LEARN THE HISTORICAL ART OF SWORD-FIGHTING
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EDINBURGH. SAY HELLO TO A DIFFERENT KIND OF MARTIAL ARTS
Ready to pick up that sword?
Spada teaches Historical European Martial Arts, focusing on using the Longsword.
We pride ourselves on putting a fun spin to our weekly swordsmanship classes yet still honouring the authentic teachings of 14th - 16th century knights such as Italian Masters, Fiore dei Liberi and Filippo di Vadi to German Masters, Joachim Meyer and Hans Talhoffer.
So whether you want to embrace history, learn a new skill, wish to keep active in a non-conventional way or to simply gain a community of peers with similar interests, we may just be what you're looking for!
AS PARTNERED WITH
SCOTLAND'S OWN HISTORIC
FORM OF COMBAT
We believe HEMA should be open to anyone willing to show up and put in the work.
Alongside a welcoming, inclusive environment. No egos.
THE SHARP
FACTS
OPENING HOURS
Monday & Thursday
6pm to 7:30pm
CLASS SCHEDULE
Starts at 6:30pm
1 hour duration
WHERE WE RIDE AT DAWN
MAIN VENUE
ORIGIN STORY
ABOUT US
In 2015, a shared passion for the sword was found in the coastal town of Arbroath. Yes, the town where Scotland's famous document 'The Declaration of Arbroath' was written into Medieval History.
Father-Son Duo (Paul and Brodie) started training together as a hobby, studying the surviving manuscripts, eventually bringing friends along and creating a social community around discovering a historic martial skill that they loved.
In 2023, after returning from living in Australia, Brodie and Debbie chose to revive their own spin to fencing in Edinburgh whilst also wanting to live by, "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life".
They've grown from 1 regular class a week with single digit attendees to up to 4 classes a week with close to 400 students through their doors since they began as a business. They've been running multiple different workshops and courses taking inspiration from Film & TV, History, Fantasy or Myth.
They've also been lucky enough to partner with private events that grace grandeur ball rooms and ethereal castles, to teach hundreds of attendees sword-fighting.
THE MINDS BEHIND THE BLADE
MEET THE TEAM
CO-FOUNDER | LEAD INSTRUCTOR
BRODIE
A true swordsman. Maybe even one of Scotland's last knights? The same goes for in front of the camera, as well as off. Brodie has a decade of teaching HEMA and being a Personal Trainer under his belt. He's competed in HEMA competitions across the UK. But he also shares a huge passion for working as a stunt performer for Film & TV on projects such as The Odyssey and Outlaw King. As the lead instructor, he wants nothing more than to ignite other's interests to take up the sword but to also bring out those jester qualities so those who join, enjoy every step of their own journey.
CO-FOUNDER | GENERAL MANAGER
DEBBIE
Think of Debbie as the CEO aka Chief Everything Officer. She's across Sales and Marketing, Operations, HR, Research and Development. Possibly even writing the section, you're reading now. Debbie is an Australian, who has no shortage of niche hobbies herself with her Martial Arts training beginning with Muay Thai and MMA since 2016. Debbie was first introduced to HEMA in 2020 and continues to train and grade within Spada. She's a history buff and with her experience in climbing corporate ladders but also the flip side of having been a tour guide and activity instructor, she's been able to bring her varied expertise to balance the other half of Spada's leadership team.
FOUNDING PARTNER | INSTRUCTOR
PAUL
Paul encouraged Brodie as a young bairn/boy, to pick up a stick and imagine it was a sword well before he turned 8. Aye, we've got the pics. Many years later, Brodie rose through the gradings to be an instructor under Paul's guidance. Paul also competed in HEMA competitions and attended HEMA training workshops throughout UK and Europe. His best HEMA ranking was #18 out of the now close to 500 entries for Men's singlestick which can simulate single-handed broadsword, sabre, or cutlass combat.
REAL REVIEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT SPADA
SARAH
Brodie's knowledge and patience make each lesson engaging and fun. Despite feeling like I have two left feet, He breaks down complex techniques into manageable steps, making them much easier to grasp. Debbie is always available to help with any questions, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. The camaraderie amongst classmates creates an inspiring, inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
KAYLEY
I really look forward to Spada every week because it's more than just a sport - it's social, it's engaging and it's empowering. I know it's a safe place to learn and make mistakes, and praise is freely given by Brodie and fellow fighters. It's also beyond cool to wield a longsword and have your main character moment!
MARK
Having been with Spada from the beginning, I feel privileged to see how Brodie has grown as an instructor whilst learning from his vast knowledge of combat and history. The most surprising thing you find when being a part of Spada is that you may initially come along for the swordplay but you stay for the comradeship and the welcoming community you are constantly greeted by when you turn up week to week.
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