FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I DON’T HAVE ANY FENCING EXPERIENCE. DO YOU HAVE A CLASS FOR ME?
All of our classes are beginner-friendly! We recommend you reach out to us via email to talk about how to get you started. We take the time to pace the classes to your skill level.
DO YOU HOLD TOURNAMENTS?
Yes! We hold special events for club members AND public tournaments for all of our disciplines.
WHAT DICIPLINES DOES YOUR CLUB TEACH?
Currently, we have classes in Japanese swordsmanship (Kenjutsu), Spear (Sojutsu), German Longsword, Langes Messer, Dagger, Broadsword, Saber, and Rapier. Learn more about our classes HERE
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT KIND OF GEAR I NEED TO BUY! CAN YOU HELP ME?
We have a complete gear-guide page that you can view HERE. This page has all the gear we personally recommend students buy. We do not sell this gear ourselves.
WHAT LINIAGES AND SOURCES DO YOU TEACH FROM?
Because we teach so many disciplines in our club, there are many manuscripts and school lineages we
reference. For HEMA, we train from the works of Johannes Liechtenauer, Fiore dei Liberi, Johannes Lecküchner, and Hans Talhoffer. For Kenjutsu, we ryu we base techniques from is Shinjo Ryu, Matayoshi Ryu, and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu.
IF I HAVE TO RESCHEDULE A DAY, DO I LOSE THAT CLASS?
No! So long as we are notified a day before, we will reschedule any class for you.
DOES YOUR CLUB ATTEND FAIRS/SCA/FESTIVALS?
YES! We are looking to take our club to any convention, festival, or meeting that would have people interested in historical martial arts. We believe in forging meaningful friendships with groups from all over ranging from LARP, SCA, fairs, conventions, and more!
AS A NEW STUDENT, AM I GOING TO BE USING STEEL SWORDS RIGHT AWAY?
We recommend all those new to fencing to start with synthetic swords but if you have all of your protective gear, you may start using steel blunted swords (approved by us) at any time.
CAN I TRY A CLASS BEFORE COMITTING TO MORE?
Your first class is ON US! Click HERE and set up a day you would like to try us out!
HOW CAN I BE AN INSTRUCTOR FOR LUDUS FEROCIA?
We are always looking for experienced fencing instructors AND new students wishing to teach in the future. Please contact us HERE and let us know if you have an interest in becoming a LF instructor!
DO I NEED GEAR TO START TRAINING NOW?
You can train with us at any time, even if you don’t own gear! We sometimes have loaner gear for new students to use until you buy your own! There are many drills and techniques that you can learn in our classes without full protective gear.
WHERE ARE CLASSES HELD CURRENTLY?
ALL sword classes are currently held in Norfolk, VA the Universal Combat Center - 5000 Colley Ave, Norfolk VA, 23508. CLICK HERE to learn more about our facility.
I HAVE SCA/LARP GEAR. CAN I USE THIS IN CLASS?
Yes and no. When sparring, all students MUST be using HEMA-rated protection. LARP or SCA armor designed for strikes from wood/foam will not hold up to steel fighting. Weapons must also be HEMA-rated synthetic or steel. Cosmetic items can be worn over this protective gear if desired. Please check out our GEAR GUIDE page to learn more.