The Vanguard Centre

A couple of photos from last night's anvil gathering. Hairpins, a rose, a key-hook, Thor's hammer pendants and a new hardy cutter for our main anvil. All kindly displayed by the Death of Rats, who may become the forge's mascot. Thanks to all that attended and hammered out some great items.

Thursday Longswords and Longbows*!
This evening we will keep levelling up our longsword game, literally - we will be looking at the mechanics of winding the sword to a higher target and thrusting the into the upper openings. ⚔
* We actually use modular recurve bows, but that doesn't alliterate so nicely. Speaking of which, the archery range will open after the longsword class, so those not into stabbing a target from a metre away with cold steel can instead stab a target fr...om 20 metres away with warmer steel. 😀
• German Longsword, 1800 to 1945 • Archery, 2000 to 2130 At The Vanguard Centre, tonight!
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Death from above!
Well... hopefully not, as tonight we will be looking at variations of the hanging guard and the methods to best employ it and use the height and structure it provides for your counterattack.
Before that fun with the Broadsword and Sabre, the mats will be down and the sensei from Kishinkai Aikido UK - Glasgow will be in the house. If you want to try the class out you'd be welcome - Nathan and Axel are great teachers and your first class is free!
... • Kishinkai Aikido, 1800 to 1945 🥋 • Broadsword and Sabre, 2000 to 2145 🤺 Tonight, at The Vanguard Centre!
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Tickets are now available through the centres website!

Tuesday night is the time to rattle sabres and swash some bucklers!
We're having a busy day today, but classes are on as normal - the free Intro To Historical European Martial Arts and then the last of our sessions on the 1.33 sword and buckler.
• Free Intro To HEMA, 1800 to 1945 ⚔... • Sword & Buckler, 2000 to 2145 🛡 At The Vanguard Centre, tonight!
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New book stock at the centre. 'Scorners of death' is new to the Fallen Rook collection and is available to buy from our website or in the centre, if you happen to be in Glasgow why not stop by and take a look? #fallenrook #books #HEMAbooks #availabletobuy #onlineshop #instore #scornersofdeath #warriorfighting #glasgow #swordfightingglasgow #swordfightingbooks #shop

