HANDBOOK
Your guide to everything Gotham Swords.
Quick Reference
When you participate in a Gotham Swords class, event, or forum you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.
View our schedule and sign up for classes using our BookWhen page.
For general updates and discussion, join our Community Discord Server.
Learn more about HEMA Gear and Practice Weapons.
New or just getting started? Check out our Guide to Getting Started.
Have more questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below or contact us directly.
Get Started
If you are new or just beginning your Swordsmanship journey, the best starting point is one of our Beginner Friendly Classes.
These are accessible to students of all levels of experience, and do not require special gear to participate: only some comfortable athletic clothing and shoes.
Code of Conduct
When you participate in a Gotham Swords class, event, or forum you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.
All Students, Instructors, Board Members, Staff, Attendees, Exhibitors, Sponsors, Associates, and Guests of GEMAC/Gotham Swords are subject to this policy without exception.
Training Gear & Weapons
As you progress in your training and want to participate in more advanced exercises, you'll be required to obtain the appropriate protective equipment.
This guide is designed to help you understand the best order in which you should purchase your gear, along with a list of suggested vendors.
Booking Classes
We use BookWhen for class sign ups.
Please remember to always sign up for class.
You can cancel, or transfer a class up to 12-hours in advance.
Last minute cancellations cannot be refunded or transferred.
If you have additional questions about your booking please contact us: contact@gemac.club
HEMA Alliance Insurance
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 must 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.
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. Please note there are multiple Ripley Grier locations in NYC!
How Do I Get Started?
We're excited to have you join us, check out our Guide to Getting Started and we'll see you in class!
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.
Do You Offer Private Lessons?
At this time we do not offer private classes.
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?
Read the next section "Considerations When Meeting Outdoors", and chat with your instructor about details.
Considerations When Meeting Outdoors
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.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
When you fence in public, your behavior is a reflection on everyone in our group and the group itself. Be extra respectful.
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.
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.
Governing Board
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
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
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
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
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
NYC Area HEMA & Historical Fencing
Diversity is an important component to the study of Historical Fencing and Gotham Swords champions the HEMA Alliance's Freedom of Study policy.
This list is provided to offer access to other perspectives and approaches to HEMA and Historical Fencing.
Want to list your club or organization here, contact us!