Students form sword fighting group on Kaneko Quad

Ryan Vickroy (’26) and Lliam Mattingly (’26) duel oustide Smith Auditorium on Nov. 17. Photo by Patricia Krepel.

Weekly, a group of friends practices sword fighting in the Kaneko Quad, allowing anyone to take a swing. This is not just some regular fighting; it’s HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). 

HEMA is a combat fighting style that originated in the Middle Ages, though its techniques have since faded out of popularity or have evolved into different sword fighting practices. In order to reintroduce and preserve this art for future generations and HEMA enthusiasts, professionals have used recovered manuscripts to learn the old fighting techniques. 

Lliam Mattingly (’26), who runs the club, described HEMA as “living history.” There is an array of clubs all over Europe and the U.S. where people can learn and even get certified to teach HEMA. This historical hobby is also a competitive sport for some; there are tournaments where individuals can duel against one another for a chance to receive medals or even cash prizes. 

Mattingly has been studying the art of HEMA for 2 years. He was trained in Texas, and this semester, he decided to bestow his knowledge onto his friends and the Willamette community. 

On Friday nights, Mattingly rounds up his friends and brings them to Kaneko, where the lessons begin. 

Mattingly has a collection of six different styles of foam training swords, accompanied by a variety of books on HEMA and training manuals. This, alongside his previous knowledge of the sport from back home, is what he uses to share his hobby with the rest of the community. He estimated that he has had about 20 people drop in and out to take a stab at this elaborate fighting style.

These training sessions have expanded to the Nerf Club. On occasion, Mattingly has brought his sword fighting equipment to Nerf Club’s meetings to extend his knowledge to the club as its vice president, allowing members to get a mix of modern-day shoot-offs and medieval duels. 

When asked if he ever thought of turning HEMA into its own club at Willamette, he expressed how expensive the equipment is. One piece of HEMA training equipment costs on average $100 or more, he said. Even with funding, Mattingly understands he would have to pay some money out-of-pocket to help fund the club's equipment needs, including an investment of time. He decided that he prefers these impromptu training sessions, so anyone passing by can join in. 

Despite the lack of official club status, many still enjoy the opportunity Mattingly has given them to learn HEMA. Ryan Vickroy (’26), a friend of Mattingly’s and participant in these weekly gatherings, stated, “It’s fun to learn from him, even if it is just a bunch of friends getting together and having a good time.” 

Mattingly added, “I’m really glad I have a community here that has people willing to do this niche stuff with me. People are willing to try it out.”