Help! I can’t find you guys in the park!

Don’t worry, we got you! On Sundays you can find us at Moanalua Community Park. We’re on the east side of the park on the concrete patio near the picnic benches. On Thursdays you can find us at Makiki District Park on one of the empty courts on the Ke’eaumoku side of the park or on the grassy areas right outside the tennis courts on the Makiki St. side of the park.

For our brand new Kaneohe satellite on Sundays, practice will generally be held on the big field by the tennis courts.

Please check with us for cancellations or changes in location.

What is HEMA?

HEMA (pronounced as "HEE-mah") is an acronym that stands for Historical European Martial Arts, and it is the study of historical fighting techniques of western origin, particularly those from the medieval and early modern periods. It can include everything from wrestling to armored combat, and while HEMA is not exclusively sword combat, you will find that the more commonly practiced systems are sword based. In recent years the community has expanded globally and has moved beyond learning only European techniques, so you will now often hear the terms “Historical Fencing” and “Historical Martial Arts” (HMA).

What weapons do you teach?

We currently cover German longsword, Italian rapier, dagger, and most recently saber.

What gear do I need?

If this is your first time joining our club the only things you will need are exercise clothes, a bottle of water, and a positive attitude. If you like it and want to come back there you can find a gear list here. We have some loaner gear and club weapons to allow new students to participate in class curriculum and drills while they start to acquire their kit. Expect to eventually spend $500-1000 if you intend on sparring competitively. Please ask the instructors if you have more questions regarding gear.

Do I have to spend a ton on gear?

Not necessarily. The gear requirements listed are for full-contact sparring with steel, and nobody is required to spar. If you aren’t interested in anything full-contact and just want to take it easy and learn a few things with plastic swords or boffers, acquiring a mask, gloves, and groin/chest protection will be fine.

Is there an age requirement?

With parental permission 16+ can train and take classes, but you must be 18+ to spar with steel.

How much does it cost?

OCHS does not charge any money to attend our practices/classes. We function entirely off donations. However, members are required to join the HEMA Alliance. See below.

How do I become a member of OCHS?

We are an affiliate of the HEMA Alliance so you will need to acquire a membership through them. They provide a 2-month intro class membership for free. After those 2 months an In-network Discounted Alliance Membership is $26/year. More information can be found here. For insurance purposes, you must show proof of HEMA Alliance membership before you are allowed to participate in any activities.

Do you guys use real swords?

For training longsword we use two types of sword simulators: steel and nylon. The metal sword-simulators are a period-accurate training tool called a feder (pronounced as FAY-dah) that is meant to simulate the feel and response of a real longsword, but with a blunted edge, rebated tip, and a significantly reduced impact force. The nylon swords are a lighter and more flexible simulator meant for drills and light sparring.

For training rapier we use a flexible and blunted version of the sword fitted with a rubber tip.

For training dagger we have blunted plastic rondel daggers.

Are you guys LARPing?

Nope! HEMA/Historical fencing is not LARP (Live Action Role Playing), historical reenacting, or stage combat. It is full-contact martial art and combat sport comparable to Kendo and Escrima, and as such is inherently dangerous. While we love the LARP and historical reenacting communities, often participate in their events, and have an overlap in members, the focus of OCHS is learning historical combat techniques. We make this distinction simply to emphasize that when training with steel weapons students must be careful and conscientious.

Are you related to the SCA?

Not directly. We are a different type of organization, but we have an overlap in members and you are welcome to attend any all and other groups on island. We promise we won’t get jealous.

Info about the SCA Barony of Western Seas here.

If you wish to learn more about armored combat techniques of the medieval tournament feel free to check out our friends at Schola Saint George.

And if you are interested in boffer fighting there is Blood Coast Belegarth and the Manoa Medieval Combat Club.

What if I can’t make it every week?

There are no requirements to attend anything that we do. You are welcome to join whenever is convenient for you.