Do I need any equipment to join?
Can children participate?
Under 18’s can participate in training; however, for safety reasons we require the child to be strong enough to wield the weapons we use, to enable control of their techniques to avoid injury to others. They also need to be able to fit the protective equipment we use to partake in full contact.
Everyone is required to follow instructions at all times and behave in a manner accordingly to the presence of weapons.
Children 13/14 years onwards are very welcome. We recognise children grow at different rates and we encourage any spark of interest in Historical Fighting Arts. Younger children will be considered on a case by case basis – please ask.
P.S. we would also encourage parents to join in.
If their is sufficient interest, bespoke children classes are a possibility – please enquire.
Do I need any equipment to join?
No, we train in a manner commensurate to the level of protective equipment an individual is wearing. You can train extensively with little gear and we have plenty of loan equipment. Please see Starting Out in Historical Fighting Arts for more information.
How much does it cost?
In keeping with the ethos of our Sister Organisation, British Fudoshin Martial Arts we operate on a non-for-profit basis. Any profit is re-invested into equipment and running of the club. We are trying to keep cost of attending classes minimal and currently charge £5 per session on a pay-as-you-go basis, to cover hall rental cost.
The purchase of equipment for training can be come expensive. There is affordable entry equipment on the market that will enable full participation in classes when you start to purchase it and tire of using loan equipment, but their is no pressure for capital outlay until you are ready. You’ll be able to train safely in a manner commensurate to the equipment you are using. Please see Starting Out in Historical Fighting Arts for more information.
To participate in competitions there are set minimum equipment standards set by the organisers. These are often set high due to the intensity of combat and need to maintain safety. The Wessex League, as our closest geographical competitions, are a good benchmark for those that want to buy competition standard equipment.
Do you compete?
Our prime philosophy is learning and using weapons for combat rather than sport. However, pressure testing in a competitive manner is a great way to test skills, network and learn!
As a new club, our intention is to reach a point where members are able to enter competitive HEMA events.
West Dorset Historical Fighting Arts 