Counterfable Academy

We are a Fencing Academy dedicated to the quality Instruction of Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA). Our affirming community welcomes newcomers as well seasoned enthusiasts, from ages 16+

Who We Are

  • Our mission is to provide quality Fencing instruction that is as inviting as it is enriching. We adapt lesson plans from their medieval sources to expand instruction beyond a single weapon set. Class offerings include:
    Grappling, Dagger, Single and Two-Handed Sword, Spear, Poleaxe and Armoured work.

  • We examine and promote the living traditions, martial prowess, and personal insights of our Historic Resources and Students. The community we maintain is inviting to newcomers and respectful to all.

  • With roots that go back over 20 years, Counterfable Academy builds upon the traditions and success of Northwest Fencing Academy.
    Our combined Instruction experience exceeds 50 years, making Counterfable Academy the premiere Fencing resource in the Willamette Valley.

What We Do

  • Our curriculum leverages historic pedagogy and adapts its content to modern settings and needs. These sources date back to the late 1300’s, and are organized into a broad instruction set.

  • We believe that focusing on core skillset aids in martial adaptivity. Focused work on a few weapon types and their specific communities leaves strategy gaps. Our Instructor base has over 50 years of combined skill, and that allows us to offer a unique Instruction model.

How to Join

  • Peruse our Class list located at the top of this page. If this is your first time with us, then our Fundamentals Classes are where to start. We offer each first time learner a free session to determine their interest.

  • If this is your first time, then please arrive 15min before the listed class start to complete a waiver. We do not require uniforms. Please wear flexible full length athletic pants, closed toe shoes, and a flexible shirt. We supply water and cups for single use, but we strong suggest bringing a personal canteen. We supply loaner gear for Fundamentals students to borrow for class use.

  • We have a single Membership rate of $90, which is a recurring monthly subscription. This purchase is available once an Account is setup. Our pricing allows the student to attend all regularly schedules classes, once they have gained the needed skillset and required equipment for advanced classes.