Welcome to SDS

Welcome to Snohomish Dueling Society! We’re a community-focused HEMA club dedicated to teaching historical European swordsmanship in a safe, supportive, and beginner-friendly environment. Whether you’re here to learn a new skill, get active, or explore the art of the longsword, we’re excited to have you with us!

Classes we offer

Fundamentals Class
Our beginner-friendly fundamentals class teaches the core skills of HEMA—stance, footwork, cutting mechanics, timing, and basic drills. This class is ideal for new students and for experienced fencers who want to sharpen their foundations.

Longsword Class
Focused on historical European longsword technique, this class covers guards, cuts, plays, and structured partner work. Students develop control, timing, and tactical understanding while training with the club’s primary weapon.

Sidesword Class
Our sidesword class explores the techniques of early Renaissance fencing, including cuts, thrusts, footwork patterns, and tactical principles. It’s a great way to experience a more agile, versatile style of historical swordplay.

Specialty Sessions
We occasionally offer focused sessions on other weapons such as saber, polearms, and smallsword. These classes provide students the chance to broaden their skills and experience a wider range of historical systems.

Membership

Become a member of Snohomish Dueling Society and unlock the full experience of historical European martial arts. As a member, you gain access to all of our classes, workshops, and specialty sessions, plus the chance to attend tournaments, demonstrations, and social events. You’ll learn authentic swordsmanship in a safe, supportive environment, improve your fitness and coordination, and connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced fencer, membership gives you the tools, opportunities, and camaraderie to grow your skills and fully engage with the art of historical fencing. Don’t just watch—join us, pick up a sword, and be part of something exciting!

How Membership dues are used

At Snohomish Dueling Society, we stay active both inside and outside the training hall. Throughout the year, we host and participate in a variety of events that build skills, strengthen community, and celebrate the fun of historical martial arts.

Workshops & Training Events
We offer focused weapon workshops—such as longsword, sidesword, saber, polearms, and smallsword—where students can dive deeper into specific techniques and traditions. We also visit nearby HEMA clubs for sparring meetups and fight nights.

Community & Social Gatherings
Our members enjoy regular social events, including our spring and fall BBQs, holiday party, and frequent board game nights. These gatherings help new students connect and make the club feel like a community, not just a class.

Public Demonstrations & Festivals
We participate in local events like Renaissance faires, GeekFest, and various town festivals, offering live demonstrations and educational displays. These events are a great way for members to share their passion and introduce historical fencing to the wider community.

Members of Snohomish Dueling Society regularly participate in a variety of local and out-of-state HEMA tournaments. These events offer opportunities to test skills, meet other fencers, and experience the broader community of historical martial arts.

Locally, our fencers attend regional events and invitationals throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest, featuring longsword & sidesword. Beyond the region, many of our members travel to larger national tournaments across the West Coast and elsewhere in the U.S., joining multi-day events that include workshops, open sparring, and a wide range of weapon categories.

Whether students are new to competition or experienced fighters, these tournaments provide a supportive environment for growth, challenge, and connecting with the wider HEMA community