Learn authentic historical swordfighting!
Ironwood Sword School is a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) group with locations in Kingston & Belleville, Ontario.
No experience required. Whether youβre curious about Medieval Martial Arts, looking for a fun way to stay active, or dream about living your own fantasy adventure β let’s start your sword journey today!
Belleville Classes
Thursdays: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sundays: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Open sparring on the
3rd Thursday of every month.
Guests welcome!
Kingston Classes
Tuesdays: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Thursdays: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sundays: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Open sparring on the
1st Sunday of every month.
Guests welcome!
Strength
Flexibility
Growth
Welcome to Ironwood
At Ironwood Sword School, we study a system of combat which includes multiple weapons & styles from the Medieval & Renaissance periods.
This includes longsword, dagger, wrestling, spear, messer, rapier, polearms, sabre, and more!
We regularly host events, visit other schools, and compete in tournaments.
Ironwood Student Handbook
For members and guests curious about our school rules, rank structure, syllabus, and other reference guides from drills to German terms, please enjoy our official handbook!
Ironwood Calendar
The Knight Errant icon β indicates an event outside of Ironwood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do classes cost?
Our classes are $20 each, and each class is 2 hours.
We also offer a flat rate of $100 per calendar month, for those who wish to train more often.
The beginner’s course is $205. It includes 8 classes, 1 Official Student T-Shirt, and 1 Printed Student Handbook. After graduating the beginner’s course, you can simply pay-as-you-go.
Is it safe?
Yes!
All activities are conducted under instructor supervision, and with appropriate safety equipment.
We use a graduated rank system that only allows for more advanced training (such as sparring) once a student has appropriate experience.
Is it a lot of exercise?
Our activites are balanced and designed to be suitable for all levels of physical fitness.
Most lessons are no more exhausting than going for a short hike, but offer a great and healthy way to work on your strength and flexibility.
There are also opportunities to get a more intense workout, if you so choose.
What weapons can I learn?
Our primary focus is on the German Longsword.
That said, we don’t just study one weapon! We study an entire combat system that includes things like daggers, messers, spears β and even wrestling!
Our beginner’s course starts with just longsword, but after graduating you can attend workshops and classes for pretty much any Medieval & Renaissance weapon you can name!
Who are your instructors?
Our head instructor is Robert MacLeod.
Our assistant instructors are Dan Niznik, Stephen Laing, Evan MacDonald, Jeff Hamilton, and Brian McIlmoyle.
All of us have been training for many years (or even decades) and are still constantly learning so we can offer better instruction to our students.
CAN ANYONE JOIN YOUR SCHOOL?
We accept members from all walks of life!
Unless otherwise specified, classes are open to anyone ages 18+ (or 16-17 with parental permission).
We do our best to work within the physical limits of our students, as well as create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
DO YOU DO ARMORED COMBAT?
While our system overlaps with armored styles of the historical periods we study, we do not teach armored combat (or buhurt) at this time.
We do often attend events where armored combat is performed, and can help connect you to other schools if you are interested!
Can I come watch a class?
Absolutely!
We are happy to have prospective students and visitors from other schools visit us to get a better idea of what we do.
Please send us an email beforehand, so we know to expect you (and can let you know if class is cancelled that day).
Will I be fighting other people?
Not until you have trained sufficiently, and not if you don’t want to.
Our school does spar and practice combat under safe conditions. However, we do not allow new members to spar, and our graduated rank system ensures you are introduced to sparring slowly and incrementally.
We recognize that pressure testing your knowledge through sparring is an important part of training, but it is also one which must be approached with patience and respect.
Can I bring my own sword?
Yes, as long as it is approved by an instructor first.
The training weapons we use are specialized and meet safety requirements that are specific to our martial art.
While swords may be the great equalizer, not all swords are created equal. Most display swords are not appropriate for training, and we do not practice with sharp weapons.
Β Start Your Sword Journey!Β
We ask that all new students complete an 8-week introductory course on how to use the German Longsword before attending general classes (this does not apply to standalone workshops).
We typically run several beginner’s courses throughout the year, at both of our locations. Attendance is limited, so we ask that you register in advance.
To be notified as soon as registration opens,
please subscribe to our mailing list.
We will also post the information below.
We promise we aren’t keeping any secrets from you π If there are no dates posted below, then no dates have been set. We will not be able to tell you any more info if you email us.
*If you have prior HEMA experience and would like to bypass the intro course, please email us to introduce yourself. Transfer students accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Upcoming Intro Courses…
AUGUST-OCTOBER (TUESDAYS)
KINGSTON BEGINNER’S COURSE
ποΈ Starts August 18, 2026
π Time: Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
π΅ Cost: $205 total
π Includes 8x classes, 1x Official T-Shirt, 1x Student Handbook
πΊοΈ Location: Lake Ontario Park, Kingston
Β Upcoming Public Workshops & Demonstrations…
From time to time, we offer one-off workshops that anyone can attend, even with no prior experience. We are also guest performers at numerous historical and educational events open to the public.
We are also available to book for your fair, or your own private workshop for you and your friends, family, coworkers, roleplaying party, and whoever you want to stand with (or against) in battle!
