Join Us
Everything you need to know to get started
The Essentials
Tuesdays. Penzance. First lesson free. The full picture.
When
Tuesdays, 7pm – 9pm
Every week, year‑round.
Where
Penzance Leisure Centre, St Clare, Penzance
Sports hall. Look for the swords.
Cost
First lesson is free.
£7.00 per 2‑hour session thereafter.
Equipment
All training equipment is provided by the club.
Just wear comfortable clothing and trainers.
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
Insurance & Safety
Fully insured. Personal yearly cover after a month of training.
HEMA Penzance is fully insured. After your third paying lesson (approximately one month of training), the club provides your personal yearly martial arts insurance at no additional cost to you.
Sparring is consent‑based. To step in you need a jacket, gloves, and a helmet. The club has spare helmets and gloves; once you have your own jacket you can spar whenever you like. You and your partner set the pace — just ask for what you want.
Common Questions
What you might want to know before your first Tuesday.
Do I need any experience?
None at all. Most of our members started with zero martial arts experience. The system is taught from the ground up, and you will be training alongside people of all levels.
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need to be particularly fit to start. Training will improve your fitness over time. We work at a pace that accommodates all ability levels, and you are always free to rest during a session.
Is there an age requirement?
Training is suitable for adults. If you are under 18, please get in touch so we can discuss whether the sessions would be appropriate.
Will I get hit?
Only if you spar. To step in you need a jacket, gloves, and a helmet. The club has spare helmets and gloves; once you have your own jacket you can spar whenever you like. How hard you go really comes down to how much armour you both have, and whether you both fancy a light spar or a real contest.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing you can move freely in — tracksuit bottoms, a t‑shirt, and trainers or indoor sport shoes. Avoid clothing with zips, hard buttons, or anything that might catch on equipment.
Can I come and watch first?
Absolutely. You are welcome to come along, watch a session, ask questions, and decide if it is for you. No pressure at all.
Get in Touch
Or just turn up on a Tuesday — equally welcome.
Just turn up
Tuesday evening, Penzance Leisure Centre, 7pm. First lesson free, all equipment provided. We will sort the rest.