We are a Historical European Martial Arts club based in Auckland, New Zealand. We train at the North Shore YMCA.
If you want to try sword fighting go to our website to find when our next beginners course is.
04/09/2026
Here’s what you have to look forward to for Steve Hodgson 2026!
Registrations are still open, so if anything on this schedule tickles your fancy it’s not too late to sign up!
Secure your entry here:
https://www.swordandshield.nz/event-details/steve-hodgson-memorial-tournament-2026
And if you’ve already got your tickets, stay tuned! There’s more excitement from the sponsorship table coming soon…
31/08/2026
Next up in our SH26 sponsor spotlight is Yellowhammer, a small but mighty family-run HEMA business making distinctive rashguards and apparel from all over the world!
Yellowhammer combines sleekness and style with performance-oriented functionality. The result is something that we at Auckland Sword and Shield can personally vouch for!
Our Chief Instructor has been fencing in his YellowHammer rashguard for more than five years, and despite everything HEMA has thrown at it, it’s still going strong.
In his words:
“It’s been holding up really well despite having been in use for over 5 years. I love the designs, and if my wallet allowed it, I would definitely get many more!”
For SH26, YellowHammer have very generously given us three rashguard vouchers, meaning a few of our competitors will get the chance to add some YellowHammer gear to their own fencing wardrobes.
We’re so grateful to YellowHammer for supporting Steve Hodgson 2026. Small businesses like theirs contribute so much to our wonderfully niche sport, and it’s particularly lovely to have the backing of a brand whose gear has already been worn, fought in and loved within our own club for years.
Thank you, YellowHammer! 💛⚔️
Practice tournament at training tonight! See you in September
Fitness Training being taken seriously.
30/07/2026
2 days left to our next beginners course starts. Still a couple of spots left. Sign up at www.swordandshield.nz
Photocredit Anna Mason
26/07/2026
One week left to sign up for the Beginners Course starting Sunday 2nd August
Photo credit Anna Mason
23/06/2026
Save the date!
The Steve Hodgson Memorial Tournament returns this September. As New Zealand’s longest running HEMA tournament, Steve Hodgson brings together fencers from around the country for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, and (of course) fencing.
More details, categories, and registration information coming soon.
For now, mark tour calendars - and get training!
15/06/2026
12/06/2026
Last weekend Auckland Sword and Shield and Auckland Longsword had the privilege of hosting the incredible Miro Lahtela for a longsword workshop.
One of the realities of being a HEMA club in New Zealand is that we’re a long way away from most of the international community. We learn a huge amount from one another, but opportunities to host fencers of Miro’s calibre are relatively rate, which makes them all the more valuable when they come along.
Miro isn’t just an exceptional fencer, he’s also an engaging and memorable instructor. There was plenty to challenge experienced fencers, while still giving everyone practical takeaways they could immediately apply. If your club ever has the opportunity to host Miro, we’d strongly recommend taking it!
Thank you, Miro, for sharing your knowledge and passion with the HEMA community in NZ! You’re welcome back anytime 🤺⚔️🗡️
06/06/2026
UFC26, you were a great time! Thanks heaps to for making it all happen. Till next year!