Crossroads Swords

There’s a heap of reasons you should check out Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).But let’s start with a basic fact: “Swords are cool.”

“It’s even cooler knowing how to use them,” continues John Knoch, co-founder of Crossroads Swords.

HEMA (pronounced hee-ma) is a broad label for historical fencing, spanning multiple families of swords and unique schools of fighting built around those weapons. It’s rooted and structured around centuries-old German and Italian fighting manuals with translated names like “The Flower of Battle.”

It’s where martial arts meets history, and swords are the star.

Some get into HEMA for the lore and the look—channeling Medieval and Renaissance traditions with a side of reenactment. Others are drawn to the full-body workout (no treadmill required) or the strategy and skill that come with mastering a longsword.

Co-founder Will Landis finds it’s the perfect mix: physical challenge, mental focus, and something even rarer in adulthood—genuine camaraderie.

“The community is our strength,” Will says. “We have a diverse community with a lot of different interests.”

For lack of an overarching national organization, each club like Crossroads Swords is free to promote a preferred style and tailored interest. Winter Garden’s club emphasizes simulated unarmored combat — with just enough padding and protection to keep it safe — and German and Italian longsword training.

While the strategy and technique is genuine martial arts, the training is done with hard plastic swords and dull steel swords. A typical practice includes warm up and footwork, structured fighting drills and source lessons, followed by free play and improvisation.

Some participants are more competitive than others and train for regular local competitions called Steel Jam and larger tournaments. While longswords are the chief focus, students can switch to one-handed weapons like rapiers or branch out to pole weapons and sword and buckler. 

Crossroads just leased a new space on Daniels Road for about 40 members under the guidance of around six instructors. It’s a long way from their origin, when John and Will first connected to swing some swords under the oak trees of Tucker Ranch on Avalon Road in 2021.

Now they’ve built a community that extends beyond the training floor to representing Winter Garden at Renaissance Fairs and conventions.

“It’s a really fun way to take something you’re nerdy about and become a part of it,” John says. “And show off a little.”