About BCHF

Black Cat Historical Fencing is a HEMA club serving the eastern Rhode Island area. Founded in 2023, BCHF is an educational nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing teaching and guidance in HEMA. We hold weekly instruction and practices for our members, as well as occasional introductory classes that are open to the public. BCHF is located in Warren, RI.

Our Focus

BCHF mainly focuses on the practice of Fiore dei Liberi’s martial system, as preserved in his manuscript, Fior di Battaglia. Written in the early 15th century, Fior di Battaglia is one of the oldest surviving Italian martial manuscripts. It contains instruction on longsword, dagger, polearms, mounted combat, and grappling.

In addition to Fiore’s teachings, BCHF also practices Giganti’s rapier, i33 sword and buckler, and the wrestling of Fabian von Auerswald and Ott Jud.

HEMA Alliance Affiliation

BCHF is an affiliate club of the HEMA Alliance, a national nonprofit organization that serves HEMA clubs across the country. Our club and its policies are instructed by HEMAA policies. All of our members are required to have individual HEMAA memberships.

Being an affiliate club of HEMAA gives us many privileges that we are happy to pass on to our members! HEMAA provides our club and members with insurance, event support, research support, coaching instruction, marketing and publicity within the wider HEMA community, discounts to certain HEMA vendors, and aid in connecting with other clubs and organizations.

Meet our Staff

  • Shane Scallin (he/him)

    FOUNDER, CEO, BOARD DIRECTOR, COACH

  • Ella Rose (she/her)

    FOUNDER, CFO, BOARD DIRECTOR, COACH

  • Connor Caley (he/him)

    CORPORATE SECRETARY, BOARD DIRECTOR

  • Katharine Bancroft (they/them)

    SAFETY OFFICER, BOARD DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT COACH

  • Wyrm & Beetle (cats)

    BCHF MASCOTS

 FAQs

  • “HEMA” is an acronym that stands for “Historical European Martial Arts.” It is a sport that involves the study and practice of historical European combat, as instructed by manuscripts written during the time periods we study. HEMA is an umbrella term that includes many different weaons and systems of combat.

  • HEMA is a sport for everyone! HEMA activities can range from simple study of and interpretation of manuals, to competitive tournament sparring. There is a place for all people in HEMA.

  • Like any martial art, HEMA comes with risks. However, BCHF does everything in its power to create the safest space possible for its members. We have strict safety policies, keep first aid equipment on hand at all activities, and require our members to wear appropriate safety equipment at all times. When properly practiced, injuries greater than bruises are very rare in HEMA. BCHF and the wider HEMA community prioritize safety above all else.

  • BCHF is a nonprofit organization. This means that the company does not make any money from our activites and is tax-exempt. This allows us to provide our members with the lowest possible prices, allows us to focus our attention on providing for our community, and requires a great deal more accountability than a regular LLC. We are required by law to have a Board of Directors, Bylaws, and a dedicated purpose for existing. This means that no one person will ever own BCHF- it is a corporation operated and managed by its members. Our Board of Directors is made up completely of active BCHF members- they pay the same monthly dues as all other members, and have no special privileges over members. Being a nonprofit also qualifies us to be an affiliate club of the HEMA Alliance- more on that in our section on HEMAA affiliation!

  • Visit our “Join BCHF” page for information on becoming a member! We offer regular introductory classes and periods of open member enrollment. You can also contact us for more information.