Swiss Gathering 2026

The Swiss Gathering is a networking, exchange and come-together event held by Swiss HEMA for all member clubs. The Clubs participate by holding workshops, discussions, games and of course attending =)

The General Assembly is held at the Swiss Gathering. Every club sends its delegates.

Registration is open now!
Register here

Address:
Gymnasium Neufeld
Bremgartenstrasse 131-133
3012 Bern
https://osm.org/go/0CZwwRzbo?node=6416866293
geo:46.959483,7.427697

Schedule

Instructors

Martin Zulliger, Gladius et Codex

Training Culture and Success

In a facilitated workshop process, we will identify together which elements of a training culture contribute to successful training, based on our actual experience rather than our idealized view of what training culture should be.
Together, we will develop best practices and create a to-do list for ourselves and/or our club, identifying the cultural elements we would like to address in the future.

Kamil Dwinger, Gladius et Codex

Introduction to 15th century dagger

Introduction to 15th century dagger fencing in the tradition of Baumann with a focus on control techniques. Intended for both beginner and advanced dagger fencers.

Sébastien Schwab, GAGSchola

Hugo Wittenwiler’s Messer and Kurzmesser

This workshop offers a focused look at Hugo Wittenwiler’s unique approach to the Messer and Kurzmesser, as found in the Schwabenspiegel Codex (Cgm 558). Sébastien Schwab will guide participants through selected techniques to explore structure, principles and tactical thinking within the context of the Gemein Fechten.

Christophe LeMillier, GAGSchola

The Lion and The Rat

How being weak, can we beat strong?
During the workshop, we will play around the concepts of weakness and strength, as well as below and above.
Drawing on teachings of the Verdadera Destreza, we will look at several situations and outcomes. We will see how “being” weak can allow us to gain and keep control during an assault.

Alyx Vasseur, Unil’AMHE

The Gayszlen, a not so straightforward cut

One handed actions in longsword are kind of a taboo. Despite their effectiveness, they are often considered unreliable, weak and often a gamble. In this workshop, we will explore the three keys that will allow you to incorporate reliable and safe one handed attacks in your fencing.

Pascal Mutzenberg, IARUMAS

The halberd: Switzerland’s iconic weapon

Often underestimated and relegated to a purely defensive role due to cinema
In this workshop, discover the characteristics of this versatile weapon

The workshop will focus on basic handling, circular strikes, the use of the hook, guard and grip changes
As well as practicing at different distances and its similarities to the sword

All these techniques make it one of the most formidable weapons on the battlefield

Vina Zahnd, HADU

Wind the Bind – Exploring the Winden of Liechtenauer

The Winden are more than a set of techniques performed from a static bind. But how do we get there, and what makes a winding work?

In this 90-minute workshop, we will explore selected winding plays from the Liechtenauer tradition, starting with the historical sources and our own interpretations of the texts. Through partner exercises, we will investigate how to enter the bind from Zufechten, how to recognize and create opportunities for winding, and how to continue safely under pressure without simply rushing into a thrust.

The focus is on understanding the principles behind the plays and applying them dynamically, rather than memorizing fixed sequences.