Classes

We run a regular class each week:
Our next training session in on Monday 9th January 2012

Monday evenings 7-9pm at St. David's Church, Hele Road, Exeter.
The cost is £5 per class. The first session is free.

Classes consist of a warm-up, followed by technique practice and drills, and usually conclude with sparring. The Iron Door Collective has always maintained a very practical approach to training: A vital component of our training regime consists of both cooperative and uncooperative sparring. To this end we use sufficient body protection in conjunction with modified shinai and nylon wasters to achieve a balance between freedom of movement and protection.

The classes are quite physical but no particular degree of fitness is required and you can train to whatever level you wish. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move in and bring a towel and something to drink. We practice contact martial arts and as such there is a certain amount of risk involved but every effort is made to ensure everyone's safety.

Equipment Guide

To practice HEMA safely you need some kit. We have some loan equipment, but if you want to get your own have a look at: Johann’s Equipment Guide.

Who are we?

Michael Smallridge - Class Leader - Mike comes from a background in Olympic fencing. He started training with Johann Matzke in 2009, and despite being confused by the whole 'stepping sideways' business, found HEMA so interesting that it became the topic of his history dissertation. Mike is currently focusing on the unarmoured longsword tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer, but also worked with Jonathan Middleton on interpreting Fiore Dei Liberi's unarmoured sections.

Garry McCreath - Club President - Garry has been training with the IDC since it's beginnings in 2008. This long association has brought many good times and some responsibility, not least of which are web designer, fight bus driver and keeper of sharp things. Garry is currently trying to learn enough sword & buckler to add to the class.

Cat Smith - Club Treasurer - Cat has been doing HEMA for about three years. She has no prior background in HEMA or any other martial arts, so if she can do it anyone can! Her favourite weapons combination is sword and shield, but one-handed basket hilt is a lot of fun too. The weapon she has trained the most with is longsword.