New Jersey Historical Fencing Association

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 Train in sword classes with real martial discipline, athletics, and a love of history. New Jersey Historical Fencing Association (NJHFA) is dedicated to reconstructing the martial arts of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Our historical fencing classes in Franklin, NJ allow you to explore a passion for history with real-life fight skills. Plus, it's exciting to learn to use a real sword!

The NJHFA studies these pan-European martial arts as they existed roughly between the years of 1300-1700. Known as HEMA (historical European martial arts), we've studied these fighting arts since 2012 through extant fencing manuals from this period. The NJHFA teaches HEMA sword classes as a fun and athletic way to learn a historical martial art.

We primarily study the German longsword school of fencing in the tradition of Master Johannes Liechtenauer. 

Our sword classes will help you to reconstruct this ancient martial art through interpretation and training. You'll be provided with the know-how to turn your interest in swords into a serious athletic and martial pursuit. It's incredibly rewarding to see your sword skills develop, and we want to get you there!

The NJHFA uses numerous sources written in the Liechtenauer tradition to help in reconstructing this ancient martial art. Our sword classes take the study of these texts seriously, as true historical fencing can only be best understood through fidelity with our source material. However, don't let this intimidate you. NJHFA fencing instructors are deeply knowledgeable of the historical documents; you don't ever have to study them yourself if you don't want to. Our  classes are designed as a complete training experience.

In addition to the longsword, our members study diverse weapons of the  medieval and Renaissance period including sword and buckler, dussack, rapier, dagger, messer, broadsword, sabre, and others. See our equipment suggestions if you're already looking to get started on this  awesome martial journey.

Want to know more? Contact us and we'll reply faster than a longsword zwerchau! You can also check out our YouTube channel. We serve all of northern NJ, NY and PA. Some of our members drive quite some distance to train with us (and we're deeply grateful).