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 you’re curious about Medieval Martial Arts, looking for a fun way to stay active, or dream about living your own fantasy adventure — 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 ♞ 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 – 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.
Start Your Sword Journey!
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 😉 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…
MAY-JULY (THURSDAYS)
BELLEVILLE BEGINNER’S COURSE
🗓️ Starts May 28, 2026
🕚 Time: Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
💵 Cost: $205 total
🎁 Includes 8x classes, 1x Official T-Shirt, 1x Student Handbook
🗺️ Location: Lion’s Club Pavilion, Zwick Park, Belleville
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]
Sleuthing meets self-defense in this unique martial arts workshop celebrating Sherlock Holmes Day! 🕵️♂️
🗓️ Sherlock Holmes Day (Fri, May 22, 2026)
🕚 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
💵 $25 total per guest
🗺️ Next Church, 89 Colborne St, Kingston
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
Sleuthing meets self-defense in this unique martial arts workshop celebrating Sherlock Holmes Day! 🕵️♂️
🗓️ Date: May 22, 2026
🕰️ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🧭 Location: Next Church (89 Colborne St, Kingston)
🎟️ Cost: $25/person
***
It’s time to dust off your deerstalker and discover the secrets of Bartitsu 🔍 the real martial art practiced by the great detective himself!
Join us for a smashing 2-hour workshop in the Victorian martial art that combines wits and weapons! Bartitsu, often called “the first MMA”, is a system which mixes boxing, jujitsu, cane fighting, and savate. Created in the 1890s by Edward William Barton-Wright, it was immortalized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in “The Adventure of the Empty House”, where Holmes explains he was able to defeat Moriarty thanks to his familiarity with its techniques.
This session focuses mainly on cane fighting, because nothing says you’re a combatant of class like defending your honor on the foggy London streets with a walking stick! 🧐 We’ll also add in a dash of mystery, with some Holmes-themed activities…
No experience needed — this is elementary, my dear Watson! Just bring curiosity, comfy clothes, and a sense of adventure. Canes provided (no deerstalker required, but we won’t stop you…)
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FAQ
Q: Do I need to know martial arts already?
A: Not at all! If you can hold a cane and say “Huzzah!” with gusto, you’re halfway there.
Q: Who can attend the event?
A: We welcome anyone over the age of 18. Otherwise, anyone can make a great detective!
Q: How do I register?
A: Use the link above! But don’t delay, there are only 16 spots available.
Q: Do I have to dress up?
A: Nope! You just need something comfy and easy to move in. That said, you are invited to dress for the occasion, if so desired! Waistcoats welcome, corsets optional, monocles at your own risk…
Q: Do I need to bring my own cane?
A: Nope! We’ll provide you with one. But if you have a favorite walking stick, you can bring it along (just maybe leave the sword-cane at home).
Q: Can I bring a friend?
A: Yes! Adventures are always more fun with a sidekick! Space is limited though, so we recommend signing up together.
