Ironfolk Combat

General Questions

What is HEMA?

HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts. It's the study and practice of combat techniques from historical European fighting manuals and treatises, spanning from the medieval period through the Renaissance. At Ironfolk Combat, we focus primarily on German longsword techniques, with additional training in rapier, saber, dagger, spear, and sidesword.

Do I need any experience to join?

Not at all! Ironfolk Combat welcomes complete beginners with no martial arts experience whatsoever. Our training is structured to accommodate all skill levels, from those picking up a sword for the very first time to experienced HEMA practitioners. We provide beginner-friendly instruction and progressively build your skills at a comfortable pace.

Is Ironfolk Combat truly LGBTQ+ friendly?

Absolutely! Ironfolk Combat is a registered charity and was founded specifically to create a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to practice HEMA. We have a strict code of conduct that ensures respect, safety, and dignity for all members regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background. Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome is central to our mission.

Training & Sessions

When and where do you train?

We hold training sessions twice weekly:

•
Thursdays: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Newtown School of Dance
11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington 6021
•
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Petone Primary School
16 Britannia Street, Petone, Wellington 5012

What happens during a typical training session?

Each session includes a warm-up, technical instruction (both theoretical and practical), partner drills, and time for free fencing/sparring. We focus on building both historical knowledge and practical skills. Sessions are structured to balance learning new techniques with applying them in controlled sparring scenarios.

Can I try before committing to membership?

Yes! We offer three free trial sessions to all newcomers. This gives you plenty of time to experience our training style, meet our community, and decide if HEMA is right for you. After your trial sessions, you can choose to become a full member.

Equipment & Safety

Do I need to buy equipment immediately?

No! We provide all necessary equipment for beginners, including training foam swords, masks, club gloves, and protective gear. This allows you to try fencing without any upfront investment. As you progress and decide to continue training, we'll provide guidance on purchasing your own equipment. Check our Resources page for gear specifications and recommendations.

Is HEMA dangerous? What about injuries?

Safety is our top priority. While HEMA is a contact sport, we use appropriate protective equipment and emphasize controlled, technical fencing. All participants must follow our safety protocols and code of conduct.

Minor bumps and bruises can occur, as with any physical activity. We have injury reporting procedures in place (available on our Resources page), and all members provide emergency contact information. We build skills progressively to minimize risk.

What should I wear to training?

Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows full range of motion; think gym clothes or workout gear. Closed-toe athletic shoes are required. Avoid jewelry and bring a water bottle. We provide all protective equipment including masks, gloves, and gorgets.

Membership & Costs

How much does membership cost?

We ask that members contribute a donation to assist with covering the costs of venue hire and gear maintaince. Our membership structure is:

• $60 per Month
• $170 per Quater (three months)
• $660 per Year

We do also offer a reduced fee of $25 per Month for individuals who are experiencing financial hardship or are unwaged.

What is an Ironfolk ID Number (IFN)?

Your Ironfolk ID Number (IFN) is a unique identifier assigned to all members in the format IFN-XXXX. This number is used for membership management, event registration, and record keeping. You'll receive your IFN upon completing your membership signup. If you've lost or forgotten your IFN, you can retrieve it via our Resources page.

Can I attend just one session per week?

Absolutely! While we encourage attending both weekly sessions for faster progression, we understand that schedules vary. Members are welcome to attend whichever sessions work best for them. There's no requirement to attend both sessions each week.

Charity Status

What does it mean that Ironfolk Combat is a registered charity?

As a registered charity (CC62599), Ironfolk Combat operates as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing education in Historical European Martial Arts. This means all membership fees and donations go directly toward maintaining training facilities, purchasing equipment, and ensuring HEMA remains accessible to our Wellington community. We're accountable to Charities Services and operate under strict charitable guidelines.

Can I get a tax receipt for my membership fees?

Yes! As a registered charity, we can provide donation receipts for tax purposes. We qualify our membership fees as direct donations as we operate as a non-profit. Please contact us if you need a receipt for your records.

Why do you operate as a charity rather than a regular club?

Operating as a charity allows us to focus on our mission of making HEMA fencing accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. It enables us to offer hardship memberships, maintain quality training facilities, and reinvest all funds back into the club rather than distributing profits. Our charitable status reflects our commitment to serving the wider Wellington community.

How are membership fees used?

All membership contributions go directly toward operational costs including training venue rental, equipment purchases and maintenance, insurance, and administrative expenses. As a charity, we're transparent about our finances and ensure every dollar supports our mission of providing accessible fencing education.

Do you accept donations beyond membership fees?

Absolutely! We welcome donations of any size to support our mission. Donations help us purchase new equipment, maintain our existing gear and branch out into more interesting weapon styles.

What is your NZBN?

Our New Zealand Business Number is 9429051968922. We're also an incorporated society, which means we operate with formal governance structures and accountability to our members and the public.

Frequently Asked Questions