Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What do I need to bring as a newcomer?
A. Please wear loose clothing that allows a free range of motion. Bring a bottle of water as well. Covered shoes are required. While equipment will be provided, we recommend those with a fencing mask to bring it if they wish.
Q. How athletic do I need to be to participate?
A. While being fitter would make the lessons easier, there isn't a fitness requirement, and we have people from all different fitness backgrounds. The training is designed from the ground up, and is for people without martial arts experience. Difficulty in regards to strength and endurance can be tailored during the lesson itself, by swapping a heavier weapon to a lighter one (e.g. steel sword to wooden sword).
Q. What type of training does Bastion do?
A. The main type of activity that Bastion runs is instructional training sessions on the use of medieval weapons. This means that we run structured lessons with specific goals in mind, such as working on a particular technique or form. We also encourage free-form sparring as long as its done in view of mutual testing and improvement of one's partner and self. Lastly, for the more advanced, we also conduct closed-door workshops on clay and tatami cutting as part of understanding cutting mechanics.
Q. I can't commit to a specific day each week, how can I join your classes?
A. We have designed our lessons and schedule to account for your schedule. You don't have to commit to the same day every week, but rather, find a day of the week that you are free. As the curriculum run the same during the week, you can switch up the days as you need.
An example: Basics & Safety Course is being held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can come on any of those days that you are free depending on your weekly schedule. You're not locked into any one specific day.
Q. Your course is listed as 3 months. Do I need to pay for all three months to start?
A. While the basics course is 3 months long, you don't need to purchase the 3 months package. You can purchase the monthly package if you wish.
Q. How safe are your courses?
A. Our instructors take safety seriously. All our instructors are CPR + AED certified. The equipment we use is constantly checked and maintained to ensure they are safe for lessons. We conduct our courses with safety as the priority, and unsafe behaviour that endangers other students or members of staff will result in immediate removal.
Q. What injuries can I expect from the sessions?
A. Typically, there are little to no injuries sustained when proper protective equipment is used. However, as with most martial arts or contact sports, some bruising can be expected when engaging in free sparring or drills.
Bastion will not take responsibility for student's deliberate misuse of equipment. Any such behaviour will result in a ban without a refund. (If the situation warrants it, the police will be notified.) We take the safety of our students seriously.
Q. How can I advance to using steel blunts/feders for sparring?
A. The student has to demonstrate a high degree of safety and control when sparring/training with other students over a period of time.
Q. Do you sell sharp swords?
A. We do not sell sharp swords, knives, or weapons. All equipment to be used is blunt and safe when paired with other protective equipment.
Q. Do you have any questions, hesitations, or queries?
A. Simply contact us and we will endeavour to reply you as soon as we can! You can reach us at info@bastionhema.com or you can use the contact form!
A. Please wear loose clothing that allows a free range of motion. Bring a bottle of water as well. Covered shoes are required. While equipment will be provided, we recommend those with a fencing mask to bring it if they wish.
Q. How athletic do I need to be to participate?
A. While being fitter would make the lessons easier, there isn't a fitness requirement, and we have people from all different fitness backgrounds. The training is designed from the ground up, and is for people without martial arts experience. Difficulty in regards to strength and endurance can be tailored during the lesson itself, by swapping a heavier weapon to a lighter one (e.g. steel sword to wooden sword).
Q. What type of training does Bastion do?
A. The main type of activity that Bastion runs is instructional training sessions on the use of medieval weapons. This means that we run structured lessons with specific goals in mind, such as working on a particular technique or form. We also encourage free-form sparring as long as its done in view of mutual testing and improvement of one's partner and self. Lastly, for the more advanced, we also conduct closed-door workshops on clay and tatami cutting as part of understanding cutting mechanics.
Q. I can't commit to a specific day each week, how can I join your classes?
A. We have designed our lessons and schedule to account for your schedule. You don't have to commit to the same day every week, but rather, find a day of the week that you are free. As the curriculum run the same during the week, you can switch up the days as you need.
An example: Basics & Safety Course is being held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can come on any of those days that you are free depending on your weekly schedule. You're not locked into any one specific day.
Q. Your course is listed as 3 months. Do I need to pay for all three months to start?
A. While the basics course is 3 months long, you don't need to purchase the 3 months package. You can purchase the monthly package if you wish.
Q. How safe are your courses?
A. Our instructors take safety seriously. All our instructors are CPR + AED certified. The equipment we use is constantly checked and maintained to ensure they are safe for lessons. We conduct our courses with safety as the priority, and unsafe behaviour that endangers other students or members of staff will result in immediate removal.
Q. What injuries can I expect from the sessions?
A. Typically, there are little to no injuries sustained when proper protective equipment is used. However, as with most martial arts or contact sports, some bruising can be expected when engaging in free sparring or drills.
Bastion will not take responsibility for student's deliberate misuse of equipment. Any such behaviour will result in a ban without a refund. (If the situation warrants it, the police will be notified.) We take the safety of our students seriously.
Q. How can I advance to using steel blunts/feders for sparring?
A. The student has to demonstrate a high degree of safety and control when sparring/training with other students over a period of time.
Q. Do you sell sharp swords?
A. We do not sell sharp swords, knives, or weapons. All equipment to be used is blunt and safe when paired with other protective equipment.
Q. Do you have any questions, hesitations, or queries?
A. Simply contact us and we will endeavour to reply you as soon as we can! You can reach us at info@bastionhema.com or you can use the contact form!