About us
Welcome to Crossroads Swords, a passionate and dedicated community of individuals devoted to the study of historical fencing. Our mission is to explore the wisdom preserved in treatises penned by weapons masters of the past and combine it with a thorough understanding of the historical context. By applying these ancient techniques to modern scenarios, we strive to embody the grace, cunning, and speed displayed in historical combat.
We extend an open invitation to anyone with an interest in historical fencing to join us on this path of discovery. Together, we aim to attain mastery of our art, as well as of ourselves. We warmly invite you to be a part of our community and share in the pursuit of this worthwhile endeavor.
Upcoming events
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Sunday Morning Longsword Class!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USSundays, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Open Floor: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Instructors: John Knoch & Will Oaksmith
Join Crossroads Swords for a recurring German longsword class focused on historical European martial arts from the medieval period. We draw from early German sources such as Ringeck, Danzig, and Lew, as well as later sources like Meyer, combining historical interpretation with modern application and training methodology.This class is beginner friendly, with the first hour dedicated to fundamentals and core mechanics before progressing into broader applications and partnered drills. The material is widely applicable to many historical and fictional two-handed weapons systems.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.How to Join:
Your first two class days are free. Before attending, please review all of our policies, then create a PushPress account and sign up for at least the free trial membership through HEMAA using the links on our website:
https://crossroadsswords.com/join-us3 attendees
Tuesday Night Rapier!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USTuesdays, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Open Floor: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Instructor: Alec MartinezJoin Crossroads Swords for a progressive curriculum focused on Renaissance-era one-handed rapier fencing. Systems rotate throughout the year and include Spanish Destreza, Italian traditions such as Capo Ferro, Fabris, and Giganti, as well as Dutch sources like Thibault.
This class is beginner friendly and designed to introduce students to historical rapier fundamentals, movement, blade mechanics, and tactical concepts across multiple traditions.
Open Floor follows class and provides dedicated training and sparring time.
There is also a Smallsword class after Open Floor.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.How to Join:
Your first two class days are free. Before attending, please review all of our policies, then create a PushPress account and sign up for at least the free trial membership through HEMAA using the links on our website:
https://crossroadsswords.com/join-us4 attendees
Tuesday Night Smallsword Class!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USTuesdays, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Open Floor available before and after class
Instructors: Alec Martinez & Jess CatanzanoThis class explores the refined systems of 18th-century French smallsword fencing, drawing primarily from the works of Domenico Angelo, P. J. F. Girard, and other contemporary French masters.
Students will study posture, precision, bladework, footwork, and technical fencing concepts within one of the foundational systems of modern fencing history. The class is beginner friendly and welcomes both new and experienced practitioners.
Open Floor training and sparring opportunities are available before and after class.
There is also a Rapier class before this at 7pm.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.How to Join:
Your first two class days are free. Before attending, please review all of our policies, then create a PushPress account and sign up for at least the free trial membership through HEMAA using the links on our website:
https://crossroadsswords.com/join-us2 attendees
Thursday Longsword Interpretation Class!
The H.A.L.L., 1331 Green Forest Ct, Suite 22, Winter Garden, FL, USThursdays, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Floor: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Instructors: Devon Klausner, Will Oaksmith & Chase ThompsonThis class focuses on studying historical fencing manuals directly and interpreting their systems as complete martial arts. Rather than emphasizing general sparring performance alone, we explore why techniques were written, how they function within the original system, and how they connect together conceptually.
Classes involve reading from translations and source material, then applying those lessons through drills, partnered exercises, and technical exploration. Systems will rotate over time, beginning with Fiore-era Italian material such as Phillipo di Vadi’s De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi.
Open Floor immediately follows class and provides dedicated training and sparring time.
Recommended Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, athletic groin protection, and any fencing gear you may already own.How to Join:
Your first two class days are free. Before attending, please review all of our policies, then create a PushPress account and sign up for at least the free trial membership through HEMAA using the links on our website:
https://crossroadsswords.com/join-us1 attendee
Past events
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