It’s always a bit daunting showing up to a new activity or club, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a little anxious. Try not to worry and let nerves put you off, every Black Boar student felt the same way when they first came along! We’ll be pleased to meet you and introduce you to the amazing world of historical fencing. You’ll feel at ease with us in no time.

Our Black Boar members come from all backgrounds and walks of life, and we’re a friendly and social bunch. Some of us have been fencing for years, others have recently joined us, and we’re always pleased to greet new students and make them feel welcomed. We foster a supportive culture in our school, and students are given encouragement throughout their fencing journey from instructors and fellow members alike.

You’ll be welcomed by our instructors and students before getting a brief safety induction and joining the class for warmup exercises. We’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of historical fencing, typically focusing on footwork. And yes, you’ll get to use a sword on your first day!

You don’t need any expensive or fancy kit to start fencing with us. All that’s required to get started is some comfortable sports wear (plain black jogging bottoms or similar, plain white t-shirt and comfortable trainers). The only stipulation we have is no branded sports kit such as football tops, etc, and no black soled footwear as this isn’t permitted at our training venue. All the safety equipment and weapons will initially be provided for you, until you’re ready to start purchasing your own fencing gear. Please don’t bring any weapons to class - whilst we love your enthusiasm, samurai swords, replica longswords, fantasy blades, knives, etc, are not appropriate and you won’t be allowed to use them.

Unfortunately, for safety and insurance purposes, all participants at Black Boar must be aged 18 years or over.

We realise it can be comforting to have someone with you, especially if it’s your first class. However, unless your companion is participating in the class, they won’t be able to stay in the fencing hall to spectate. This is for safety and insurance reasons.

Black Boar is committed to making fencing accessible for everyone as far as reasonably possible. If you have any additional needs to support your involvement, please contact us in advance of attending, or have a confidential chat with our instructors at the start of the class.

Yes, we’re located just off the Grassmarket in Edinburgh’s city centre. Our venue is the Heriot’s Centre for Sport and Exercise, and the main gate is located at the top of Hunter’s Close (a small side street at the end of the Grassmarket). Press buzzer No. 2 to gain entry, then head to the main reception area where we’ll greet you. Please note, the sports centre is separate from the George Heriot’s School, so please don’t go to the main school entrance on Lauriston Place.

If it’s your first class, you don’t have to pay anything, it’s a free taster session. If you enjoy your time fencing with us and wish to continue, you’ll need to set up a monthly subscription (we don’t accept cash or card payments at the venue).

We don’t offer any discounts or concessions for our monthly subscription fee. We’re a non-profit school, and all fees collected cover our training venue, school kit and administrative costs.

Yes, it’s safe to practice historical fencing. At Black Boar, our experienced instructors and provosts supervise all classes, and students are required to wear special safety equipment and conduct themselves in accordance with our rules. The weapons we use are blunted. There are always risks associated with martial arts and physical activity, but we mitigate these risks as far as reasonably possible.

Historical fencing shares some similarities with modern sport fencing, but rather than focusing on scoring points, the fencing we do at Black Boar is primarily concerned with defence and offence according to real historical techniques. In addition, we don’t use electronic ‘wired’ weapons or equipment, as is common in sports fencing.

No, you don’t need to have an academic interest or previous knowledge of historical fencing and treatises to join us. Many of our members enjoy exploring the academic side of historical fencing, and you may wish to take up studies yourself after you’ve been with us for a while, but it’s not a requirement and you’re welcome to come along just for the love of swordplay.

Tournaments and competitions are not the focus of our school. However, once you’ve completed your weapon assessments at Black Boar you’re free to participate in official historical fencing and HEMA events which are held all over the UK, should you choose to do so.