Historical Pedagogy

Building a Club Curriculum That Lasts

By HILT Official · Feb 10, 2026 · 9 min read

A structured progression from complete beginner to competent fencer, and why your club needs one written down.

The "Just Come and Train" Problem Plenty of HEMA clubs operate without a formal curriculum. Students show up, the instructor teaches whatever they feel like that day, and over time people absorb enough technique to be functional. This approach works for clubs of 5–8 experienced fencers who are all at a similar level. It completely falls apart the moment you have beginners. A new student who shows up to a class on second-intention counterattacks when they don't even know how to hold the sword is going to feel lost, frustrated, and unlikely to return. (Lack of visible progress is the single…

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