With the rise of popularity of tournaments in HEMA and across the UK, proper preparation is key to a good performance. This seminar is designed to give you the tools to deliver your best, with drills and tactics that can be used for any weapon. We will be looking into what you can do in the weeks leading up to an event to get ready. We will also be looking into things you can do to stay on top of your game during your fights.
Mark Wilkie is visiting us from the Institute of... Historical Arts in Dundee to deliver this seminar for those on the West coast who would not otherwise get to be taught by him. Mark is an accomplished coach and veteran of more than a dozen high level international competitions.
The Vanguard Centre will be open from 12.00 noon on Sunday afternoon for participants to meet and prepare over lunch time, with the seminar starting at 1 o'clock. Mark will teach until 4 or 5 o'clock depending on content, with the rest of the time into the evening reserved for sparring practise, mock tournament bouts and personal coaching. If you couldn't get enough sparring at the Scottish HEMA Gathering, this is your next best bet!
This will be valuable to all HEMA competitors regardless of level or weapon discipline - even new beginners gearing up for their first tournament!
Tickets are on sale now from the Vanguard Centre in person, with website sales available soon.
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Ahoy, toxophilists!*
The weekend may start with a bang, but we like to start the week on Monday with a twang! Come get your fix of archery tonight :D Two sessions as usual, featuring the return of Paul while Jonathan's off sick 🤧
... • Archery, 1800 to 1930 🎯 • More archery, 1930 to 2100 🏹
At The Vanguard Centre, tonight! (* Lovers of shooting things)
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Thursday night play time!
Despite the October holidays, it's business as usual for us - with German Longsword at 6 we start to apply the point and look at what makes a good thrust, and with archery later at 8 we keep the theme of stabbing them with the sharp end... just from much, much further away!
• German Longsword, 1800 to 1945... • Archery, 2000 to 2130 At The Vanguard Centre, tonight!
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Slope swords and present arms, it's Wednesday!
Tackle hump-day with some vigorous recreational violence with a pair of classes to train and entertain.
Firstly, at 6 o'clock our friends from Kishinkai Aikido UK - Glasgow will be in the house to handle things up close and personal. Get your angry white pyjamas on and learn to strike, grapple and tumble with your opponents under Nathan and Axel's expert tuition. 🥋
... Following on at 8 in the later session, our own instructor Jonathan will take the reigns for a closer look at the methods and mechanics in Roworth's Art Of Defence On Foot, extracting more hidden detail from this seemingly straight forward text. 🤺
Wednesday nights: • Kishinkai Aikido, 1800 to 1945 • Regimental Broadsword, 2000 to 2145 Tonight, at The Vanguard Centre!
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Tuesday is upon us, which means it's variety night at Vanguard - we lead the evening with our popular Introduction to Historical European Martial Arts class where new folks can get their first hands-on experience with sword fighting, and in the later session in Scottish Fighting Arts we continue to look at medieval sword and buckler.
Something fun for fencers bith new and old! • Free Intro To HEMA, 1800 to 1945 • Sword and Buckler, 2000 to 2145... Tuesday nights, at The Vanguard Centre!
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TWANG!
Get stuck, punk!
Archery time again, so get ready for some tingly-fingers and keen-eyed fun. As usual, we're running two sessions tonight, so there's plenty of opportunity to learn how to shoot and practise with your friends. We've got the bows, arrows, targets and the kettle on the boil, you bring yourselves and your friend for a round or two!
... • Archery, 1800 to 1930 🎯 • More archery, 1930 to 2100🏹 At The Vanguard Centre, tonight!
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A nice sunny Sunday afternoon spent forging a Mjolnir hammer pendant with Mark, while listening to a 90's radio station. Rave forging is now a thing, we just need to find some glow-sticks for the next time 😁 #forgingglasgow #blacksmith #blacksmithglasgow #introductiontoblacksmithing #beginnersblacksmithing #learnsmithingglasgow #learnforging #vaguardforge #heavymetalglasgow #metalglasgow #hammers #anvil #steel #madeofsteel #glasgowsteel #craft #craftersglasgow

Some of this week's forging shenanigans! Mike and Mike visiting from London. The guys dropped by and did a couple of days forging. #forgingglasgow #blacksmith #blacksmithglasgow #introductiontoblacksmithing #beginnersblacksmithing #learnsmithingglasgow #learnforging #vaguardforge #heavymetalglasgow #metalglasgow #hammers#anvil #steel #madeofsteel #glasgowsteel #craft #craftersglasgow

Blackguards and cravens, beware! On Thursdays, we get MEDIEVAL - German Longsword, followed by archery!
At 6 o'clock, we'll have a review session in Longsword about the 4 openings and counter-cuts against the ward of pflug. This is core material which will be valuable for experienced practitioners to review, and vital for newcomers to learn! ⚔🗡
After the swords get sheathed and the fighters take a break, at 8 o'clock we will span the bows and set the targets in the range for ...the fan favourite Thursday night shoot-out. 🎯🏹
Thursday nights, swords and bows: • German Longsword, 1800 to 1945 • Archery, 2000 to 2130 At The Vanguard Centre!
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Ahoy, all!
Remember we are on the new timetable for HEMA activities tonight. First timers are encouraged to join us for the Introductory class at 6 o'clock, and regulars will get a kick out of more Sword & Buckler in S.F.A. at 8 o'clock!
• Free Intro To HEMA, 18.00 to 19.45... • Scottish Fighting Arts, 20.00 to 21.45 At The Vanguard Centre, this Tuesday night!
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Last night we had a group of new students join us for their first proper lesson in German Longsword - we introduced the mechanics of a good cut and applied them to the oberhau and unterhau, and then defended against these same cuts with the parry from langort in all the four openings. 🗡
A lot of material for one session, but all the fellows handled it well and got their first step on the journey into HEMA! 🤺
If you want to give swordfighting a try-out, see if you can make it to a free Introduction to HEMA class at 6.00pm on Tuesday night, or book a private tuition session or party for all your friends!

