Auckland Sword and Shield

2 days left to our next beginners course starts. Still a couple of spots left. Sign up at www.swordandshield.nz



Photocredit Anna Mason

One week left to sign up for the Beginners Course starting Sunday 2nd August



Photo credit Anna Mason

Save the date!

The Steve Hodgson Memorial Tournament returns this September. As New Zealand’s longest running HEMA tournament, Steve Hodgson brings together fencers from around the country for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, and (of course) fencing.

More details, categories, and registration information coming soon.

For now, mark tour calendars - and get training!

Submission link: https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCSSC_SCF_9E8E8A14-A51C-4567-AB33-08DE9053A7D1/legislation-definitions-of-woman-and-man-amendment-bill

Last weekend Auckland Sword and Shield and Auckland Longsword had the privilege of hosting the incredible Miro Lahtela for a longsword workshop.

One of the realities of being a HEMA club in New Zealand is that we’re a long way away from most of the international community. We learn a huge amount from one another, but opportunities to host fencers of Miro’s calibre are relatively rate, which makes them all the more valuable when they come along.

Miro isn’t just an exceptional fencer, he’s also an engaging and memorable instructor. There was plenty to challenge experienced fencers, while still giving everyone practical takeaways they could immediately apply. If your club ever has the opportunity to host Miro, we’d strongly recommend taking it!

Thank you, Miro, for sharing your knowledge and passion with the HEMA community in NZ! You’re welcome back anytime 🤺⚔️🗡️

UFC26, you were a great time! Thanks heaps to for making it all happen. Till next year!

HEMA is an academic practice as well as a physical one. Rooted in the study of historical manuals, translations, and ongoing research, access to these sources is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the art.

Our final sponsor for AAA 2026, HEMA Bookshelf, plays a vital role in the community by preserving and sharing the historical sources, manuals, and research that underpin everything we practise. Their work helps connect modern fencers to the traditions, techniques, and knowledge of the past.

We’re very grateful for their support and for the scholarship that continues to shape and deepen our understanding of the art. You can find them or at www.hemabookshelf.com.

Longsword is fast, powerful, and unforgiving, meaning good gloves aren’t optional, they’re essential. Because of this, we’re proud to have Sparring Gloves supporting the Auckland Autumn Affair 2026.

Sparring Gloves are widely recognised across the community for producing durable, high-protection gloves that allow fencers to train and compete with intensity while staying protected.

In a discipline where hand protection can make all the difference, we’re grateful to have their support behind this year’s event. You can see what else they on offer at or www.sparringglove.com.