The complete fighting system of Fiore dei Liberi
An integrated whole, with the longsword at its centre.
Fiore's system is taught as an integrated whole, with the longsword at its centre. Each discipline builds on the one before it — the grappling principles that underpin abrazare reappear at the dagger, the longsword, and the pollaxe.
While we study the full breadth of Fiore's art, the longsword is the primary focus of most sessions. The first hour is paired practice of Fiore's techniques, with individual instruction from Steve and Andrew. The second hour is sparring for those with protective gear, or continued paired technique work for those still building up their kit.
Six disciplines, six weapons, one connected art. Click any to read more.
Abrazare is the bedrock of Fiore's martial system. These wrestling and grappling techniques form the foundation upon which all other combat arts are built. A swordsman who cannot grapple is incomplete; Fiore teaches locks, throws, disarms, and ground techniques that transition seamlessly into armed combat. Every weapon encounter may end in a grapple, and every grappler must be ready for the blade.
Studied in both armoured and unarmoured contexts.
The dagger is the weapon of last resort and first encounter. Fiore's dagger system covers grips, strikes, and an extensive repertoire of disarms and counters. Training builds reflexes for close-quarters situations where speed and precision matter more than strength. The dagger curriculum bridges the gap between unarmed grappling and longer weapons, teaching you to control distance and exploit openings.
Studied in both armoured and unarmoured contexts.
Fiore includes techniques for wielding the longsword in a single hand, demonstrating the versatility demanded of a medieval combatant. This discipline develops wrist strength, distance management, and the ability to use the free hand for grappling, disarming, or wielding a secondary weapon. It reveals dimensions of the longsword that two-handed grip alone cannot express.
Studied in an unarmoured context.
The longsword wielded in two hands is the centrepiece of Fiore's system and the weapon you will train with at every session. It is the primary focus of HEMA Penzance. Training covers the twelve guards (poste), the fundamental cuts and thrusts, and the flowing plays that connect offence and defence into a continuous martial conversation. You will learn to read your opponent's intentions, break their structure, and finish decisively, standing or on the ground, at the sword or in the grapple.
Studied in both armoured and unarmoured contexts.
The spear is the battlefield weapon. Reach is king. Fiore's spear system teaches thrusts, beats, and the critical transitions that occur when combatants close distance. Training with the spear develops timing, measure, and the ability to dominate space. When the spear is beaten aside, the fight flows into grappling and dagger work, making every prior discipline relevant.
Studied in both armoured and unarmoured contexts.
The pollaxe is the weapon of the armoured duel on foot: judicial combat, tournament, and battlefield melee. It combines the hammer, spike, and butt into a versatile weapon capable of striking, hooking, and thrusting against armoured opponents. Fiore's pollaxe plays are among the most dynamic in his system, demanding whole-body coordination and the ability to flow between striking and grappling at close range.
Studied in both armoured and unarmoured contexts.
Vox Magistri · The Master's Voice
Few plays pass the third master in the art. And if they do more, it becomes dangerous.— Fiore dei Liberi, Getty MS · prologue
Nothing, on your first night. The club provides everything.
All training equipment is provided by the club. You do not need to bring or buy anything to start training. We provide Red Dragon synthetic longswords and safety glasses for every member at every session.
As you progress, you may wish to invest in your own protective gear for sparring, and eventually your own sword. There is no pressure to purchase anything — many members train happily with club equipment for months.
For your first session, just wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Trainers or indoor sport shoes are ideal. Avoid clothing with zips or hard buttons that might catch on equipment.
Read more about what we train with and how to build your kit →
Your first lesson is free. Come and see what 600 years of martial tradition feels like in the hand.