Last weekend we got to strut our stuff in the great outdoors and the gentle Scottish rain. Ben decided to chill out from teaching beginners and talking about the art by doing his flourishes in the drizzle!
If the German Longsword looks like your kind of fun, be relieved to know you can practise it indoors in the dry! Tonight we will be teaching a review class on the four openings and the flugelhaw which will be more open to beginners and helpful to everyone. 🗡
After the fla...sh and crash of steel, we will relax for an evening of target practise in the archery range - we've got bows, arrows and targets galore, so come and get your fix! 🎯
Thursday swords and shooting: • German Longsword, 1800 to 1945 • Archery, 2000 to 2130 At The Vanguard Centre, tonight!
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Ahoy! New class schedule for the Vanguard Centre...All our classes are still on the same days, we have just shifted the times slightly. Hope to see you all soon! #vanguardhema #vanguardarchers #vanguardswords #vanguardlongsword #vanguardbroadsword #hemaglasgow #classesglasgow #martialartsglasgow #schedulechange #classtimes #archery #longsword #broadsword #scottishfightingarts #sabre

Went for my birthday amazing place staff were great so helpfully and able too help coach a very mix group form first timers too people with more experience and such a reasonable price looking forward too going back very soon

Staff were knowledgable and friendly. Group size small. Safety taken seriously. Had a great day blacksmithing.

Ronin Eskrimador...Very impressed.



Thursday 21st June I visited the Vanguard centre for my first Scottish Broadsword- Military sabre private tuition lesson. Having a slight background in Pilipino eskrimador weapons styles I wanted to step outside the comfort zone, while also contrasting comparing training, instruction methods in curriculum structure as well as internalise the actual technical sword skills being taught.



On arrival made to feel very welcome by Samantha who settled me in with tea, interesting books, the tour, background history and explanation of the school.



I was delighted to find Jonathan the instructor had a good clear succinct technical vocabulary, explaining and demonstrating the fundamental skills in progressive modular steps. He clearly has a passion for his subject and this is very encouraging to pick up on. In a very short time, I was given the detailed “basics” overview of the system. Lesson over Samantha is checking in on how my first lesson went ?



Thoroughly delighted, the whole experience was EXACTLY what I had been looking for, respectfully blending with my previous studies and in many places contextually enhancing my use of the single sword. On leaving I purchased “Scottish broadsword and British Single stick” Keith Farrell as a supplement reference for the ongoing studies. A big thank you and looking forward to more instruction from the team at The Vanguard Centre.



Bravo

James Stewart

Only been going for a couple sessions and i’ve already started investing in my own equipment! The staff are all friendly and are willing to go the extra step to keep an eye out for those struggling to keep the proper form (puts hand up).



10/5, place is not a dive!

Love this place !!!very friendly and lots and lots of fun !!!! Totally recommend this place !

I've wanted to have a go at archery for over 10 years, but I was too scared to try. First time at the vanguard centre tonight and I'm completely in love. Totally welcoming and friendly staff, so helpful and obviously love what they do. And I was even hitting the target by the time I left!

I can't describe how lucky I am to have a well-equipped historical arts training center in the city I live, and with new additions and classes it can only get better!

I attended my first blacksmithing session and it was even better than I could have hoped for. It's a great setup at the centre and we received expert tuition and assistance for forging our first ever items - coat hooks. I will definitely be back for more.

I attended an archery session here and the staff were really helpful and attentive, not to mention really kind and welcoming. I loved every second of it.



I also had to ask about the blacksmithing area. Sam told me all about the procedure and hooked me up with an introductory session; a blacksmith Mr Paul Clarke was there to teach me the basics and techniques. I absolutely can never thank him enough for all the patience, passion, and expertise he brought to the table (or anvil in this case ;p). It was an outright pleasure to be guided by him and I had an outstanding time. I can not recommend it enough, and will remember it for all of my life. I also now have a really nice coat hook as a keepsake and a reminder of both Paul's kindness and my exciting experience!