For more info, please email us at [email protected]
Northumberland Highland Games
Our Band of Brigands will be in attendance all Saturday, offering free swordfighting lessons, demonstrating our skills, and selling only the finest of wares!
ποΈ Sat, June 20th
πΊοΈ Port Hope Agricultural Park
Great Lakes Medieval Tournament & Faire
Our Band of Brigands will be in attendance all weekend long, offering free swordfighting lessons, demonstrating our skills, and selling only the finest of wares!
ποΈ Fri, July 10th – Sun, July 12th
πΊοΈ Everton (by Guelph)
The Court of Solaris Fantasy Ball
β¨οΈ Calling all fantasy lovers, renaissance faire attendees, and princesses in disguise! β¨οΈ
Step into your own world of fantasy and join us for an evening of celestial enchantment at The Court of Solaris – A Crown of Constellations fantasy ball located at the breathtaking Landmark Venue in Trenton.
Ironwood will be providing live action swordfighting entertainment as part of an intirguing and immersive plot…
ποΈ Sat, July 25th
πΊοΈ The Landmark (Quinte West)
The First Ever Ironwood Fantasy Fair
A Celebration of Imagination!
Join us for our very own Fantasy Fair, featuring a daytime market, workshops, and entertainment galore! Followed by a 19+ fantasy soiree.
ποΈ August 15, 2026
π 11:00AM – 11:00PM
π° The Spire, Kingston
ποΈ Tickets coming soon
β¨ NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS β¨
WANTED:
Vendors
Performers
Musicians
Artists
Workshop Leaders
Strength. Flexibility. Growth.
The silhouette of the Ironwood tree in the logo is used with permission. It is reproduced from Trees in Canada by J.L. Farrar, published by the Canadian Forest Service and Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 1995.
This website spell was cast by Perfected Design
Ironwood’s Summertime celebration is back!
You are cordially invited to join us for a weekend of fighting, feasting, and fun! As always, this event is FREE, and open to all Ironwood members, any HEMA practitioners and their family, and friends of the school.
No registration required.
ποΈ Main Event Saturday July 18th
πΊοΈ The Dirty Dog Farm (205 Cowdy Road, Enterprise, ON)
Do NOT trust your GPS if it tells you to go to the North side of the farm, off HWY 14! The entrance is on the South side of the property, off Cowdy Road. You will see Ironwood signs if you’re in the right place.
This Google Maps link may be more accurate than entering the address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZpVcgfL9UCZs4PAx8
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APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
5:00pm or later 
Camping available
SATURDAY*
10:00am π° The Gates Open
11:00am π£ Announcements
11:15am-12:00pm 
Armored Bouts
1:00pm-1:45pm π€ Team Boffer Melee
2:00pm πΈ Group Photo
5:00pm 
Potluck
Dusk π₯ Bonfire & Lightsabers
*There are several activities/areas available all day:
πΉ Archery
π‘οΈ Cutting Stands
πͺ Throwing Weapons
π€Ί Sparring Rings
π Loaner Weapon Wagon
π§ Cooling Station
SUNDAY
Until 2:00pm π§Ή Cleanup & Loadout
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WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION DIFFERENT?
This year weβre getting back to our roots with what C&C is all about. No tournaments, no games, just trusting people to come together to share their knowledge, challenge each other, and have fun!
We have set a morning time for armoured bouts again, to make sure people can time the donning of their kit with others.
We also set a time for a group melee with foam weapons. Bring your own, or borrow from our armoury. Weβll try a few scenarios, all in good fun!
We are also looking to set up a new cooling station to keep people comfy and safe.
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WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
π½οΈ Food for the potluck and snacks/drinks during the day, and coolers as required. There are no kitchen facilities available, but there are some BBQs for cooking.
β±οΈ A lawn chair and something to provide shade (like a tent or large umbrella). Optionally, a folding table.
π Sunscreen is suggested for the day.
π¦ Bug spray is suggested for the evening.
π€Ί HEMA equipment (if you plan on fencing). Always inform your partner of any concerns with equipment, intensity, or existing injuries before sparring.
βΊ Camping gear (if staying over). This should include bug spray and bug nets for your tent.
βοΈ Sharp weapons & cutting material such as pumpkins/gourds, sugar cane, water bottles, or tatami (if interested in cutting practice). Please avoid fruits like watermelon, as they are bad for the local animals
And if you have a battle-ready lightsaber, we recommend bringing it along too π
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π€ Safety Rules
Anyone, even the audience, can call a halt to any activities at any time to address safety concerns such as equipment malfunctions.
Fighters are expected to have sufficient gear in good condition. We expect you to use the type of equipment that meets or exceeds your weapon and intensity requirements, including but not limited to gambesons, gorgets, mask, back of head protection, groin protection, chest protection, and rigid protection for shins, knees, elbows, and hands.
If you have no experience with certain activities, such as cutting or archery, please seek out someone who does to help you play safely. We have many experts for every activity who are happy to guide you!
Please remember to discuss your desired intensity and any limitations to moves and targets prior to any and all free sparring. Check and monitor your partners equipment for your mutual safety.
Ironwood instructors carry first aid kits (and certifications), please let us know how we can help in the event of an injury.
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