The Hilt & Cross
School of Historical European Martial Arts
Europe’s Ancient Fighting Arts
The Hilt and Cross interprets, practices, and teaches martial arts from the late Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Early Modern Periods. Every mode of practice we use comes from historical source material. We recreate them as faithfully as possible from original sources written by masters of swords, staffs, and other weapons from the eras when these weapons were used in earnest, and represented essential military and self defense technology and techniques.
Practice with us in Boise
Friday Practice
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the Courtyard room at ABU Games
Styles: Longsword, Saber, Smallsword
Saturday Practice
11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Courtyard room at ABU Games
Styles: Longsword, Sword and Buckler, Staff, Rapier
Join us on Patreon
The Hilt and Cross is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of its members. It is how we pay for space, insurance, equipment, events, and instruction. Please give what you can.
Please use the Patreon website to set up your donation. Purchases through the apps divert a substantial amount of your donation to the app store.
Our Team
Benjamin Smith
Director of the Hilt & Cross
Benjamin Smith began training in historical European martial arts in 2000. He founded the Hilt and Cross in 2012. He received his degree in history from WSU in 2008. He specializes in the Longsword style of Sigmund Ringeck, and teaches the Sword and Bucklers of Lignitzer and the I.33, Talhoffer’s Dagger, and Spanish Destreza. He published the Art of Longsword Fighting: Teaching the Foundations of Sigmund Ringeck’s Style in 2021.
Thank you for Visiting
The Hilt and Cross is a non-profit and non-political organization. We welcome all persons of all genders, colors, identities, nationalities, and affiliations who choose to learn historical European martial arts with us.
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