Knoxville Academy of the Blade
Founded in 2008, KAB is East Tennessee's premier HEMA school. We focus on the Bolognese school of Renaissance-era Italian martial arts.
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What is HEMA?
HEMA, or Historic European Martial Arts, is the study and practice of the fighting arts of Medieval and Renaissance Europe.We specialize in the arts of early-mid 16th century Italy, specifically the Bolognese School. We primarily use the texts of Achille Marozzo (1536) and Antonio Manciolino (1531), which focus on the use of the sidesword and various companion weapons such as dagger and buckler.As of 2024, we also have a growing 18th Century program, focusing on the military use of the broadsword, smallsword, and bayonet.In addition, we teach longsword, spear, grappling, and more.
Who Are We?
Tom Farmer (he/him), Head Coach. Tom started with Olympic-style foil in 2001, and began studying HEMA in 2010. He's held a certification from the US Fencing Coach's association as well as the US Safe Sport Association. He began teaching in 2013 and became KAB's head coach in 2020 after his father's retirement.
Stephanie Farmer (she/her), Assistant Head Coach. Stephanie fenced off and on before Covid, and has studied and practiced regularly since 2020.
Michael Huddleston (he/him), Assistant Coach. Michael has ten years of HEMA experience, specializing in the Scottish Broadsword and other 18th century weapons.
Sarah La Fetra (they/them), Assistant Coach. Sarah started studying HEMA in 2017 and has been with KAB for three years. They specialize in sword and buckler.
Class Info
The Beginner Class meets on Tuesday evenings from 5pm to 7pm, and costs $150/month. There are two fourth-month sessions each year, one from February to May, and one from July to October.We have loaner swords, so all you need is closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes. You'll also be responsible for buying a fencing mask, neck protector, and gloves before the end of class.Afterward, our main group class meets on Sundays from 4pm to 7pm and costs $110/month. Another group class focused on 18th Century fencing meets Monday evenings from 5-7, and costs and additional $40/month.Individual Lessons are available on request. Those are $110 for two or $150 for four. If you take one or both of the group classes, individual lessons cost $20 each.All classes are taught in Clinton, roughly 30 minutes north of Knoxville. Most routes pass through higher traffic areas, so plan accordingly.If you're interested in starting classes with us, drop us an email or a message on social media!
The Knoxville Academy of the Blade is an LGBT and PoC-friendly, neurodiverse, and inclusive Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA) school whose primary focus is on the fighting arts of 16th Century Italy. Our Coaches strive to create a safe environment to explore physical combat. We all hold ourselves to a high standard of academic excellence and study.We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, sex, gender, race, disability, or religion.Above all, we're all on this journey together. We grow best as martial artists when we help one another thrive.
Events Schedule and Info
At KAB, we believe that martial arts are for more than fighting. Going back through history, people have used their skill to entertain and instruct as well as defend.Are you interested in booking us for a demonstration or a worskshop? We love entertaining at conventions, schools, and special events; and we're available to teach in schools or for private groups as well.If you're interested, contact us and we'll go over the details.