Auckland Sword and Shield is a club for Historical European Martial Arts, known as HEMA, based at 54b Taharoto Road in Takapuna, North Shore. The club says it learns from real training manuals written between the 12th and 19th centuries. Members train with swords, spears, polearms, daggers, grappling, pugilism, sabre and rapier, among other weapons. The club also organises and takes part in events where people test their skill at arms.
Classes run in periodic blocks through the year. Once people finish the beginner class and join the club, they can train in almost any historical style they choose. Membership is for people over 18. Visitors are welcome to come and watch, and people can sign up for lessons or send a query through the website. It suits adults curious about medieval and early modern fighting arts, and anyone who wants a study-based martial art rather than a sport alone.