Instructors

At Wapenkunst Academie Rijswijk, our instructors are experienced practitioners of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) with years of teaching and training experience. They work from original historical sources and have led classes, lectures and demonstrations for clubs, museums and institutions. Whether you join our group swordfighting classes in Rijswijk or take private HEMA lessons, you train under instructors known for their technical skill, historical knowledge and professional approach.

Meet the Team

  • HEMA swordfighting class in The Hague: fencing instructor with greatsword

    Oskar ter Mors

    FOUNDER, HEAD INSTRUCTOR

    Oskar is a long-time HEMA practitioner with a passion for the Langes Messer, longsword and armoured combat. Known for his structured approach and deep source knowledge that he is sharing via his YouTube channel, Virtual Fechtschule, and academic research, he brings a balance of technical precision and practical application to every class. Oskar believes martial arts should be both serious and enjoyable — and that learning how to fight with a sword is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.

  • HEMA swordfighting class in The Hague: woman with Langes Messer

    Mila ter Mors

    FOUNDER, SUPPORTING INSTRUCTOR

    Mila keeps the school running smoothly behind the scenes and joins in on the training floor. With a background in communication, and martial arts, she’s passionate about making HEMA accessible, inclusive, and fun for everyone. When she’s not organizing events or supporting students, you’ll likely find her practicing Langes Messer — or quietly plotting the next workshop.

  • A man with a beard and short hair wearing a blue Captain America shirt, holding a golf club, with earphones in, standing against a red wall.

    Jake Norwood

    INSTRUCTOR

    Jake has been studying, practising, and teaching HEMAs since 2000. He created and ran Longpoint, the western Hemisphere’s largest HEMA tournament and workshop series, was a founding member and first president of the HEMA Alliance and North America’s most consistently successful competitive fencer with over 50 medals in Longsword, Messer, Saber, Cutting, and Technique from 2011-2016. Jake is a fanatic Liechtenauerist and an avid harness-fencer.

    Jake, an American who lives in the Netherlands, is also a two-time veteran of the Iraq war and former independent tabletop roleplaying game designer.