You may have wandered through Riverside Park and seen people swinging swords at each other, or maybe you’re a fantasy film buff with a secret desire to swashbuckle, or you’ve binge-watched Vikings and are dying to slap on your battle gear and fight your way to Valhalla.

If you’ve ever watched a fantasy movie and thought, “I wonder what it would be like to learn how to actually use a sword,” you’re not alone. At locally owned and operated Lynx Armizare, that curiosity is quite often what brings people through the door.

Founded in 2017, Lynx Armizare teaches Historical European Martial Arts, commonly known as HEMA. The practice mixes fitness, martial arts, history, and a healthy dose of nerd culture into one surprisingly welcoming community. Owner and head instructor Jedd MacMillan has spent nearly a decade helping people discover the joy as well as the fitness that swordfighting has to offer

“There’s no barrier to entry either into the club or into the community,” says MacMillan. “We want people to be involved in a martial art in whichever way they find compelling.”

For some members, that means training for competitions both locally and beyond. Others enjoy studying historical texts (like MacMillan). Some want to learn about medieval combat techniques, and of course, some just want to get active in a unique way.

MacMillan describes HEMA as a grassroots movement dedicated to recreating the martial arts of historical Europe by studying surviving manuscripts and training manuals. “HEMA is about reconnecting dead martial arts with a living tradition,” he explained.

While the swords may be rooted in history, the club’s approach is built on modern ideals.  Inclusivity is a huge focus within the classes. In a world where fitness classes can feel intimidating for some, the Lynx Armizare crew prides itself on building a safe space for all.

“We focus on building a space that is not just for relatively athletic, straight, young white guys,” says MacMillan. Though they are welcome, too.

That commitment to inclusion has helped Lynx Armizare attract a remarkably diverse group of participants. Recent programs, including a swordfighting and martial arts series designed for women and gender minorities led by local, long-time swordfighter Cicyetkwu, which sold out almost immediately. Quickly followed by another popular offering of medieval dagger fighting. And of course, the ever-popular long sword classes. The popular response has been a sign for MacMillan and crew that there are many people out there who are interested in martial arts who just haven’t seen themselves reflected in traditional training spaces.

The fitness benefits are real, too. Swordfighting develops balance, coordination, endurance, strength, and quick decision-making. Many students arrive from other sports, while others are discovering physical activity for the first time in years.

And for those worried they need to be athletes or history experts before showing up, MacMillan says there are no big prerequisites.

“A lot of people just like holding a sword and feeling a little bit like they’re in fantasy, and that is its own reason.”

Whether you’re looking for a workout, a new skill, a connection to history, or simply a cool community, Lynx Armizare is here to prove that there is still plenty of room for historic adventure right here in modern-day Kamloops.

For more information about classes, workshops, and upcoming programs, visit Lynx Armizare online at swordplaykamloops.com or on Facebook.