Niles' Fencing Academy

Fencers who parry are the Emperor's most beloved children

Our club's sword garden is coming along nicely. This year's smallsword crop features both French and Italian varietals, which thrive despite the ever-changing Nova Scotian climate.

In fencing, you reap what you sow.

Sow parry drills; reap better defence.

Sow footwork drills; reap better footwork.

Sow good drip; reap all those tasty, tasty style points.

Beginner Intake time ! We have 8 spots available for August 18th! Please contact for further details! Spots fill up fast !

BROADSWORD FACT! Broadswords are ENDANGERED in their native Scotland due the invasive saber. If you see a saber growing near a broadsword patch in Scotland, please pick it and arrange shipping back to Eastern Europe.

Fencing terms explained (poorly)*

*Note: this post reflects the views of our social media goblin and not our perfectly sensible coaches and instructors.

We were thrilled to host our first tournament yesterday!

With 22 registrants representing 4 clubs in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, and Manitoba, we were honoured to share a day of high-calibre fencing featuring top-notch skill, honourable conduct, and zero injuries.

Thanks to all the competitors, and especially to our volunteers and side judges, including supporters from Maritime Sword School!

And special thanks to our prize contributors! Benoit Mallet provided a custom-made smallsword for the winner. Congratulations Jay! Glengarry Broadsword Academy provided priority registration with a 25% discount to An Cruinneachadh 2027 Nationals for the top resident fencers in both smallsword and broadsword.

Our 2026 Summer Classic winners were:

OPEN SMALLSWORD
🥇 Jay Maes
🥈 Miles Kinnee
🥉 Peter Chiykowski

URG BROADSWORD
🥇 Cam Ax
🥈 Jackie Cochran
🥉 Kay Dingwell

MOST HONOURABLE (in memory of Michael Desfossés)
🏅 Chris Rovers

OPEN BROADSWORD
🥇 Jay Maes
🥈 Etienne Mermillod
🥉 Peter Chiykowski

Congratulations all!

NFA's own Liam O'Brien was interviewed (en français!) by CBC Radio Canada about his passion for fencing and his experience starting HEMA! Ecoutez ici! https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/premiere/emissions/la-mouvee/segments/rattrapage/2422171/liam-o-brien-halifax-nous-presente-son-sport-escrime

Know your HEMA acronyms!

A reporter from The Coast - Halifax/Kjipuktuk tracked us down in Gorsebrook Park to talk to head instructor Xian Niles about the rise of HEMA in Canada.