“I also desired to learn the wondrous secrets of this art known only to very few men in this world.
And these secrets will give you mastery of attack and defense, and make you invincible, for victory comes easily to a man who has the skill and mastery described above…”
—Fiore dei Liberi, MS Ludwig XV 13
Appalachian Highlands Historical Fencing Classes
Appalachian Highlands Historical Fencing offers weekly fencing classes on the second floor of Mulligan’s Irish Pub located on 308 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37601.
Our curriculum is guided by the International Armizare Society and their more than 20 years of experience teaching historical European martial arts.
Our safety policy is guided by the HEMA Alliance, a non-profit organization devoted to revitalizing these arts around the globe, and our code of conduct aspires to that which is best in the chivalrous tradition.
Start our classes today and begin learning those secrets of mastery “known only to very few…”
Introductory Course
A Taste of Knighthood
First Monday of every Month | 6:30 PM | Mulligan’s Irish Pub
Difficulty:
Novice
Equipment Required:
None
Description:
- Learn to wield a medieval longsword in a two-hour lesson
- Receive personalized, hands-on instruction in a certified curriculum drawn from the famed knight Fiore de’i Liberi
- Memorable Solo Drills enable continued at-home study
- Training weapons provided
- No athletic ability or martial-arts experience required
Regular Classes
Intermediate Longsword
Mondays | 6:30 PM
Mulligan’s Irish Pub
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Equipment Required:
Feder, Mask, Gloves
Description:
- Learn longsword, dagger, and other advanced techniques in weekly, 120-minute lessons
- Hone your skills against other students in Open Sparring after class
- Compete against other students in monthly fencing tournaments
- Drop in on any A Taste of Knighthood class for a quick refresher
British Sabre & Highland Broadsword
Wednesdays | 6:00 PM
Mulligan’s Irish Pub
Difficulty:
Beginner
Equipment Required:
Feder, Mask, Gloves
Description:
- Learn early-modern British combat styles from two, alternating coaches in two-month blocks
- New students can join at any time, even mid-block!
- Classes contain new and experienced fencers both, offering a helpful and supportive community
Renaissance Rapier
Thursdays | 7:15 PM
Mulligan’s Irish Pub
Difficulty:
Beginner
Equipment Required:
Feder, Mask, Gloves
Description:
- Learn the rapier, the premier dueling weapon from Renaissance Europe into the New World
- Classes also address weapons inspired by the rapier, everything from the Bowie knife to the smallsword
Open Sparring
Saturdays | 10:00 AM
Mulligan’s Irish Pub
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Equipment Required:
Full Kit (See Safety Policy)
Description:
- Test your skills against other students while preparing for upcoming competitions
- NOTE: Students must have previously attended three (3) classes and been approved by that class’s coach to obtain sparring rights.
Pricing
Appalachian Highlands Historical Fencing is a 501c3 non-profit. To sustain our activities, pay our rent, and purchase new equipment for the club, we request that all students provide payment in exchange for participation in our events. Payment can be made per class, or for a discount, a monthly club membership. All proceeds go directly to sustain club operations in any case.
Pay By Class
$15 USD per Class: Students always have the option to pay by the class, due at the start of the class in question
Club Membership
$50 USD per Month: Members gain free access to all classes and most events for the month they pay dues. This typically entails a significant discount over per-class payments.
Dues are due between the 1st and the 7th of each month. Failure to pay within the dues window locks one out of dues payment until the next month. Until then, classes must be purchased on a per-class basis.
Payments may be made via cash, via check made out to Appalachian Highlands Historical Fencing, or by PayPal using contact@appalachianfencing.com. Other payment methods are on the way, so keep an eye out here!