About Us
Who We Are
Formed in 2017, Invicta was a small club in a sport which was relatively new to the world. Fast forward to 2025, we have one of the biggest fighter bases in the country, with seven different training locations across London running 5 nights a week. Invicta have even been named as one of the top ten teams in the world - although Rowland reckons that because 'we do get hit around the head a lot, maybe that was the concussion talking!'
We are currently number 2 in the UK, and have been for a very long time. Breaking the deadlock is our aim in the 2025/6 period and beyond. Outside of the UK, Invicta are well known internationally, with both men and women having been selected to compete at the 2025 World Championships in Hungary. Our fighters have mercenaried as far afield as Australia. We welcome exchanges from across the world, and anyone is welcome to join our training!
As a club we value community, and push ourselves each year to get to know our new fighters and support teams. Our presidium is voted for by our members, and this really gives us all a stake in the club, as we feel seen and heard at every level. We have also partnered with several fantastic communities and small businesses to develop our fighters and encourage them to compete. We have an arrangement with The Loxwood Joust each summer which allows us to exhibit our sport, and we invite men's and women's teams from across the country - and even internationally - to compete for some incredible prizes.
Each year, our opportunities are expanding, and we now have a concrete Men's Tier 1 and Tier 2 pool, from which we are building teams that travel across the country to compete in tournaments. We especially enjoy sending teams out to Claregalway each year, as a first international tournament. In mainland Europe, we are expanding our partnerships with French and Portuguese teams, and hope to develop these connections further across the continent.
What Makes us Different?
Most clubs would advocate how hard they train, or how frequently. We are a club that puts supporting each other ahead of that (though winning is always welcome!) We aren’t just about what our members can do for the club, but what the club can do for each other. We are a club who wants to welcome everyone. We're not just here to compete, and don't just aim for competition. We run events that accommodate not just competitive fighters, but those who want to compete at lower levels and those who do not want to compete at all! Our community is also seeking out those who want to qualify as Marshals, Secretaries, First Aiders and Events organisers!
How do you Train?
While our Captains train between 3-5 times a week, across our various locations, there is no expectation to be at it every day. Training is designed to accommodate all levels and interests.
A typical session will include a warm-up (Cardio is important under all of that steel!) alongside some dueling. There is also usually a learning element, drilling and practicing new techniques before a team-based training which allows members to implement what has been learned across the session.
If you're interested in joining our training sessions, check our Locations tab to find a session near you!
Do You Just Want Fighters?
We welcome everyone in our community! In the past two years, we have several fighters who have qualified as Marshals - similar to a referee in Martial Arts - who make sure that fighters are acting within the rules and can stop a fight at the drop of a hat - or a yellow flag.
We also have members who support as Tournament Secretaries who keep score, and work out who advances to the next round. Our first aiders can support in the rare case of injury and let people know whether they need to rehydrate! In the unlikely event of serious injury, we also always have the emergency services on-site.
Where we Came From
Rowland Longley had been fighting for a few years before Battle Heritage began to disband. Around 2017, he helped to found Invicta as one of the loyalists - now that Battle Heritage are no longer, Invicta carries the pride and legacy of what came before them. Settling in Kent, they took the Kentish horse to make it our standard, an emblem we are still proud to fly today.
What Historical Period are you in?
The sport allows for period-accurate armour and weaponry from between the 14-16th century.
Our Club Captain, Rowland's is of German design, from around 1360.
We have authenticity experts and undertake the appropriate checks as our newer members get their armour together. In terms of weaponry, we commonly use axes, halberds and swords as our weapons of choice.
Soft Kit or Armour?
Most of our training - especially our drilling and new skills are learned with padded equipment and added protection, which the club is happy to loan to attendees. We encourage you to buy your own if you're joining us for the long haul.
We keep an eye on our fighters' progress, and after a few months - when you've got the hang of the basics and the necessary control and safety, regulations, we encourage fighters to try out a session in steel.
Sportsmanship and Cameraderie
Despite being a combat sport, our community is united. Fighters look out for each other, checking in on our opponents armour and ensuring that they're safe to get hit.
Outside of training, we meet up regularly for barbecues, game nights and hiking. Our team is all about society and supporting each other, making sure that we look after ourselves so that we can fight and win.
Our motto, 'Strength and Honour' is not just a call to arms, but reflects that resilience and support are key to fulfilment.
