Offering instruction in Classical Fencing and Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) since 2015 – Discover the art of swordplay with Columbus Saber Academy!
From Italian dueling sabre to longsword, rapier and dagger to sword and buckler, our approach to training and personal development emphasizes the importance of structure, mechanics, tempo, and measure. Our mission has always been and continues to this day – to offer engaging and accessible experiences in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space that supports your personal growth and success. Whether you’re interested in general fitness, confidence building, tournament-level competition, or just out to learn something new in a supportive community-based environment, we have something for you.
En garde for an unforgettable experience!

Instruction focuses on foundational and advanced techniques, progressing from guided solo and partner drills to active adaptations and free-sparring, all with emphasis on proper footwork, mechanics, movement, control, and structure. Workshops will be scheduled throughout the year on a variety of topics. Join our Discord and follow our Instagram site for the latest announcements. Training weapons for each class are provided as needed, and we will work with you when you are ready on recommendations to purchase your own weapons and sparring gear.

Weekly classes, open bouting, and recurring workshops are offered at our 51 N. State Street location in Westerville, unless noted, and all classes and workshops are taught by Tom Amoroso and team. Registration is required. Cost is $15 per person per class or sign up for our unlimited monthly classes package at $75 per person.


Beginners are welcome in all classes!

Longsword

A two-handed, double-edged versatile weapon capable of thrusts, slices, and cuts, our longsword program focuses on the practice and application of techniques and lessons from Joachim Meyer’s 1570 work Art of Combat.

Monday Nights, 6:00-7:00pm and 7:00-8:00pm

Sword and Buckler

Our Sword and Buckler program focuses on techniques with a single-handed sword and a small round shield (called a buckler) as outlined in the Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33 – our oldest known treatise, dating back to 1310.

Tuesday Nights, 6:30-7:30pm

Quarterstaff

A simple and traditional European polearm, historically prominent in England from the Middle Ages through the Early Modern period, our quarterstaff program draws from multiple sources including Joachim Meyer’ 1570 Art of Sword Combat.

Wednesday Nights, 6:00-7:00pm

Saber

A single edged cutting and thrusting weapon with a curved blade and a one-handed grip, our sabre program follows the Italian traditions and the works of master Luigi Barbasetti, emphasizing the study and practice of the molinelli.

Wednesday Nights, 7:00-8:00pm

Rapier & Dagger

Our rapier program focuses on fighting with both the single-handed double edged-weapon by itself and with a parrying dagger in your off hand, leveraging the works of Italian masters Ridolfo Capo Ferro and Achille Marozzo.

Recurring Workshop, Schedule Varies

Sword Yoga

A unique program created by Tom back in 2019, with sword in hand our sword yoga attendees will be guided through poses and exercises designed to help increase flexibility and circulatory health and improve athletic performance.

Recurring Workshop, Schedule Varies

Daggers & Defenses

The mechanics and application of armed and unarmed self-defense techniques – strikes, joint locks, throws, escapes – with and against a dagger, as illustrated in Achille Marozzo’s 1536 Opera Nova dell’Arte delle Armi.

Recurring Workshop, Schedule Varies