Private Medieval Combat Training Experience

Small, individual or paired training experience.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 6

Individuals welcome.

Learn how to use a medieval longsword and dagger. You will learn the techniques as written down in early 14th/ 15th German manuscripts. In 3 to 4 hours you will:

• Learn the major cutting patterns and 5 master cuts of the German longsword system.
• Understand how medieval people defended themselves with swords, knives and daggers. This includes unarmed and armed techniques with a number different types of knives and daggers.
• Experience blossfechten (unarmored combat) which most civilians of the time would have been exposed to.
• Be able to build a training regime at home so you can continue to practice in pairs if you wish to continue.

The venue: St Dunstan’s Church Hall in Canterbury CT2 8LS subject to availability of dates. This is a 5 minute walking distance from Canterbury West Station. If you are coming by car, there is a free car park at the venue. Experience days will be on the weekend and to be as accommodating as possible we will try to work to your required dates but do be advised we have to work with the event hall to find available dates and space. Water, tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided

What do I need to bring or wear? This is a hands-on (non-contact) experience – you will need to wear easy to move in clothing, tracksuit, t-shirt and indoor trainers. All fitness levels welcomed and anyone aged over 18.

Jason Hulott is Chief Instructor at Canterbury Medieval Combat and a published historian and martial artist with over 25 years’ training and teaching experience. He is formally trained in Japanese Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu and, for the past decade, has focused on European medieval combat, with expertise in the German fencing tradition. Combining hands-on practice with archival and material study, Jason researches combat systems from the Bronze Age through the late medieval period, exploring how social, technological and tactical factors shaped martial practice.

• Chief Instructor, Canterbury Medieval Combat — 25+ years’ experience.
• Martial arts specialisms: Japanese Iaijutsu & Kenjutsu; European medieval combat (German tradition).
• Published historian: research and publications on weapons, combat systems, and martial culture (Bronze Age → late medieval).
• Research focus: how weapons work — design, materials, balance, ergonomics, and tactical role.
• Teaching breadth: military, judicial, self-defence, and sport systems; topics taught include Bartitsu and WWI trench-fighting.
• Collaborations: schools, gaming companies, historical sites, museums — offering workshops, consultancy, object interpretation and motion capture/movement coaching.