Great place, very central location. Very friendly crowd. I have only been a couple of times for an archery fix but there is so much going on I need to try to find the time to try.

Great place to learn traditional fencing as well as archery and blacksmithing great coaching and teaching from the staff. would highly recommend

Great fun. Tried swords, lots of laughs. Staff are awesome.

Fantastic venue! All staff are very welcoming and very knowledgeable in their own fields!

With a variety of disciplines to study, you won't be left with nothing to do any day of the week!

Excellent day making a Sgian Dubh. Highly recommended had a great time.

Do you use the subway? Stop going round in circles and get off at Bridge Street, as a diverse range of historical arts with first class tuition are available for you to try at the Vanguard Centre. Come along and take part, try something different in a very well equipped facility that is conveniently located near the city centre. The standard of the tuition is such that you will want to come back, and all the equipment needed is provided. The Vanguard Centre is a real asset and a welcome addition to all that this city has to offer to visitors and those who sensibly choose to live here.

Central, easy to reach location not just for people from Glasgow but easily accessible from outside the city too. super well equipped facilities with experienced staff at hand. Very flexible for personal needs as well. Definitely the place to to train HEMA in Glasgow.

Big thanks to the lads today for helping us make oor wee knives... Always helpful always relaxed and always positive in encouraging us.. Will deffo be back.. And big shout to Thomas who came all the way from carnoustie to teach,/help us.. Thanks again

Been doing archery for a few weeks and finding the instruction helpful, the facilities good and the price is great for what you get. I especially like that they do a lot of skills around archery like the blacksmithing and fletching courses. The people who come along are also great and have been instrumental in helping me improve, understand the discipline and help me get my own kit and enjoy the sport. BIG fan :)

Amazing seminar, lernt many new techniques not aware to me by reading the treaties, Keith's interpretation of them was spot on. A most enjoyable and educational time at the vanguard centre. Cheers to all the guys who were there and cheers to Keith Farrell for the sesh. It was awesome, hope to see you all again soon. Thomas Mcconnell of highland broadsword fencing Angus

Went for my birthday amazing place staff were great so helpfully and able too help coach a very mix group form first timers too people with more experience and such a reasonable price looking forward too going back very soon

Staff were knowledgable and friendly. Group size small. Safety taken seriously. Had a great day blacksmithing.

Ronin Eskrimador...Very impressed.



Thursday 21st June I visited the Vanguard centre for my first Scottish Broadsword- Military sabre private tuition lesson. Having a slight background in Pilipino eskrimador weapons styles I wanted to step outside the comfort zone, while also contrasting comparing training, instruction methods in curriculum structure as well as internalise the actual technical sword skills being taught.



On arrival made to feel very welcome by Samantha who settled me in with tea, interesting books, the tour, background history and explanation of the school.



I was delighted to find Jonathan the instructor had a good clear succinct technical vocabulary, explaining and demonstrating the fundamental skills in progressive modular steps. He clearly has a passion for his subject and this is very encouraging to pick up on. In a very short time, I was given the detailed “basics” overview of the system. Lesson over Samantha is checking in on how my first lesson went ?



Thoroughly delighted, the whole experience was EXACTLY what I had been looking for, respectfully blending with my previous studies and in many places contextually enhancing my use of the single sword. On leaving I purchased “Scottish broadsword and British Single stick” Keith Farrell as a supplement reference for the ongoing studies. A big thank you and looking forward to more instruction from the team at The Vanguard Centre.



Bravo

James Stewart

Only been going for a couple sessions and i’ve already started investing in my own equipment! The staff are all friendly and are willing to go the extra step to keep an eye out for those struggling to keep the proper form (puts hand up).



10/5, place is not a dive!

Love this place !!!very friendly and lots and lots of fun !!!! Totally recommend this place !

