Scholar Victoria Historical Fencing

Historical Fencing | Modern Approach

Have you always wanted to learn how to use a sword? At Scholar Victoria we teach Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) as a modern sport and classical martial art. Our approach has three main components:

Study

Study

Our style and techniques are drawn directly from historical fencing texts from the 15th and 16th centuries. Our coaches keep up to date with the latest interpretations and training methods & we encourage students to investigate the sources for themselves, and test their understanding through hands-on experience.

Fence

Fence

Each class links theory with practice. Students are taught the practical aspects of swordsmanship as a martial art through group, paired, and one-on-one coaching, allowing students to learn in a supportive environment suited to the learning style of the individual.

Excel

Excel

HEMA also provides opportunity for competition in Australia and worldwide. Our classes include competition coaching to those students who wish to pursue the sporting side of historical fencing, and we pride ourselves on our clubs achievements in both Australian and international rankings.

Our Story

Our Story

At Scholar Victoria we recognise that excellence comes not only through hard work in training but also through studying the history, art, and theory of fencing. Historical Fencing is a martial art and sport suitable for participants from all walks of life. At Scholar Victoria we aim to provide an open and inclusive environment for everyone to be part of this rapidly growing community. We believe that by working together we can all elevate our fencing to the very highest level it can be, and we work with the individual needs of our members to achieve these goals.

Reviews

Tom

Tom

I started at Scholar Victoria around three months ago and its been a brilliant experience. Dan really makes the content easy to understand and fun to learn. I always look forward to training each week, it has begun what feels like at the moment a lifelong affection for historical swordfighting and sparked an interest in martial arts in general. Would recommend to anyone even slightly interested.

Joanne

Joanne

Dan is an exceptionally well rounded instructor with a broad knowledge base gained from years of martial arts training coupled with intimate study from a wide array of historical sources. Having also competed at many high level tournaments both at home and abroad, his understanding of the modern competitive hema scene is almost unparalleled. Daniel's ability to make the discipline of historical sword fighting both stimulating and fun, is what makes this club outstanding, and his genuine investment in his students shines through everything he teaches.

Rodney

Rodney

I have met the team socially and during competitions, they are confident on the floor, respectful and compete with intent and integrity. Discussions on the masters and promoting our current sport have proven interesting thoughtful and open to other's opinions. Great people.

Your Historical Fencing Journey Begins Here

Latest Articles

Jul, 8

Longsword: Meyer’s “Circle”

July 8, 2020 by Danny Pope

A brief video describing the Zirckel (Circle) – an important technique in Joachim Meyer’s longsword system.
Read more Longsword: Meyer’s “Circle”

Jul, 18

Review: SIGI Forge Feder

July 18, 2019 by Danny Pope

SIGI Forge is a relative newcomer to the HEMA scene but with the backing of high profile fencers like Martin Fabian I was predictably quite excited when mine arrived several weeks ago. After thoroughly putting the sword through its paces, let’s find out how the SIGI Feder stacks up. At a Glance The continuing popularityRead more about Review: SIGI Forge Feder[…]
Read more Review: SIGI Forge Feder
Jun, 22

Review: Kvetun “Matt Easton” Sabre Prototype

June 22, 2019 by Danny Pope

About 6 weeks ago I was lucky enough to get my hands on the “Matt Easton” prototype sabre. How did it fare compared to their standard sabre offering? Read on and find out. At a Glance Most sabreurs will agree that the ideal sabre is a mythical and elusive beast. The right combination of weight,Read more about Review: Kvetun “Matt Easton” Sabre Prototype[…]
Read more Review: Kvetun “Matt Easton” Sabre Prototype

Apr, 26

Review: Peter von Danzig

April 26, 2019 by Danny Pope

A new translation by Harry R. At a Glance With the advent of Wiktenauer fencing manuals have become easier to come by, but there is still plenty of room for printed translations. One such book by Melbourne’s Harry R. has been released in recent weeks, and provides a fresh new look at Codex 44.A.8 (betterRead more about Review: Peter von Danzig[…]
Read more Review: Peter von Danzig
Jan, 25

From Equestrian to Pedestrian: Collection & Extension for Fencing on Foot

January 25, 2019 by Danny Pope

Abstract (aka TL;DR) Much of early fencing is assumes an accompanying knowledge of mounted combat and general equitation. It may be that there are implicit equestrian ideas taken for granted by fencers of the time which may prove useful in thinking about fencing today. In this post we explore Collected and Extended gaits in riding,Read more about From Equestrian to Pedestrian: Collection & Extension for Fencing on Foot[…]
Read more From Equestrian to Pedestrian: Collection & Extension for Fencing on Foot

Aug, 15

Decision Graphs: When You Can’t See the Forest for the Trees

August 15, 2018 by Danny Pope

Decision trees are sometimes derided by practitioners of historical fencing; after all the chaos of a fencing match rarely allows the luxury of time for complex decision making, and even a relatively simple decision tree can have multiple recursive branches and layers. As a result even a relatively sedate exchange gives precious little opportunity theRead more about Decision Graphs: When You Can’t See the Forest for the Trees[…]
Read more Decision Graphs: When You Can’t See the Forest for the Trees
Jun, 16

Refereeing in Historical Fencing: Consistency & Communication

June 16, 2018 by Danny Pope

When it comes to Historical Fencing, few things draw more intense community discussion than that of rules and scoring at HEMA events. This should come as no surprise – everyone’s motives and goals for taking part in Historical Martial Arts are different, and so everyone is looking for the ideal ruleset which captures what it isRead more about Refereeing in Historical Fencing: Consistency & Communication[…]
Read more Refereeing in Historical Fencing: Consistency & Communication

May, 25

Adapting a Zornhut Play

May 25, 2018 by Danny Pope

The video below shows an adaptation of the Zornhut play described below. “If you stand in the right Wrath stance and your opponent strikes from his right to your left, then with a step of your right foot drive with displacement under his blade and over your head, and catch his strike on your flatRead more about Adapting a Zornhut Play[…]
Read more Adapting a Zornhut Play
Nov, 17

A Taxonomy of Technique: Meyer’s 5 Things

November 17, 2017 by Danny Pope

“Even though this art must be learned chiefly through the practice of the body, yet it is certain and true that as with others, students can conceive it in their memory much better when it is assembled, written out, and placed before their eyes in a proper pedagogical order, and afterwards it can also beRead more about A Taxonomy of Technique: Meyer’s 5 Things[…]
Read more A Taxonomy of Technique: Meyer’s 5 Things

Aug, 21

Brechfenster & the Bind

August 21, 2017 by Danny Pope

Read more Brechfenster & the Bind