There’s something deeply satisfying about standing in front of another person, gripping a training sword, and preparing to duel… especially when you’ve only just learned their name and you’re still unsure which way is “Right foot forward.” But what happens after that one magical afternoon of footwork, flair, and foam weapons?
Spoiler: the good stuff doesn’t end when the swords are sheathed.
At The Sword Experience, we’ve always known that the real magic happens in between the events. It’s the online messages, the shared training videos, the memes about bruises in unexpected places. If sword fighting is the spark, then staying connected is the fuel that keeps your enthusiasm (and muscle memory) alive. Its part of the reason we started our 2025 be Strong Finish Stronger campaign. We knew we would have a community that would be there to help you through those sticky times, when training doesn’t seem to give you the results you wanted, or because you decided to fall off the wagon and indulge in that extra piece of chocolate cake. In our communities you can find that support to help you get through it.
For in-person interaction, our SXP Tour Events are where most connections begin. You show up alone, awkwardly stretching in a parking lot behind a winery, and leave with a handful of new friends and a sore shoulder you’re proud of. But those connections don’t have to end when the event wraps.
The Sword Experience Academy lets you keep training with a shared system, from anywhere. It’s built to be progressive, meaning each class builds on the last—so whether you’re a first-timer or someone who’s been to more conventions than family reunions, you’ll always know what to work on next. More importantly, everyone in the academy is speaking the same sword language. That’s not just a metaphor. There are literally numbered moves and standardized targeting methods. It’s like Rosetta Stone for combat choreography.
And while you’re there, don’t sleep on the forums, chat groups, and video submissions. They’re full of helpful tips, wild questions, and occasionally, people showing off their cats with tiny swords. (Okay, that was one time. We’re still talking about it.)
Gear also plays a big role in staying part of the community. The SXP Bokkens are what most people start with—lightweight, safe, and perfect for practicing your drills without rearranging your living room furniture. They’re used in both live events and academy videos, so having one instantly puts you in sync with the rest of the crew. And yes, it does help your muscle memory to train with the same tools as everyone else. Especially if you want to avoid accidentally smacking your ceiling fan.
More advanced practitioners swear by the Pro Trainer, which sounds like a piece of gym equipment but is actually a multipurpose training blade that lets you work on grip, targeting, and camera movement. And yes, you should absolutely film yourself pretending you’re in a fight scene. Everyone does it. Own your decision.
Connection doesn’t have to be face-to-face. It just needs to be consistent. Whether you’re hopping from tour to tour, logging in for weekly training, or just repping SXP swag during your grocery runs, you’re part of something bigger. You’re part of a community that swings swords to feel alive, not to hurt anyone. (Though, let’s be honest, we all imagine it a little.)
So stay in touch. Share your progress. Post your victories, your failures, your weird backyard training montages. Or you might even start your own “Be Strong, Finish Stronger” Page. Even one with a pre-established SXP Fans Facebook or Instagram page, because the sword may be an individual weapon—but at The Sword Experience, no one trains alone for long.
Ready to reconnect?
Check the latest tour dates.
Jump back into the online academy.
Or stock up on the gear that keeps you sharp: bokkens, Pro Trainer, and SXP swag.
And remember—training is better when you’re not the only one in your friend group doing fight choreography in the mirror.
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