York School of Defence

It is a excellent place to learn about different styles of sword fencing. There are people who have not alot of experience to people who have been going for years all of them helping each other understand and enjoy the lessons while having fun.
Apr 21st, 2023

Great people and a great place to train, the instructors are patient and no-one takes themselves too seriously. Friendly, happy and fun!
Feb 27th, 2023

I'm a HEMA practitioner from the other side of the country but I've trained with York School of Defence on numerous occasions at their school in York, at major UK events like Fight Camp and online via Zoom throughout the COVID lockdowns. Chris and Lauren really know their stuff and the group have always been a very welcoming and friendly community. Overall a wonderful level of well taught, well structured martial arts without losing the fun of "I want to learn to sword fight!".
Feb 25th, 2023

I have been a member of York School of Defence since September 2021, which has been nothing less of a delight. I was interested in joining their Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling classes where I was able to talk to Owner and Trainer, Chris about what I would expect from this experience. Chris was very accommodating, which is a trait I would see repeated when seeing new members with different capabilities and backgrounds join the class. Over my time in YSD up to current date, I have learned a lot of different techniques and the reason of why these techniques are important or how to use them in context. The space allows us to get creative when experiencing free play where we spar using the techniques that have been taught to us, though we also get opportunities to ask what if scenarios during training and explore alternatives in sequences and how and why this technique may or may not work within the boundaries of the lesson. I have not experienced other lessons than the Catch-As-Catch-Can classes with addition of some one-off combined sessions though I have heard nothing but good things from these other classes. In December 2022 I was off injured and during this time the YSD team were always there to ask if I needed anything or help in any way going above my estimations of what I would expect a trainer to do. The Business holds a strong ethos of equality and diversity which is really refreshing to find within Martial Arts especially, which only encourages you to be yourself while doing the activities you love doing and are paying for making you feel more like an individual than just another student. If you have any questions I recommend getting in contact and you may just find your new favorite activity!
Feb 23rd, 2023

Swords
Feb 21st, 2023