I've wanted to have a go at archery for over 10 years, but I was too scared to try. First time at the vanguard centre tonight and I'm completely in love. Totally welcoming and friendly staff, so helpful and obviously love what they do. And I was even hitting the target by the time I left!

I can't describe how lucky I am to have a well-equipped historical arts training center in the city I live, and with new additions and classes it can only get better!

I attended my first blacksmithing session and it was even better than I could have hoped for. It's a great setup at the centre and we received expert tuition and assistance for forging our first ever items - coat hooks. I will definitely be back for more.

I attended an archery session here and the staff were really helpful and attentive, not to mention really kind and welcoming. I loved every second of it.



I also had to ask about the blacksmithing area. Sam told me all about the procedure and hooked me up with an introductory session; a blacksmith Mr Paul Clarke was there to teach me the basics and techniques. I absolutely can never thank him enough for all the patience, passion, and expertise he brought to the table (or anvil in this case ;p). It was an outright pleasure to be guided by him and I had an outstanding time. I can not recommend it enough, and will remember it for all of my life. I also now have a really nice coat hook as a keepsake and a reminder of both Paul's kindness and my exciting experience!

Great place, very central location. Very friendly crowd. I have only been a couple of times for an archery fix but there is so much going on I need to try to find the time to try.

Great place to learn traditional fencing as well as archery and blacksmithing great coaching and teaching from the staff. would highly recommend

Great fun. Tried swords, lots of laughs. Staff are awesome.

Fantastic venue! All staff are very welcoming and very knowledgeable in their own fields!

With a variety of disciplines to study, you won't be left with nothing to do any day of the week!

Excellent day making a Sgian Dubh. Highly recommended had a great time.

Do you use the subway? Stop going round in circles and get off at Bridge Street, as a diverse range of historical arts with first class tuition are available for you to try at the Vanguard Centre. Come along and take part, try something different in a very well equipped facility that is conveniently located near the city centre. The standard of the tuition is such that you will want to come back, and all the equipment needed is provided. The Vanguard Centre is a real asset and a welcome addition to all that this city has to offer to visitors and those who sensibly choose to live here.

Central, easy to reach location not just for people from Glasgow but easily accessible from outside the city too. super well equipped facilities with experienced staff at hand. Very flexible for personal needs as well. Definitely the place to to train HEMA in Glasgow.

Big thanks to the lads today for helping us make oor wee knives... Always helpful always relaxed and always positive in encouraging us.. Will deffo be back.. And big shout to Thomas who came all the way from carnoustie to teach,/help us.. Thanks again

Been doing archery for a few weeks and finding the instruction helpful, the facilities good and the price is great for what you get. I especially like that they do a lot of skills around archery like the blacksmithing and fletching courses. The people who come along are also great and have been instrumental in helping me improve, understand the discipline and help me get my own kit and enjoy the sport. BIG fan :)

Amazing seminar, lernt many new techniques not aware to me by reading the treaties, Keith's interpretation of them was spot on. A most enjoyable and educational time at the vanguard centre. Cheers to all the guys who were there and cheers to Keith Farrell for the sesh. It was awesome, hope to see you all again soon. Thomas Mcconnell of highland broadsword fencing Angus

Went for my birthday amazing place staff were great so helpfully and able too help coach a very mix group form first timers too people with more experience and such a reasonable price looking forward too going back very soon

Staff were knowledgable and friendly. Group size small. Safety taken seriously. Had a great day blacksmithing.

Ronin Eskrimador...Very impressed.



Thursday 21st June I visited the Vanguard centre for my first Scottish Broadsword- Military sabre private tuition lesson. Having a slight background in Pilipino eskrimador weapons styles I wanted to step outside the comfort zone, while also contrasting comparing training, instruction methods in curriculum structure as well as internalise the actual technical sword skills being taught.



On arrival made to feel very welcome by Samantha who settled me in with tea, interesting books, the tour, background history and explanation of the school.



I was delighted to find Jonathan the instructor had a good clear succinct technical vocabulary, explaining and demonstrating the fundamental skills in progressive modular steps. He clearly has a passion for his subject and this is very encouraging to pick up on. In a very short time, I was given the detailed “basics” overview of the system. Lesson over Samantha is checking in on how my first lesson went ?



