Knoxville Academy of the Blade

Welcome to Knoxville Academy of the Blade (KAB)

Located at 363 North Main Street, Clinton, Tennessee, the Knoxville Academy of the Blade is East Tennessee's premier Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA) school. Founded in 2008, we specialize in the Bolognese school of Renaissance-era Italian martial arts, focusing on the fighting arts of 16th Century Italy. Our curriculum is rooted in the texts of Achille Marozzo and Antonio Manciolino, emphasizing the use of the sidesword and companion weapons like the dagger and buckler.

In addition to our core Bolognese program, we offer a growing 18th Century martial arts program, featuring the military use of the broadsword, smallsword, and bayonet. Our comprehensive training also includes longsword, spear, grappling, and more.

Our Coaches:

- Tom Farmer (he/him), Head Coach: With a background in Olympic-style foil since 2001 and a decade of HEMA experience, Tom became KAB's head coach in 2020. He holds certifications from the US Fencing Coach's Association and the US Safe Sport Association.

- Stephanie Farmer (she/her), Assistant Head Coach: Stephanie has been practicing HEMA regularly since 2020, following her earlier experiences with fencing.

- Michael Huddleston (he/him), Assistant Coach: Specializing in the Scottish Broadsword and 18th-century weapons, Michael brings ten years of HEMA expertise to our team.

- Sarah La Fetra (they/them), Assistant Coach: With a focus on sword and buckler, Sarah has been part of KAB for three years, having started HEMA in 2017.

Class Schedule:

- Beginner Class: Tuesdays, 5 PM - 7 PM, $150/month. Two four-month sessions are available annually, February-May and July-October. Loaner swords are provided; students need closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes, and must purchase a fencing mask, neck protector, and gloves before the end of the class.

- Main Group Class: Sundays, 4 PM - 7 PM, $110/month.

- 18th Century Fencing Class: Mondays, 5 PM - 7 PM, additional $40/month.

- Individual Lessons: Available on request, $110 for two or $150 for four. Discounted to $20 each if enrolled in group classes.

Classes are held in Clinton, approximately 30 minutes north of Knoxville. Please account for potential traffic when planning your visit.

Community and Inclusivity:

At KAB, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including LGBT, PoC, and neurodiverse communities. Discrimination based on age, sex, gender, race, disability, or religion is not tolerated. Our mission is to help each other thrive as martial artists and individuals, promoting academic excellence and mutual growth.

Upcoming Events for 2024:

- April 20-21: Rossini Opera Festival

- May 18-19: Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games

- June 8: Mini-Con Blount County

- July 26: Clinton Public Library Summer Reading Festival

- December 6-8: Yama-Con Anime Convention

Join us on this journey through the rich history of European martial arts. If you're interested in starting classes, please contact us via email or social media. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant community!