Welcome to Wolves Den Historical Fencing, a Winnipeg based, community-focused HEMA club and one of Canada’s leading competitive historical fencing clubs.
We teach Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) across a wide range of weapons and traditions, including Highland Broadsword, Military Sabre, Longsword, Sidesword, Rapier, Smallsword, Spear, and a variety of off-hand weapons. Our approach combines historical research with modern coaching methods, giving students a practical and engaging way to learn the martial arts of the past.
HEMA is a fast-paced sport, martial art, and recreational activity. At Wolves Den, we make room for all of those paths. Some members train primarily for recreation, fitness, and personal development, while others pursue competition at the provincial, national, and international levels. If you want to compete, there are regular in-club tournaments as well as opportunities to represent the club at larger events. At the same time, every member is valued regardless of their competitive goals.
Most importantly, Wolves Den is a community. We strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where people can learn, develop confidence, make friends, and be valued as whole people. Whether you’re picking up a sword for the first time or looking to take your fencing to a high competitive level, there is a place for you here.
HEMA for Kids & Families
Our HEMA Kids program is designed for children ages 5–12, with a dedicated kids class running Tuesdays from 6:00–6:30 PM. This short, focused class introduces younger students to movement, coordination, fencing fundamentals, and the foundations of swordsmanship in a fun and structured environment.
We also offer family-friendly fencing classes, where children and parents can participate together and learn the fundamentals of historical fencing as a family.
Our Thursday historical fencing class gives students the opportunity to explore historical fencing traditions directly through the sources that have survived from the past. We study historical texts and techniques, then work to understand how those systems function as practical martial arts.
Serious About Coaching
We take coaching seriously. The program is led by a Board-certified Level 3 coach and Master at Arms, with extensive experience in historical fencing, competition, and instruction.
Our curriculum was developed under the guidance of the late Maître Steven Symons, former President of the Canadian Fencing Federation (CFF). This foundation, combined with modern sport-fencing pedagogy, certified coaching methods, and ongoing historical research, gives Wolves Den a structured approach to developing skilled and knowledgeable fencers.
Wolves Den is also an affiliate of Storica Defensa, a tournament league and coaching program operating across Canada and the United States and expanding into Europe. This connection gives our fencers opportunities to participate in a broader competitive and educational community.
Whether your goal is to compete, learn a historical martial art, get active, or simply find a community where you belong, Wolves Den Historical Fencing has a place for you.
Wolves Den Historical Fencing 