About Ironfolk Combat
Wellington's LGBTQ+ friendly Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) club, dedicated to creating an inclusive space for learning medieval weapon combat.
Our Mission
At Ironfolk Combat, we are passionate about preserving and practicing the martial arts of medieval Europe. Our focus is on German longsword techniques, but we use a variety of other weapons such as: Saber, Rapier, Dagger, Spear, Sidesword and more!
We are proud to be an LGBTQ+ friendly space that welcomes fencers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Sessions are structured to always include a mixture of lessons, both theoretical and practical, with time to put that theory to the test with free fencing bouts.
What We Offer
- • Warm-ups and Lessons to focus on code blade work and footwork
- • Members with a broad range of experience to challenge you
- • Equipment guidance and loaner gear for beginners
- • Tournament preparation and competition opportunities
- • Historical context and academic study of source materials
You can learn more about the club by visiting our FAQ section .
Registered Charity
Ironfolk Combat is a registered charity and incorporated society serving the Wellington region. We're committed to making Historical European Martial Arts accessible to everyone in our community.
Charity Registration
CC62599
NZBN
9429051968922
What We Do
- • Provide training facilities and equipment for HEMA education
- • Serve as a resource for the Wellington HEMA community
- • Offer advice, information, and advocacy for sport and recreation
- • Make HEMA accessible to the general public regardless of financial circumstances
- More information about our charity can be found on the charaties register Here
Supporting Our Club: We ask for monthly membership contributions to cover training space rental and equipment costs. All funds go directly toward maintaining an accessible, safe, and welcoming environment for our members.
Our Trainers and Coaches
Tye
As one of the founding members of Ironfolk Combat, I’ve been fencing for about 5 years, and teaching for 3 of them. Knowing nothing about historical fencing or teaching, I’m mostly self-taught; The foundational text of the club being “Fear is the mind killer” by Kaja Sadowski, with a tonne of Youtube, books, podcasts, and modern research papers. I’m a big fan of ‘Ecological’ teaching principles and the ‘Constraints led approach’.
My personal focus has been the works of German author “Joachim Meyer”, and the earlier “Zettel glosses”. Having recently have turned my eye/hand to later Italian Maestro “Phillipo Vadi”. Though I try to teach source agnostically, while taking inspiration from the old scrolls.
Olive
Olive gives one on one lessons and coaching at Ironfolk Combat. She specialises in Fabris' rapier, Lew's longsword, and Radaellian sabre. Competition is front of mind for Olive, but she strongly believes in empowering her students to reach their personal fencing goals in whatever arena is front of mind for them. Olive belongs to Ironfolk Combat, Melbourne Messer Club, and Silly Goose Swords historical fencing clubs.
Olive has experience in the following weapons:
Rapier, Rapier and Dagger, Longsword, Sabre, and Smallsword
Our Values
Safety First
All training is conducted with proper protective equipment and progressive skill building.
Historical Accuracy
Our techniques are based on careful study of medieval treatises and manuscripts.
Inclusive Community
We welcome all people regardless of background, age, gender identity, or experience level.