About Us & FAQ

Historical Problems, require modern solutions

At Bighorn Historical Combat, our mission is to cultivate an inclusive community dedicated to the practice of sword-based martial arts - including but not limited to Historical European Martial Arts. Led by highly experienced and decorated coaches with a wealth of martial art & tournament experience, we offer a well-rounded training environment that caters to participants of all levels and backgrounds. We employ modern, innovative coaching approaches such as sparring-based games and constraint-led methodologies to enhance skill development while promoting fun and community development.

Our commitment to inclusivity and community development extends beyond training methodologies; we strive to create a welcoming space where individuals of all identities feel respected and valued. We welcome the unique perspectives and experiences that each member brings to our community as we prioritize collaboration, constructive feedback, and a shared commitment to growth.

View our code of conduct here

I'm ready to have a blast! Book my intro now!

By contacting us HERE! We can set you up with an introductory class with our drop-in rate. Or, Check out our Beginner Program
Through innovative teaching methods, we've modernized swordfighting training by incorporating a sparring games-based Constraints-led approach. This approach infuses dynamic sparring games with strategic constraints, creating a highly engaging and effective learning environment while having a ton of fun!

Each training session has a set of targets that each participant will improve on depending on the current theme being worked on:
- Mobility/changing directions
- Thrusting
- Cutting
- Parrying
- Measure/Decision to commit
We have no instructors - instead we have coaches. Our head coach is Julian Schuetze, previously ranked #11 in the world for longsword, accrued 20+ tournament medals, and has a degree in Kinesiology, coaching, and sport sciences.

We believe firmly in a club based approach where everyone’s investment is for the betterment of both themselves but also for their club mates and the community.

Therefore, we have coaches, not instructors. No one is being held up on a pedestal. Our coaches are people, just like you. Just, with more experience and willing to share that knowledge.
This community led approach has been proven to help with the avoidance of problematic situations such as cliques, egos, and drama filled environments. We’re all here to have fun, and make new friends after all!
We love beginners!. Even our most advanced coaches were beginners once too, and understand that everyone is coming to us with a variety of skill levels and can accomodate anyone regardless of where they are at.
We offer basic loaner equipment to get you started! If you are interested in getting your own gear, we have deals with popular gear distributors to help you when you’re ready.
We can accomodate for all fitness levels and work with you to achieve your goals. Swordfighting is a surprisingly good workout, and many find it a fun alternative to the gym.
(Although we will always recommend doing both!)
We currently do not offer youth specific training sessions at this time, but are open to younger students in the 16 and above range provided they are comfortable with operating in an adult-dominant environment.