Put the smartphone down and pick up a weapon and shield!

Experience our unique blend of display combat and martial arts principles in a safe, inclusive environment.

Re-enactment combat is a fun, competitive sport and an entertaining and theatrical performance put on for an audience. The balance between these two things is fun and rewarding. Our aim for combat is to put on the most entertaining displays we can, so we can tell historical narratives that audiences will enjoy and learn something from!

We use blunt reproduction steel weapons with a mix of martial arts principles common to many systems of combat - footwork, balance, movement, timing, technique - and add dramatic flair - body language, vocalisation, and special effects. It's one thing being a competent and safe fighter - but can you portray a scared peasant conscripted into battle and express those things so an audience can understand? That is our key goal - safe, spectacular fighting that expresses character.

Training is open to any participants aged 18 or above (16+ with parental permission). Training scales for most fitness levels and body types, but participants with physical health conditions are advised to consult with their GP or physical therapist.

Questions? Follow us on Facebook, or ask on Discord!

Session Plan

Arrivals from 7.45pm for introductions and orientation. Combat will start at 8pm, and end around 10pm.

The session will consist of:

1. Warm Ups: We practice a routine of dynamic movements and stretches to get the blood flowing to the body and ti prevent injury
2. Fitness and Conditioning: Strength, Balance and Stamina exercises to build, care and maintain the body for combat
3. Battle: Exercises and drills to practice weapons techniques, group tactics and other principles, with free sparring, and performance workshops.
4. Cool down: stretches, or light running to de-stress muscles.

Our instructors are experienced practitioners and will ensure a safe, inclusive and fun environment.

Costs & Further Sessions

The first session is free, then it's £3 a session or £10 a month after that (cash or card payments accepted). Training is weekly at the same time and place each week - you only need to signup for your first session.

What to bring

• Bring your own drink bottles (running water on site for refills).

• Wear sensible sports shoes and loose fitting clothing.

For your first few sessions, weapons and protective gloves will be available to borrow. Shields are provided by the group after you complete the basic training (approx. 10 weeks). Kits to assemble your own protective gloves are £5 and a suitable re-enactment weapon can be purchased from our blacksmith Jason Green (Wieland Forge).

More than just battles!

Viking re-enactment isn't all about the combat – we have monthly talks and crafting sessions, and 90% of our public displays are about sharing our knowledge and expertise with members of the public at events around the UK, and further afield.

Non-combatants are welcome to attend and do not need to sign up. There will be no structured activity on combat training weeks (check out our upcoming monthly living history session here. ), but tea and coffee will be available, and we have a dedicated non-com room where there is usually plenty of people to chat with!