ABOUT
Teaching Scottish Swordsmanship
in Glasgow
Saorsa was created in 2021 by Instructors Ben and Victoria in an effort to bring Scottish Swordsmanship and history to as many people as possible! The Glasgow HEMA scene is a fast growing space and we welcome everyone to be a part of it. We strive to create and maintain a safe and inclusive environment where everyone in can feel free to be themselves and enjoy learning.
Here at Saorsa, our instructors are committed to being welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. With their combined experience and expertise, our instructors hope to be able to answer any question you have on fitness, swords and the treaties we study from. And if they don't? You can bet they'll do their best to find out!
We are situated in the South Side of Glasgow on Crawfurd Road, just a five minute walk away from Burnside train station. Once you arrive, come through the main doors and we're up the stairs to the left.
We run fencing lessons four times a week. Broadsword on Monday and Saturday, advanced Broadsword on Wednesday and on Tuesdays our weapons rotate. Alongside these classes, we also run frequent courses including our popular Beginners Broadsword Course.
Saorsa are proud winners of Martial Arts Club of the Year in Scotland's Prestige Awards two years in a row!
We offer a range of services at Saorsa including HEMA Classes , Experience Days and Stage Combat workshops
Want to represent the club everywhere you go? Or maybe you're looking for something for the sword lover in your life? Head on over to our Shop page to find the perfect gift!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or send us an email to check out what we're up to and get regular updates on events, schedules and classes!
INSTRUCTORS
Ben Hamilton
Ben started off his sword fighting journey competing in Olympic fencing and as soon as he turned 18, he went straight to his first HEMA class. Ben enjoys the competitive aspects but is also very passionate about Scottish history.
Ben is a champion broadsword and singlestick fighter; he has medalled and won several tournaments all up and down the country and throughout Glasgow and was ranked #1 in the World in singlestick! Although the singlestick, broadsword and sabre are his specialties, that hasn't stopped him getting medals in longsword too!
Ben is a highly competitive minded fencer and hopes those that attend classes will be inspired to compete too.
He is also a fully qualified Physiotherapist!
Victoria Clow
Victoria started her sword fighting journey through performance. She attended East 15 Acting School and earned a BA (Hons) in Acting and Stage Combat. She then returned to Scotland and sought out HEMA to learn more about sword fighting historically.
Having represented Scotland at two Commonwealth Games as a rhythmic gymnast, Victoria is no stranger to competition. Having worked with fencers, cyclists, gymnasts, ballet dancers and the odd hammer thrower, she has worked with a huge range of needs and abilities. Alongside sports, she's also particularly interested in working with people with hypermobility.
She hopes that those that attend classes will leave feeling confident and excited at the possibilities.
CONTACT
How to find us:
If you're driving there is plenty of parking on site.
If you're taking the train, we're a 5 minute walk from Burnside Station.
Once you arrive, we are up the stairs to the left of the entrance.
Our Address:
113th Burnside Scout Hall;
3 Crawfurd Rd, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 4JB
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events and session news.
Contact Us:
For more information or to make an enquiry, you can contact us via:
Or subscribe to our mailing list for more updates!
We are delighted to be members of the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association
Saorsa are proud winners of Martial Arts Club of the Year in Scotland's Prestige Awards!
All Data is recorded in the interests of safety and to meet the standards of our insurers. We will keep your personal information to ourselves and will not distribute it to any third party. The data will be treated confidentially in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018
Photos taken by Victoria Rose Photography, Victoria Clow and Primal Adventures respectively. Logo by Lyn Sneddon at Potions9Design. Saorsa has used artists and businesses local to Glasgow for all photos on the site as we are passionate about Scotland and promoting local businesses.
Saorsa Swords is a company registered in Scotland.
Company Registration Number: SC688071