Support Sebastian Tym

Hello, I am Sebastian (Seb) Tym, I am a professional historian with over six years and 1000+ hours experience of teaching history and art history at universities across the southwest of England. I am currently Associate Lecturer of History and Art History at the University of Plymouth, while also writing and researching in contribution to a large UKRI-funded project on the history of colonial Louisiana through my alma mater, the University of Exeter. I also write professionally about supporting young adults with Autism in Higher Education.

Outside of work, I continue my passion for teaching and sharing knowledge through my practice as an historical fencer. I began doing HEMA in 2021 as a semi-whimsical escape from a life-threatening autoimmune disease which was then having a crack at me. Luckily, the swords scared it away, and 5+ years later I am well again and doing a lot of fencing.

I am currently the president and lead instructor of Exeter Sparring Group, the premier competitive HEMA club in Devon. In this role, I preside over the coaching and instruction of a close network of around 20 experienced fencers who consistently perform to a high level on the UK tournament circuit, often bringing home medals, trophies, and other accolades.

Besides being an active competitor on the UK tournament scene in longsword, sabre, and rapier, I also volunteer extensively within the community. I am an experienced referee and, as of earlier this year (2026), have turned my hand to organising tournaments. With my own coach, Michael Smallridge, the two of us organise March Hares UK, an annual event which comprises a one-day light longsword tournament and a second day of seminars and workshops delivered by prestigious fencing instructors from all over the world.

I am always open to requests for private or one-to-one lessons in German longsword and British and Italian sabre traditions. You can contact me about either lessons or workshops via private messages on my Facebook page (link below).

If you like what I do and are in a position to support me to do more of it, feel free to buy me a coffee.