Trial Session

You’re welcome to give HEMA a go!

Trial Sessions & Membership

What you probably want to know.

FAQ

Trial Sessions – Every Week in Zurich and Basel

I’d like to attend a trial session. What do I need to do?
First, take a look at our schedule on this page. Then, please notify the corresponding location (basel@getc.ch or zuerich@getc.ch) about your intent to visit.

How much does it cost?
The first trial session is free!

Is there an age limit?
No, but if you’re under 18 please read our U18 FAQ carefully.

Do I need prior knowledge or a minimal level of fitness?
You’re welcome no matter what. You don’t need any prior knowledge or a specific fitness level! During your trial training, you’ll likely meet others with similar physical fitness. If an exercise feels uncomfortable, feel free to skip it or discuss it with our instructors — no pressure!

Can I borrow equipment and swords?
Yes, we have loaner weapons and protective gear in various sizes for you to use.

I don’t speak much or any German. Can I still participate?
Yes! All our instructors speak German and English, and some also speak other languages. Many of our members are multilingual and are happy to help. Just let us know in an email if German or English pose a challenge for you.

What should I bring?
Regular sports attire and indoor shoes will suffice. It’s also recommended that you bring a water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated during training. If you have sensitive hands, consider bringing tight fitting working gloves for protection. As we have changing rooms with showers, you may also want to bring toiletries, a towel, and a change of clothes.

Trial Membership and Full Membership

I liked the trial session. How do I become a member?
Super! We’re thrilled you enjoyed it! First, please sign up for our 3-month trial membership for 50 CHF by completing and emailing us this form at info@getc.ch. Please also pay the membership fee immediately by wire transfer to the account specified on the form and mention your name as the reference. This way, you can continue training and find out if Gladius et Codex is right for you. During these three months, you’ll have access to all trainings and be able to use our loaner gear.

What happens if I want to continue after the trial membership?
If you’re still enthusiastic after the trial membership, just let one of our instructors know! We’ll take care of everything else.

How much does the full membership cost?
The full membership is 250 CHF per year.

What benefits come with a full membership?
In addition to being part of a passionate and supportive HEMA community, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

  • Reduced (or often free) participation fees for seminars and events we organize.
  • Additional access to loaner gear until you can purchase your own equipment.
  • Participating in group orders allows you to save on shipping costs and benefit from discounts.
  • Voting rights at general assemblies.
  • A free club T-shirt!

Under 18 – Training for Minors

Are you between 16 and 18 years old?
At your age, you’re socially independent and physically practically mature. We simply ask that you discuss your intention to train with us with a parent or legal guardian. After doing so, please submit a signed consent form before your first trial session.

Are you under 16 years old?
We currently do not offer training specifically tailored for youths. Therefore, we will need to work together with you and your parent or legal guardian to determine whether training with older teenagers and adults is sensible in your case. If you are 14 or older, we are unlikely to find any obstacles. Please involve your parent or legal guardian when contacting us by email and offer them the opportunity to speak with us. After that, please submit a signed consent form before your first trial session.

More questions?

Ask us!

Training Schedule

Every week in Zurich and Basel.

The semester dates start and end with the spring and autumn holidays of the city of Zurich’s public schools..

Training Cacellations

Training Impressions

Instructor Team

Philipp Wyss

Member since 2017
Head Instructor since 2020
President Section Zurich since 2021
Instructs longsword and saber (Tuesdays and Saturdays, Zurich)
Weapons: longsword, saber (Polish/ Hungarian, English), dagger, wrestling, rapier, armored combat, langes Messer

Martin Zulliger

Member since 2016
President GETC Umbrella Organization since 2023
Instructs longsword and polearms (Thursdays and Saturdays, Zurich)
Weapons: longsword, polearms

Benjamin Kettner

Member since 2011
President Section Basel since 2021
Instructs longsword (Wednesdays and Fridays, Basel)
Weapons: longsword, German great sword, dagger, wrestling

Julian Ronneberger

Member since 2018
Instructs longsword (Thursdays, Zurich)
Weapons: longsword, langes Messer, sickle, buckler, great sword, wrestling, dagger, dussack, armor combat

Kamil Dwinger

Member since 2019
Instructs longsword, polearms and langes Messer (Thursdays and Saturdays, Zurich)
Weapons: longsword, langes Messer, wrestling, dagger, polearms

Jonas Bürgi

Member since 2026
Competitor since 2015
Instructs competitive longsword (Saturdays, Zurich)
Weapons: longsword, saber, sword and buckler

Simon Vonlanthen

Member since 2013
Instructs upon request
Weapons: longsword, montante, dagger, wrestling

Our Assistant Instructors

Don Schmocker (ZH)

Melinda Beschera (BS)

Nikolay Kurtov (Säbel, ZH)

Yanick Müller (ZH)