A Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) club, the primary disciplines we teach are 16th Longsword, Rapier, and both the Italian and German Dagger.
Classical/19th century Fencing instruction is also available. Website: www.storksbeak.co.uk The Stork's Beak School of Historical Swordplay is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The School is based on teaching, practice and research going back some 20 years. We currently offer regular courses of instruction in Longsword, Dussack, Rapier and Academic Foil. When you join our school, you will get to study
the European tradition of martial arts, and learn how to use a variety of swords. And, in the process, you may pick up some history, philosophy, and fitness. People mistakenly associate the words ‘martial arts’ exclusively with Asian fighting arts. Currently, there is a renaissance in the study of historically accurate Historical European Martial Arts, from medieval fighting treatises. These treatises reveal a well-established, highly sophisticated European fighting system, employing swords, rapiers, daggers, shields, poleaxes, sickles and much more. Unfortunately, theatrical and popular media portrayals have reduced European martial arts to the myth that combatants merely crudely bludgeoned, hacked, and slashed savagely at their opponents. In reality, European martial arts integrate footwork, avoidance, bladework, and the ability to use timing and distance. These skills include techniques for grappling, wrestling, throwing, and disarming of the opponent. Aside from practising the physical and martial aspects of the Art of Fencing, Stork's Beak is also dedicated to continuing research into the historical martial arts. As such, we continue to develop interpretations based on period texts, work on translations of period manuscripts and encourage our students to pursue projects that will benefit the school and the community at large. We have members from many varied training backgrounds, all ages and both sexes. Fitness is not a barrier to taking part - if you want to get fitter then it'll help and it won't be as boring as going to the gym! The School meets from 19:00 to 21:00 every Thursday at St Peter's on Lutton Place
Classes
We operate a two pathways approach to learning, students may begin with either the Foil or Longsword and progress to look at either other HEMA weapons such as Rapier and Dussack, or continue their exploration of their chosen weapon. Prices
The price is £10 per lesson, with the second lesson free, students may also pay £40 PCM for all Thursday classes in that month
19/05/2026
17/01/2026
The Sunday session tomorrow will be at St Catherine's on the Grange, from 2:30-4:00 pm, this is a one off as we have had an unexpected venue chnage.
Want your business to be the top-listed Gym/sports Facility in Edinburgh?
