Grappling
The foundation of Fiore's art. Wrestling techniques that underpin every weapon system.
Armoured & UnarmouredEst. 2014 · Penzance, Cornwall
HEMA
Penzance
The complete fighting system of
Fiore dei Liberi
I
Capitolo Primo The Art
The Art of Fiore dei Liberi
An Italian master‑at‑arms, a manuscript from 1409, and the system we still teach.
In 1409, the Italian master‑at‑arms Fiore dei Liberi completed his treatise Fior di Battaglia, The Flower of Battle. One of the most comprehensive fighting manuals to survive from the medieval period.
His system is complete: from unarmed grappling through dagger, longsword, spear, and pollaxe, Fiore teaches a unified approach to combat that flows between weapons and ranges.
At HEMA Penzance, we study and practise this system as a living martial art.
II
Capitolo Secondo What We Teach
The Disciplines
Six interlocking weapon systems, taught in the order Fiore teaches them.
Dagger
Close-quarters combat with disarms, locks, and counters.
Armoured & UnarmouredLongsword in One Hand
Single-handed longsword play; the versatility of a true swordsman.
UnarmouredLongsword
The heart of what we do. This is the weapon you will train with every session.
Armoured & UnarmouredSpear
Long-weapon techniques emphasising reach, timing, and transitions to close combat.
Armoured & UnarmouredPollaxe
The premier weapon of armoured foot combat. Head, spike, and butt in devastating combination.
Armoured & Unarmoured
IV
Capitolo Quarto The Masters
Steve & Andrew
Two people who share a deep love for Fiore's art, teaching here in Penzance since 2014.
Co-Founder & Instructor
Steve Kemp
Twenty years of dedicated study of Fiore's system, on top of decades of practical combat experience across Wing Chun, judo, jujitsu, and karate. Encyclopaedic knowledge of the manuscript paired with the directness of someone who has tested every technique.
Co-Founder & Instructor
Andrew Elcox
An exceptional swordsman with three decades of dedicated practice. Quotes Fiore's manuscripts virtually word for word, and teaches understanding, not just movements, through a deep, lived knowledge of the source.
VI
Capitolo Sesto Your First Lesson
Come on a Tuesday
What you need to know to walk through the door.
Tuesdays, 7pm – 9pm · Penzance Leisure Centre, St Clare, Penzance · £7.00 a session, your first is free · all kit provided.
Non-Training Nights
There will be no training on the following dates:
- Tuesday 6th January
- Tuesday 3rd February
- Tuesday 12th May
- Tuesday 26th May
- Tuesday 2nd June
- Tuesday 21st July
VII
Capitolo Settimo Out and About
Out and About
Where HEMA Penzance shows up beyond the leisure centre.
May
9–10
2026
FABLEFUSION at Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall
We came along to Pendennis Castle for FABLEFUSION 2026, the high fantasy and gaming festival hosted by Game On Cornwall. Longsword work on the headland, a weekend in good company at one of Cornwall’s most iconic castles. Photos in the gallery.
VIII
Capitolo Ottavo From the Blog
Latest Posts
Recent writing on Fiore, the art, and the craft of training.
Starting HEMA as an Adult
A friendly, honest guide to starting Historical European Martial Arts as an adult. How fitness, age, and late-career beginnings actually work in the longsword world.
The Getty Manuscript: Fiore's Most Famous Book
MS Ludwig XV 13, the Getty Museum's copy of Fiore dei Liberi's Fior di Battaglia, and why this illuminated manuscript is the primary source for armizare.
Indoor Activities in Cornwall
A friendly guide to indoor activities in Cornwall. Museums, galleries, classes, clubs, and the quiet joys of a wet Cornish afternoon indoors.
Vienite a Imparare Come and Learn
Come train with us
No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Come along on a Tuesday evening and discover the martial art of medieval Europe.