Our school offers community and high-quality training in the art of combat.

 

Here is a simple step-by-step process to get started training with the Warriors of Ash: 

 

1. Check on the calendar to see when our next beginner's classes are starting--we do beginner's training once a month.

2. Sign our online Waiver and Code of Conduct (on the same page) --NOTE: If you have a different name you go by, please put it forefront with your legal name AFTER it in ()'s when signing up for the website or signing waivers so we can identify you! 

3. Pay for your beginner's package through our website's Shop. This is essential -- there are NO drop-in class rates for these classes. If you are paying cash you MUST message us saying so at least 48 hours prior to class start. All packages must be paid for or with a confirmed promise-to-pay at least 48 hours prior to the first class. 

4. Come to all beginner's classes on time wearing weather appropriate comfortable work out clothes and bring enough water for 1.5 hours of instruction. See the FAQ below for what happens if you miss a class. 

5. You will have the remainder of the month as an included membership upon successful completion of the program to try out any of the classes we offer. Come to as many classes as you'd like that month once you have completed beginner’s training. 

6. After graduation -- Sign up for your membership to continue your training through our Shop. (You may also opt for Drop-in class rates at this time.) Join  our Discord, and get to know our community and ask members questions! 

Some Commonly Asked Questions: 

 

Q: What do I need to bring? Do I need to buy a sword? Do I need any special equipment?

Q: Can my child join? How much is the kid's class? What if I have two children? Do I need special equipment?

Q: How much does it cost to join? 

Q: Can I watch a class? 

Q: What if I don't want to fight? 

Q: What if I have an injury? What if I am out of shape? 

Q: How can I support the school even if I cannot train yet? 

Q: How do I sign up for Private Lessons? 

Q: What if I miss a class? 

Q: What if I cannot attend on Sundays but want to train?

Q: What exactly is HEMA, and what do you guys do?

 

 

 

Q: What do I need to bring? Do I need to buy a sword? Do I need any special equipment? 

 

A: We do not require you to bring anything except some water and comfortable work out clothes that are weather appropriate. The only exception is a cup, we require ALL members to wear a cup.  You will not need this for your first two beginner’s classes, but we do require you to own and bring a wearable cup upon completion of the beginner's classes. This is absolutely a requirement and is non-negotiable. For more information on gear and HEMA, check out our gear FAQ. 

 

Q: Can my child join? How much is the kid's class? What if I have two children?
Do I need special equipment?

 

A: Currently, due to insurance coverage purposes, we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 18 as students. We hope in the future that we will be able to once again allow younger fighters to train with us. Stay tuned for changes! 

 

Q: How much does it cost to join? 

 

A: The initial beginner's package is $60 and provides 2 fundamental classes in a smaller, focused setting followed by a membership trial to give the student access to all of our regularly scheduled training classes. Afterward, monthly memberships are available on a sliding scale from $40-$60 and open up the opportunity to train at any and every class we host, plus access to many incentives, continued access to our group sparring gear, and more. We also offer very basic drop-in prices of $10 a class. 

 

Q: Can I watch a class? 

 

A: We welcome anyone to come witness a class to see if it is something they'd like to join. MOST, but not all, of our classes are open to viewing. The classes we Do Not allow viewings: Beginner's classes, our build workshops, our private events, and women's and youth-specific workshops (Unless you identify as someone who would attend one of these workshops). Any other classes are open to general public viewings. Check our Discord server and keep up with our facebook page just in case classes are changed. We do our best to keep students informed of class changes in advance. 

 

Q: What if I don't want to fight? 

 

A: We offer training with the goal of not only fighting but studying and learning. Students are welcome to decline to engage in sparring, they need to let instructors know this though, and may need to remind instructors. We shall simply place you on our No-Spar list. If you ever change your mind, let the instructors know. Instructors may ask you to participate in drills where minimal or no contact occur as part of essential training with the weapon of choice. 

 

 

 

Q: What if I have an injury? What if I am out of shape? 

 

A: We want classes to be challenging but adaptable to each student's needs. If you have any injuries, concerns, or special needs, please let the instructors know before class starts. You do NOT need to be an athlete or in any particular kind of shape to participate in classes! We offer conditioning training and hope you strive to be your best at class, but we welcome people to communicate their limits and grow at their own pace. If the instructor says "10 push-ups!" for example, you are welcome to do modified push-ups, fewer reps, etc. As long as you try your best we believe you will get an amazing workout and lesson out of each and every class. 

 

Q: How can I support the school even if I cannot train yet? 

 

A: There are many ways to support us! Donating is the easiest and best way to help our school continue to provide quality instruction of HEMA in a safe, supportive environment. You can come out to our events, say hello and support our sponsors by buying products or services. You can also help us out by sharing our posts, liking our facebook page, and spreading the word about our school to anyone who might be interested. 

 

Q: How do I sign up for Private Lessons? 

 

A: Private lessons are scheduled through Discord or facebook messenger. If you prefer a specific instructor, you may opt to message them directly instead. We require students signing up for private lessons to schedule the lesson FIRST with the instructor, and then pay within 24 hours of scheduling the appointment. Please do NOT assume that if you purchase a private lesson on the website, that any instructors will be required to work with you at your convenience. Instructors are notified when payment is received and will not attend a training session without prepayment. The pricing is listed in our Shop. We do not offer refunds for private lessons canceled, as each slot taken is a slot we have denied another student. If you do have something serious come up, please let us know as soon as possible. If you don't have Discord or facebook, please email us your phone number and we may correspond through email and text. 

 

Q: What if I miss a Beginner’s class? 

 

A: A missed Beginner’s class may be made up the following month, as long as you contact us to let us know that is your intention. However, if we do not see you that following month, we will assume that you are no longer able or interested in training with us, and if you do wish to do so in the future, another Beginner’s Course package must be purchased at full price. Unfortunately, no refunds can be given on missed or defaulted beginner’s course packages. If a Beginner’s class is missed, that student must complete the second course before they may participate in any further classes or training at the school. If a Beginner’s class must be canceled for weather or other such emergencies, every effort will be made to contact the students ahead of time, and reschedule. This will be at no further cost to the student. ​

Q: What if I cannot attend on Sundays but want to train? 

 

A: We feel for anyone who is not free on Sunday afternoons. We do offer private lessons for students as beginner lessons, but these are not always an option and are subject to instructor personal times available. You will need to follow the format for purchasing private lessons indicated above, and purchase all 4.5 hours of instruction in advance once a schedule is worked through with an instructor.  The best thing to do is to message us telling us what dates/times you are available and let an instructor work with you on a schedule. However, if you start the process of booking private lessons and never pay for them, we will blacklist you for future bookings. Please ensure you are ready to train and pay for the instructor's time when you agree upon a schedule. 

 

Q: What exactly is HEMA, and what do you guys do?

 

A: HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts. In short, throughout the medieval period, European weapon masters wrote and illustrated books about how to fight with weapons we no longer use in modern-day combat; weapons like swords, shields, spears, and axes. We can still learn these deadly arts by translating and studying those ancient manuals and applying our interpretation of the techniques on each other at full combat speed with historically accurate blunted weapons.