Thoroughly delighted, the whole experience was EXACTLY what I had been looking for, respectfully blending with my previous studies and in many places contextually enhancing my use of the single sword. On leaving I purchased “Scottish broadsword and British Single stick” Keith Farrell as a supplement reference for the ongoing studies. A big thank you and looking forward to more instruction from the team at The Vanguard Centre.



Bravo

James Stewart

Only been going for a couple sessions and i’ve already started investing in my own equipment! The staff are all friendly and are willing to go the extra step to keep an eye out for those struggling to keep the proper form (puts hand up).



10/5, place is not a dive!

Love this place !!!very friendly and lots and lots of fun !!!! Totally recommend this place !

I've wanted to have a go at archery for over 10 years, but I was too scared to try. First time at the vanguard centre tonight and I'm completely in love. Totally welcoming and friendly staff, so helpful and obviously love what they do. And I was even hitting the target by the time I left!

I can't describe how lucky I am to have a well-equipped historical arts training center in the city I live, and with new additions and classes it can only get better!

I attended my first blacksmithing session and it was even better than I could have hoped for. It's a great setup at the centre and we received expert tuition and assistance for forging our first ever items - coat hooks. I will definitely be back for more.

I attended an archery session here and the staff were really helpful and attentive, not to mention really kind and welcoming. I loved every second of it.



I also had to ask about the blacksmithing area. Sam told me all about the procedure and hooked me up with an introductory session; a blacksmith Mr Paul Clarke was there to teach me the basics and techniques. I absolutely can never thank him enough for all the patience, passion, and expertise he brought to the table (or anvil in this case ;p). It was an outright pleasure to be guided by him and I had an outstanding time. I can not recommend it enough, and will remember it for all of my life. I also now have a really nice coat hook as a keepsake and a reminder of both Paul's kindness and my exciting experience!

Great place, very central location. Very friendly crowd. I have only been a couple of times for an archery fix but there is so much going on I need to try to find the time to try.

Great place to learn traditional fencing as well as archery and blacksmithing great coaching and teaching from the staff. would highly recommend

Great fun. Tried swords, lots of laughs. Staff are awesome.

Fantastic venue! All staff are very welcoming and very knowledgeable in their own fields!

With a variety of disciplines to study, you won't be left with nothing to do any day of the week!

Excellent day making a Sgian Dubh. Highly recommended had a great time.

Do you use the subway? Stop going round in circles and get off at Bridge Street, as a diverse range of historical arts with first class tuition are available for you to try at the Vanguard Centre. Come along and take part, try something different in a very well equipped facility that is conveniently located near the city centre. The standard of the tuition is such that you will want to come back, and all the equipment needed is provided. The Vanguard Centre is a real asset and a welcome addition to all that this city has to offer to visitors and those who sensibly choose to live here.

Central, easy to reach location not just for people from Glasgow but easily accessible from outside the city too. super well equipped facilities with experienced staff at hand. Very flexible for personal needs as well. Definitely the place to to train HEMA in Glasgow.

Big thanks to the lads today for helping us make oor wee knives... Always helpful always relaxed and always positive in encouraging us.. Will deffo be back.. And big shout to Thomas who came all the way from carnoustie to teach,/help us.. Thanks again

Been doing archery for a few weeks and finding the instruction helpful, the facilities good and the price is great for what you get. I especially like that they do a lot of skills around archery like the blacksmithing and fletching courses. The people who come along are also great and have been instrumental in helping me improve, understand the discipline and help me get my own kit and enjoy the sport. BIG fan :)

Amazing seminar, lernt many new techniques not aware to me by reading the treaties, Keith's interpretation of them was spot on. A most enjoyable and educational time at the vanguard centre. Cheers to all the guys who were there and cheers to Keith Farrell for the sesh. It was awesome, hope to see you all again soon. Thomas Mcconnell of highland broadsword fencing Angus