY STEP learning program
Getting started has never been easier! We'll provide you with all the equipment and support needed.
This course is designed to introduce the new starters to all the main aspects of the sport in a safe beginner-friendly environment preparing them to fight others at full speed. And yes, ladies-only classes are available!
This course is designed to introduce the new starters to all the main aspects of the sport in a safe beginner-friendly environment preparing them to fight others at full speed. And yes, ladies-only classes are available!
A look to the future
After you complete your on-ramp program, you will be able to join our regular training sessions and practice with other members of the team. Eventually, we'll help you try on steel and get a feel of the real thing.
After that, the world is your oyster! We'll help you source your own set of armour so you can travel the world and fight alongside us in the arena.
After that, the world is your oyster! We'll help you source your own set of armour so you can travel the world and fight alongside us in the arena.
10 spaces
Keeping numbers low allows us to ensure instructor:student ratio is high
4 weeks
The length of the course is designed to give beginners enough time to fully digest new information
6 hrs
of in-person tuition to cover everything you need to know to join the sport safely
"Starting out in a sport like Historical Medieval Battle can be daunting. Some people simply don't know where to begin! Others might be concerned about their fitness level or worry about what they might face at their first session.
This is why we launched HMB Foundations – an introductory training program designed to give newcomers like you a simple and straightforward entry into the world of steel sports.
In the last 7 years we've helped many men and women find their way from day one to fighting in steel at world championship level. Trust me, this might be the beginning of an incredibly interesting story."
This is why we launched HMB Foundations – an introductory training program designed to give newcomers like you a simple and straightforward entry into the world of steel sports.
In the last 7 years we've helped many men and women find their way from day one to fighting in steel at world championship level. Trust me, this might be the beginning of an incredibly interesting story."
Jake Coles
Club founder
- Rhys LewisI was very nervous before my first session, but once I turned up and met some of the ACG members I immediately felt like I had been there for ages! I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of doing this to just come along – you won't regret it. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to start my HMB journey with and I can't wait to step into the lists in armour alongside my new teammates.
- Elliot BiggsMy sessions with ACG quickly became the highlight of my week. Starting as an absolute beginner with no experience of any form, I was guided through by a wealth of knowledge and years of experience, taking my first steps on what has now become a lifelong passion. They made what seemed an unobtainable dream a reality. It is a privilege to join ACG and its members. Thanks, Jake and Ira!
WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN?
Times
Introductory classes take place on Tuesdays (ladies only) and Thursdays, 6pm to 7.30pm.
Location
Equipment
All men are required to bring their own groin guards. This is essential. We will provide all the rest of the equipment needed.
price: £48
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
– 4 x 1.5 hr classes;
– A step-by-step learning program designed for complete beginners;
– High instructor:student ratio – The Foundations courses are limited to a maximum of 10 students only;
– Rental of specialist equipment and use of the venue.
– 4 x 1.5 hr classes;
– A step-by-step learning program designed for complete beginners;
– High instructor:student ratio – The Foundations courses are limited to a maximum of 10 students only;
– Rental of specialist equipment and use of the venue.
frequently asked questions
HMB is a full contact fighting sport. Whilst you don't have to meet any specific fitness standards to start training, you must not have any pre-existing medical conditions or injury history that might increase the risk of serious harm or complications during exercising. If in doubt, drop us a message at info@armouredcombat.co.uk before booking.
Currently, we're only offering training to those who are 18 and older. If you are under 18 and feel like a sport like HMB is something for you, drop us a message at info@armouredcombat.co.uk and we'll email you when under-18 classes become available.
Our drop-in classes are £8 per person. We hold 3 training sessions a week, so if you want to get the most out of your training and benefit from other perks like any-time venue access and kit borrowing, you might want to look into the membership option.
It takes a while to learn how to fight in our sport, regardless of the background you have. You'll spend from 2 to 3 months 'doing soft kit' before we lend you some steel to try it out.
Soft armour and weapons cost around £250 and are vital in learning how to fight in HMB. Advanced and novice fighters alike find themselves training in soft kit several times a month.
A full list of equipment needed for steel fighting is extensive; the total cost of it might come up to £3000. These items are usually made to measure and are often purchased in a course of several months to a year. We can assist you with approved suppliers, although please DO NOT purchase anything without getting your coach to look at it first.
A full list of equipment needed for steel fighting is extensive; the total cost of it might come up to £3000. These items are usually made to measure and are often purchased in a course of several months to a year. We can assist you with approved suppliers, although please DO NOT purchase anything without getting your coach to look at it first.
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY