Events & Training
Join us for HEMA fun!
Training Topics 2026/27
| Months | Topic |
|---|---|
| July/August 26 | Comparison of sources |
| September/October 26 | Dagger |
| November/December 26 | Footwork: distance and angle |
| January/February 27 | Langes Messer |
| March/April 27 | Training partners: cooperation and scripting |
| May/Jun 27 | Technique and tactics |
Never trained with us?
Trial Session FAQNews
1. Alpine Guard HEMA Cup
17. September 2026
The first Alpine Guard HEMA Cup took place in Zurich over the weekend of September 5–6, 2026. On Saturday, national and international fencers competed in friendly bouts in the Saber and Sidesword categories. The tournament culminated in exciting finals, all held in an excellent atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Sunday was dedicated to workshops and
Fantasy Basel 2026
28. May 2026
Gladius et Codex was present again this year at the Fantasy Basel with a large booth. Together with HEMA enthusiasts from other Swiss clubs, we answered questions, demonstrated historical techniques, and held a mini-tournament. In workshops, interested individuals had the opportunity to try their hand at historical fencing.
Events
Rising Star Tournament 2026
October 31, 2026
The Rising Star Tournament is happening again this year!It is meant to be an introductory tournament for longsword fencers with little to no competition experience. When: Sa, 31.10.2026, 11:30Where: Sporthalle Neumünster, ZürichWho: Anyone at least 16 y/o, with no more than 2 years of HEMA experience and no more than 1 previous public tournamentRegistration: training@wemac.ch … Read more
25 Years Anniversary Celebration
August 27, 2027
–
August 29, 2027
In 2027 Gladius et Codex turns 25! We would like to celebrate this milestone together with all members, their families, and friends. Please save the weekend of the 27 – 29 August 2027! More information will follow.
Training Schedule
Join us for our weekly HEMA training in Zurich and Basel!
Agenda
Subscribe to one of our Google Calendars by clicking the plus sign at the bottom right and stay up-to-date.
Basel
Wednesdays
- Primarschule Gestadeck, Obergestadeckweg 26, Liestal
- 8:00 PM to 9:45 PM: Self-directed training
Thursdays
- Zentrum für Brückenangebote Kriegackerstrasse 30, Muttenz
- 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM: Self-directed training
Fridays
- Gottfried-Keller Schulhaus Turnhalle Ost, Gotthelfstrasse 82, Basel
- 8:00 PM to 9:45 PM: Guided training
Zurich
The semester dates start and end with the spring and autumn holidays of the city of Zurich’s public schools.
Tuesdays
- Schule Dachslern-Feldblume, Gym, Dachslernstrasse 4, 8048 Zurich (Altstetten)
- 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Guided saber training
- 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Winter semester: Guided longsword training, Summer semester: Self-directed training
Thursdays
- Schule Dachslern-Feldblume, Gym, Dachslernstrasse 4, 8048 Zurich (Altstetten)
- 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Summer semester: Guided longsword training, self-directed training
- 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Winter semester: gym closed
Saturdays
- Sportanlage Sihlhölzli, Gym C, Manessestrasse 1, 8003 Zurich (Wiedikon)
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Guided basic training for all levels
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM: Guided training for advanced practitioners
- 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Sparring & self-directed training
Training Focus
Our training is dedicated to the study and practice of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Our goal is to learn the techniques of fencing with historical weapons, develop a deeper understanding of combat systems, and cultivate free fighting.
We understand historical fencing to be the art of fencing based on martial systems of the past. In particular, no direct transmission from living masters to their students has taken place for centuries. The techniques we learn are thus necessarily interpretations of historical sources. As a result, we constantly question our understanding, pressure-test it while sparring or participating in competitions, and revise our interpretations regularly.
Since there is no direct transmission from the historical masters, Gladius et Codex is not a traditional martial arts school. Instead, we consider ourselves a platform for discovering fencing with historical weapons anew. In addition to guided training, we plan time for self-guided training, encourage independent study of historical texts, and are open to questioning old assumptions.
For our training to take place, we rely on the passion and initiative of our members. We believe that anyone can work independently or with others on interpreting manuals, techniques, and weapons from the past and can gain valuable knowledge and pass it on. Therefore, our instructors are merely the tip of the iceberg.
Gladius et Codex offers three different types of training:
- Guided Training / Basic Training
- Training for Advanced Practitioners
- Self-Directed Training and Sparring
In our guided and basic training, our instructors cover a topic or group of techniques. This provides an opportunity for those who do not want to delve into historical sources to learn historical fencing. The content and intensity are adapted to the trainees. The basic training focuses on practicing fundamental techniques with a low level of intensity. This training is particularly suitable for beginners but also beneficial for advanced practitioners.
Training for advanced practitioners is usually also guided training. The content may be tailored to the needs of the participants. This training takes place with full protective equipment and is typically of medium to high intensity.
In self-directed training and sparring, we encourage our fencers to pursue their own topics and objectives independently. Here, taking initiative and assuming responsibility for your own training is more important than mere knowledge and skill. Therefore, self-directed training encompasses a wide range of activities, such as preparing for tournaments, historical interpretation, and refining skills learned elsewhere – whatever you want or need.
Gladius et Codex welcomes anyone who wants to engage with Historical European Martial Arts, regardless of which weapons or styles are fought.
Longsword and saber enjoy great popularity and many historical texts are available for these weapons. In addition, we believe that these weapons are suitable for beginners. Therefore, we offer weekly guided trainings in longsword and saber. To make it easier for newcomers to get started, our basic training in longsword focuses on the German tradition of Johannes Lichtenauer (circa 1400) and the associated 15th century glosses.
In addition, we regularly practice other European styles and weapons, such as langes Messer, halberd, dagger, and historical wrestling. Sword and buckler, rapier, sickles, spear, montante, and bayonet often appear in our self-guided training or seminars.
