Safety & Risk Management

Visitor Vetting: The Gatekeeper Protocol

By HILT Official · Jan 08, 2026 · 8 min read

How to welcome visiting fencers without compromising safety on the floor.

The Stranger at the Gate HEMA is a welcoming community, and most visiting fencers are lovely people who just want to train. But "most" isn't "all," and you have a duty of care to the people already on your floor. When someone you've never met walks in claiming to be an experienced fencer, you know nothing about their control, temperament, or skill level. Trust but verify. A Protocol That Works This isn't bureaucracy for its own sake. It takes 10 minutes and it has prevented real injuries at real clubs. Step 1: Digital Waiver Before Entry. Before they touch a sword, they sign a liability…

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