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. 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). Cost is $15 per person per class or sign up for our unlimited monthly classes package at $75 per person. Registration is required for all class.

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 Yoga

With sword in hand, attendees will be guided through a series of poses and movement exercises designed to help increase flexibility and circulatory health and improve athletic performance.

Tuesday Nights, 6:00-6:30pm

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

Bartitsu

An eclectic Victorian-era mixed martial art created by E.W. Barton-Wright around 1899, Bartitsu blends boxing, savate, jujitsu, and cane fighting for self-defense, famously used by Sherlock Holmes and revived today as a historical martial art.

Wednesday Nights, 6:00-7:00pm

Dueling Sabre

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

Next class – Sunday February 8th, 1:00pm to 3:00pm at our 8628 Cotter Street location in Lewis Center

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.

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