CENTER FOR
BLADE ARTS

Mission
To enrich and embolden the culture of swordsmanship in Minnesota by providing expert instruction, a welcoming community, and a safe environment where students of all ages and skill levels can grow as athletes and as people.
 

Vision

To be the premier blade arts institution in the Midwest — a place where beginners find their footing, competitors find their edge, and the traditions of historical and Olympic swordsmanship are kept alive and thriving.
 

Core Values

Excellence in Coaching We hold our coaching to a high standard. With 150+ years of collective experience across our staff, we expect every student interaction to reflect that expertise — patient with beginners, challenging for competitors, always purposeful.
 

Welcoming Without Lowering the Bar 
CBA is open to everyone — kids, teens, adults, beginners, and seasoned competitors. Being welcoming doesn't mean being easy. It means every person who walks through our door feels respected and challenged in equal measure.
 

Safety as a Foundation 
Physical and emotional safety are non-negotiable. We comply fully with SafeSport requirements not because we're required to, but because our students deserve to train in an environment free from harm. On the floor, safety gear and proper technique aren't optional.
 

Discipline Builds Character
Whether it's Olympic fencing, HEMA, Kendo, or Tameshigiri, every discipline we teach demands mental focus, physical conditioning, and respect for the art. We develop athletes who are self-controlled and strategic, not just fast and aggressive.
 

Community Over Competition 
We compete hard — locally, nationally, and internationally. But our community doesn't end at the podium. Sportsmanship, team spirit, and mutual respect are as important as a gold medal. We want students to love coming to practice, not just love winning.
 

Preservation and Progress
We honor the historical roots of what we teach — from medieval longsword traditions to Olympic fencing lineages — while continuing to evolve our methods, grow our programs, and push our students forward.
 

Inclusive by Design 
From Youth Fencing (ages 8+) to adult HEMA, from recreational foil to competitive epee, and including Minnesota's only dedicated Women's Fencing program — CBA is built for everyone. We design programs that meet students where they are.