Learn Historical European Martial Arts
in Winnipeg!
Winnipeg's first and largest Historical European Martial Arts fencing school teaching rapier, longsword, smallsword, and sabre in the Italian tradition
Founded in 2009 by Provost Chad McFarland, Valour HEMA Academy is Winnipeg's first and oldest Historical European Martial Arts school.
We started off as a small and humble rapier fencing school; but now in 2026 we offer classes in Italian Rapier (Capo Ferro / Salvator Fabris traditions), Italian Longsword (Fiore dei Liberi tradition), and Italian Military Sabre / Smallsword (Scuola Magistrale Militare di Scherma tradition).
About Us
Upcoming classes
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 -
Beginner Rapier - 7:00pm
Advanced Rapier - 8:00pm
Beginner Longsword - 8:00pm
Advanced Longsword - 7:00pm
Monday, September 14, 2026 -
Smallsword and Sabre - 7:00pm
CLASSES and FEES
Italian Rapier
Italian Longsword
Sabre / Smallsword
Annual Membership Fee
Equipment Rental Fee
PRICES
$150 / 10 Week Semester
$150 / 10 Week Semester
$150 / 10 Week Semester
$50 / Calendar Year
$25 / 10 Week Semester
Our Motto
ONORE • SAPERE • VIRTU
Onore - Honour
Sapere - Knowledge
Honour is the foundation of all martial arts. At Valour HEMA Academy, we treat our training partners with respect, compete with integrity, and conduct ourselves with humility both on and off the fencing floor. Victory without honour has no value. Our instructors and students are expected to act with honour in both words and deeds.
Historical European Martial Arts begins with knowledge. We are students as well as martial artists, studying the teachings of the historical masters, questioning our assumptions, and continually refining our understanding through research, drilling, and practical application.
Virtù - Virtue
Virtù is the pursuit of martial excellence through strength of character. In the Renaissance, virtù represented courage, wisdom, discipline, and the ability to act decisively. We strive to develop not only skilled fencers, but capable, resilient, and principled individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)?
HEMA is the study and practice of historical European combat systems using surviving fencing manuals written by masters from the 14th to 19th centuries. Students learn with modern safety equipment using steel training weapons.
Is HEMA safe?
Safety is our highest priority. Students train with purpose-built protective equipment and modern blunt steel training weapons under instructor supervision.
What weapons do you teach?
Valour HEMA Academy currently teaches:
- Italian Rapier
- Rapier & Companion Weapons
- Longsword
- Smallsword
- Equestrian mounted combat (summer)
What equipment do I need?
All you need to start are a pair of non-marking indoor gym shoes and basic athletic clothes.
For your first classes, all necessary equipment can be borrowed from the academy. As you continue training, instructors will help you select equipment appropriate for your level.
Do I need any experience?
Not at all. Our students range from young adults to retirees. Training is adapted to individual fitness levels and goals. Everyone trains and advances at their own pace.
How physically fit do I need to be?
Where do you train?
You do not need to be an athlete to begin. HEMA naturally develops balance, coordination, endurance, and fitness over time. However, if you have a medical condition that could worsen with exercise please discuss with your doctor.
We train in Winnipeg at the Valour Community Centre - Orioles Site located at 448 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
When do you have classes?
Our classes run in 10-week semesters. Our next set of classes begins in September 2026:
- Beginner Rapier - Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
With Provost Chad McFarland and Journeyman Nick McConnell
- Advanced Rapier - Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
With Provost Chad McFarland and Journeyman Adrian Jones
- Beginner Longsword - Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
With Provost Doug Crighton and Journeyman Nick McConnel
- Advanced Longsword - Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
With Provost Doug Crighton
- Sabre and Smallsword - Mondays - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
With Journeywoman Marli Vlok (Provost - SSU FMCP)
Do you compete?
Yes. Students have opportunities to participate in local, national, and international HEMA tournaments. Competition is optional but encouraged for those interested.
What historical traditions do you teach?
Our curriculum focuses primarily on the Italian fencing traditions, including masters such as Fiore dei Liberi, Ridolfo Capo Ferro, and Salvator Fabris, while emphasizing historically grounded interpretation and practical application.
Our new Italian sabre and smallsword class beginning September 2026 is in the Italian Scuola Magistrale Militare di Scherma tradition and is taught by Journeywoman Marli Vlok (Provost - Sonoma State University - Fencing Masters Certificate Program)
How do I register?
Contact us through the website, Facebook, or email to reserve a place in an upcoming beginner class.
Need a more personalised program?
One on one custom classes or corporate functions are available. Contact Us
Request more information
Interested in learning more about Valour HEMA Academy? Fill out the form below to have us contact you back.
📞 204-998-3603
📌Valour HEMA Academy - 448 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
📧 info@valourhemaacademy.ca
