Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gotham Swords / GEMAC?
Gotham Swords is a not for profit social club that offers training in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and Historical Fencing. Gotham European Martials Arts Collective, or GEMAC, is the formal “government name” of Gotham Swords.
We offer training in Historical European Martial Arts and Fencing from a variety of sources, including Longsword, Messer, Sword & Buckler, LED Saber, and more! To see what courses are currently available check out our schedule on BookWhen.
What is HEMA?
Historical European Martial Arts, or HEMA, is the study of a variety of historical fighting systems and styles associated with the European continent. This can include a number of different weapons including wrestling, longswords, daggers, etc.
Where are you located?
We run in-person classes at Ripley Grier Studios in Midtown Manhattan, NY. More information can be found on the schedule page.
Class rooms are subject to change. Please arrive at the space and ask the front desk on the 2nd floor which room we are in that day.
Please note there are multiple Ripley Grier locations in NYC!
What classes are you currently offering?
For detailed information about our currently offerings please visit our Schedule on BookWhen.
Do you offer kids or teen classes?
No, unfortunately we are currently unable to offer classes to individuals under the age of 18.
I'm new, what should I do?
If you are new or just beginning your Swordsmanship journey, visit our Get Started page.
I've done HEMA elsewhere, what classes should I take?
If you have previous HEMA experience feel free to register for an All Level, Intermediate, or Advanced class appropriate to your previous experience and the amount of protective training gear you have available. Don't forget to check class listings for gear requirements before booking!
How do I book a class?
We use BookWhen to manage our class schedule and bookings. Visit gemac.bookwhen.com to reserve your spot on our training floor today!
I need to cancel or transfer my booking, what do I do?
Refunds for classes are available up to 12 hours before class. Please use the BookWhen portal to cancel or transfer any classes. If you require additional help, please contact us via Discord or e-mail.
What's the deal with the HEMA Alliance?
The HEMAA provides insurance and other resources that allow us to operate as a club.
If you decide to study with Gotham Swords for more than two months you will need to purchase an In-network Discounted Alliance Membership ($26) to continue taking classes.
Please make sure to renew your membership when it expires, as insurance only covers active members.
Where should I buy gear?
Review our Guide to Buying Gear for detailed information about purchasing protective equipment.
I'm a Teacher and would love to join you.
Awesome! If you are an experienced teacher and would like to work with us to offer classes, seminars, or events please email contact@gemac.club.
How is Gotham Swords dealing with Covid-19?
We abide by all Federal, State, and local Health Mandate Ordinances.
We have established a method of contact-tracing and notification protocols if a case is detected.
In general, we ask that anyone not feeling well (for any reason!), stay home and rest up.
I'm a Student / Teacher, can I practice outdoors or in the park?
When hosting a group meet-up, class, general practice, or workshop outdoors there are additional considerations that must be kept in mind at all times.
If you are an instructor meeting for a class outdoors: Please submit your class to us, so we can register that class with the HEMAA. This is an insurance issue.
If the event or meet-up is casual: unless an authorized Gotham Swords/GEMAC instructor is present and the meet up has been registered with the HEMAA the practice is not covered by our insurance and is not considered an official Gotham Swords event.
Announce your Meet-Up in the Fencing Meet Up and Events channel on our Discord.
Always be aware of your surroundings! Kids in particular are always interested in what we do, because who doesn't think swords are cool?
NYC Park regulations state that you cannot put up a tent or any structure other than a folding table and camp chairs.
Remember to bring water! In the summer months the heat can get quite brutal. Hydrate!
If folks have questions, please politely engage and direct them to our website www.gothamswords.com. If you’d like some business cards please let us know!
When dealing with Park Officials and other law enforcement it is sometimes a good idea to have literature that proves you’re connected to a larger organization. If you’d like some business cards please let us know!
Remember to promote what you’re doing as Historical Fencing or simply fencing rather than fighting.
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
When you fence in public, your behavior is a reflection on everyone in our group and the group itself.
Who is currently running the club?
General Secretary - Josh Wickman
Runs all meetings of the Board and general membership
Manages and assists other officers
Has final say in major club decisions such as holding an event, changing borough locations, changing pandemic phases, etc.
Handles student issues, questions, suggestions
Archivist - Katie Meade
Takes notes and manages the creation of the minutes
Makes sure meetings stay “on-task”
Maintains organizational records
Ensure that the organization runs according to its bylaws and laws on the state and federal level
Assists with reporting harassment to the HEMAA
Operations Coordinator - Hildo Biersma
Manages the physical inventory of the organization (equipment and supplies)
Handles space rental bookings
Works in tandem with the Treasurer to manage club logistics
Manages any event planners/managers
Manages the registration for classes
Adds all classes and events to official schedule
Treasurer - Joe Ceirante
Manages club finances and submits the books to the appropriate parties
Signatory on the organization bank account
Has final say on purchase of equipment and supplies
Collects receipts to submit with the books quarterly
Ensures annual audit & financial compliance
Program Coordinator - Peter Haas
Acts as interface between Instructors and the Board
Works with Instructors to coördinate / develop their curriculum(s)
Handles all education and fencing-related student questions not readily addressable by their instructor (passing all club membership questions to the General Secretary)
Assists students with finding the appropriate program/club/weapon system
Creates safety standards for the organization and enforces these standards for all clubs/programs
Manages student complaints and concerns regarding safety