York School Of Defence

If you want a friendly martial arts club that covers a huge range eof disciplines, YSD is for you. From Swords to Staffs, and Pugilism to Wrestling. There is plenty to learn and enjoy.

I have been a member of York School of Defence since September 2021, which has been nothing less of a delight. I was interested in joining their Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling classes where I was able to talk to Owner and Trainer, Chris about what I would expect from this experience. Chris was very accommodating, which is a trait I would see repeated when seeing new members with different capabilities and backgrounds join the class. Over my time in YSD up to current date, I have learned a lot...

I started as a complete beginner having always wanted to learn to sword fight since I was a kid. I've now been attending the English longsword classes for just over a year and I absolutely love it, it's engaging, challenging, interesting and helps keep you fit. I've just started attending the basket hilted sword class as well. The people are lovely and the knowledge is huge within the room. Fully recommend it!

I have been doing HEMA for a while now and have been taught by a whole range of talented folks. The YSD guys are up there as some of my favourite instructors. I initially went along as someone experienced with KDF but soon took to their wresting and hand to hand classes. The lessons are clear, informative and fun. The team that run YSD are really knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. The students that train there are equally nice and it is a pleasure to train with them. If you are a beginner...

Great group of people interested in studying a variety of fencing masters. Friendly and welcoming, supportive of all stages of learning and generally just nice people.