Vikings, gladiators inspire events and clubs that keep fighting skills alive

For some, summer vacation is a time for destressing by lazing around a pool or on a sunny beach; others would rather use their free time to hone a new skill. Those inspired by the warriors of yesteryear in Europe may wish to learn about their skills at some of the following events, camps and training opportunities.

Gladiator training: The Gladiator School in Rome offers a two-hour introductory course about the lives of gladiators and their fighting skills at its premises located at the end of the ancient Appian Way, just outside of city walls.

Following a welcome by one of the instructors, all of whom are members of the Gruppo Storico Romano historical association, participants are led through a museum to become acquainted with its collection of both authentic and reconstructed items used by gladiators, including helmets, armor, shields and weapons. After learning about the slaves, prisoners of war and volunteers who became gladiators and the various styles of fighting they practiced, course participants don tunics, leather gloves and are given a wooden training sword. Following a visit to a reconstructed gladiator camp, they enter the training field, where they practice their stances, breathing, footwork and the basic techniques of sword-fighting. Once the instructions have been completed, the trainers engage in one-on-one battles with the participants, or they face off with one another. The experience concludes with the awarding of certificates, written in Latin and bearing a stamp. Gladiator training can be completed by adults and children ages 6 and up. The cost of such training when booked on the website tiqets.com starts at 130 euros. Online: romegladiatorschool.com

A similar experience can be had in Trier, Germany, a Roman colony from the 1st century A.D. with many existing monuments from that era. The Gladiatorenschule Trier’s “Gladiator for a Day” experience immerses its participants in history, lends them clothing and equipment and teaches them fighting techniques in the city’s Amphitheater. Instruction is provided in German. The cost is 175 euros per session. Online: gladiatoren-schule.de/#veranstalter

Those not interested in gladiator training but curious about Roman warriors’ fighting techniques can learn about the life and times of these early military members on Sept. 5 and 6 in Trier’s Kaisertherme. The event titled “Romer Leben,” or “Roman Life,” can be attended by purchasing a regular entry ticket to the attraction; these go for 6 euros for adults and 5 euros for children ages 7-17. Online: tinyurl.com/y5rpk92u

Vikings: Have you got what it takes to be a Viking warrior? Schleswig, Germany’s annual Viking Days, set to take place from Aug. 7-9 this year, invites visitors interested in the weaponry and fighting skills of the Norse warriors to witness reenactments and demonstrations of swords, spears, axes and other tools of the trade. Aside from all the mock marauding and piracy, visitors to this peaceful gathering of campers on the town’s Königswiesen can enjoy markets, music, hearty fare, archery competitions, fire shows, jesters’ antics and the sight of Viking ships on the Schlei inlet of the Baltic Sea. A children’s zone offers younger visitors plenty of hands-on activities. Single-day entry costs 15 euros for adults and 8 euros for ages 4-14; a family ticket goes for 35 euros. Online: wikingertage.de

Historical fencing: HEMA, an acronym for Historical European Martial Arts, is an umbrella organization for groups and clubs engaged in the practices of historical fencing. Members learn about and put into practice combat techniques based on ancient manuscripts and other historical sources. Although often thought of as sword fighting, a much wider variety of disciplines fall within its definition – essentially, everything taught throughout European history regarding the use of edged weapons and self-defense.

HEMA’s Austrian branch offers a look at one such club’s activities during the “Tag des Schwertes,” or “Day of the Sword,” to be held at the Reichenstein Castle ruins on Aug. 8 and 9. Longsword cutting workshops introduce newcomers to the art of fencing as club members level up their own skills. On Saturday evening, a party atmosphere with wine, live music, fire shows and a bonfire prevails. The castle complex is located in Tragwein, roughly 20 miles east of Linz. Onsite camping on the Saturday night is possible. Those wishing to take part in the training sessions pay 40 euros. Register in advance online at tinyurl.com/2pamta6c.

The HEMA Alliance website gives those interested in all manner of traditional European fighting arts a chance to find a club nearby or a region they’d like to visit. HEMA clubs in Germany are found in the cities of Koblenz, Frankfurt am Main, Mannheim, Regensburg, Stuttgart and many others. Online: hemaalliance.com/club-finders