The Vanguard Centre

Fantastic experience: Family went and learned basic archery and swordplay. Had a great time. End of our trip in Scotland. Good memories were made.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended - hands down the best place in Glasgow to do archery and historical fencing in my experience if you’re looking to try something different or looking for a new sport you’ll find it here! Have been coming to close to a year at this point, amazing instructors and club mates and a wonderful atmosphere. Amazing instructors with easy going approaches that takes much of the anxiety out of learning activities that aren’t just as simple as pulling a string back!! Overall highly recommend - if you have issues or are confused talk to your instructors or book a PT and get an entire hour where they will fix your problems and maybe your life

Positive experience: Went twice and received two very different experiences, hence the rating. First went in January and the instructor could not have been more helpful. My dad has a membership and goes weekly to shoot. I on the other hand, have never shot before. The instructor was patient, knowledgeable, helpful and had great craic. 5/5. Unfortunately I went back this morning (20/04/25) and was met with an instructor who at best, was condescending and disinterested and at worst, openly laughed at mistakes. I walked out halfway through the session as a result. 1/5. Overall it seems that its a luck of the draw who you get. Can either be a great morning out or a complete waste of time.

Fantastic experience: Great vibes, great instructors, and friendly folks. Been going for a while now and the longsword classes are a really good way to stay fit while learning and making friends.

Fantastic experience: We had an archery session followed by swordfighting for a stag party of 8, Jonathan provided great entertainment and really knows his stuff. Defo one of the highlights of Glasgow

Fantastic experience: We had a fantastic time doing archery and swordfighting for my friend's hen do, a good combination of silly and competitive. Nice venue (with free tea!) and Johnny was a great instructor. Highly recommend, no matter how much experience you have with this sort of thing.

Fantastic experience: Recommend this place, had a great archery lesson.. definitely going to go back and do some sword fighting

Fantastic experience: Had my first archery experience today and it was so much fun! Loved this place and pls try it if you are a beginner just like me- you’ll get the best instructions, safety tips, and a super fun time!

Fantastic experience: Epic as always

Fantastic experience: Some of the best people I've met in the field. Incredibly skilled and friendly.

Fantastic experience: Really inclusive and welcoming space with Johnny who is not only clearly really knowledgeable but also a good teacher- making the learning accessible to different levels of skill and confidence.

Fantastic experience: I tried archery on a few different occasions and always was missing the target, so naturally was thinking that I am a lost cause...until I came here and met Johnny. He shared a few trade secrets and I actually was able to consistently hit a good score. If you ever wanted to try archery I strongly recommend The Vanguard Centre and Johnny in particular. His fun and engaging instructions will start you up nicely on the path of becoming a Master Archer and you will definitely have a great time!

Fantastic experience: Great place for archery

Fantastic experience: Been a Vanguardian for three years now. Still having a blast every week

Fantastic experience: The instructors are really great and the classes are all really fun!!!

Fantastic experience: I've been coming here for over a year now and thoroughly could not recommend it enough. The instructors are great and there is a really inclusive community of students which makes it worth coming back time and time again. The quality of teaching is first rate and they are really passionate about what they do.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful team of instructors and students here, will make you feel welcome every visit. Just recently finished the Longsword beginners course and already double dipping the multiple weekly classes. 5/5 would cut again

Fantastic experience: We booked a private archery class for a group of 6. Johnny explained everything in detail and organised a set of fun competition activities to learn about the trade, after which we felt so much more confident with the bow. Will definitely be coming back.

Fantastic experience: Had a fun evening out with colleagues at Vanguard Centre, we tried out the group archery. Thierry and Jonathan were great teachers and we had a blast. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Great place to yeet arrows

Fantastic experience: THIS PLACE ROCKS, IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. JUST GO. JUST GO HERE TRUST ME. YOU'LL LOVE IT ‼️‼️‼️‼️

Fantastic experience: Had a blast here - went for the beginner archery session and Duncan made sure to teach us the basics and answered all our questions! Would recommend for groups if you want something fun to do in Glasgow

Fantastic experience: What a fantastic day @ The Vanguard Centre in Commerce St Glasgow absolutely great time. We had the best instructor for Archery very lovely professional & friendly thank you so much for a fantastic time will be back.

Fantastic experience: I had a lovely experience at the Vanguard Centre today. A small group of us had missed the first session of a beginner's sword fighting course and after asking the day before we were allowed to join in on the second. The instructors went the extra mile to catch us up to speed with the rest of the class by the end of the session. The centre has a very warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff members are full of personality and heart for their sport and for engaging people with it. It is also worth noting that this is an LGBTQ+ friendly space and I was made to feel welcomed and at ease being there. I will definitely be returning for further classes.

Fantastic experience: Truly one of my favourite places in Glasgow with amazing staff and great vibe. It's not only a place to practice archery and HEMA and have fun, but also a hub of learning thanks to the rich collection of books it boasts.

Fantastic experience: Helpful instructors, well maintained equipment, and a nice archery range.

Fantastic experience: Nestled under the shadow of a towering railway bridge in Glasgow lies a hidden treasure for archery and HEMA enthusiasts. As you venture beneath the bridge, the echoes of trains rumbling overhead add an unexpected rhythm to your experience. The Vanguard centre, a vibrant community of friendly faces, offers a unique blend of archery and HEMA. Whether you're a seasoned archer or a curious beginner, the knowledgeable instructors are there to guide you. The sound of arrows whistling through the air towards their targets is both exhilarating and soothing. HEMA classes are a sight to behold. With a clang and clash of steel, enthusiasts engage in swordplay, replicating historical techniques with passion and precision. It's not just about the combat; there's a deep respect for the art and history behind each movement. What sets this club apart is its ambiance. Under the bridge, with the gentle rumble of trains above, there's a sense of timelessness. It's a place where modern-day enthusiasts connect with ancient traditions, creating a unique tapestry of past and present. In summary this archery and HEMA club is more than just a sporting venue; it's a portal to another time. It's a perfect blend of history, sport, and community spirit, all tucked away in an unexpected corner of Glasgow. A must-visit for anyone looking to step back in time and unleash their inner archer or swordsman!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic day out and introduction into archery and the art of the long sword will definitely be returning for more

Fantastic experience: Fantastic place! Nice people!

Fantastic experience: Great fun!

Fantastic experience: Great place to practice archery and fencing in a friendly environment

Fantastic experience: Great instructors. And loads of fun.

Fantastic experience: Really great time. Took a 1 hour lesson.

Fantastic experience: Had a more than excellent experience thanks to handsome Johnny and Duncan and they will definitely be seeing more of me!

Fantastic experience: Vanguard is my home from home... Great staff and great facilities which have made me come back almost weekly for the past year and a half.

Fantastic experience: Great afternoon at Vanguard Centre for doing archery! Great instruction, excellent expérience. Will be back !

Fantastic experience: We booked a 2 hour archery and sword fighting class while on vacation. It was so much fun! Johnny was witty and clearly an expert in his subject who enjoys teaching. I highly recommend this for anyone visiting Glasgow.

Fantastic experience: Had a fantastic time at the vanguard centre doing archery for the first time. Our instructor (Johnny) was absolutely amazing and a great laugh! Would definitely go back again and recommend everyone to give it a go.

Fantastic experience: First visit and I loved it! Jonathan explained everything in details, then was helpful and extremely patient I’ll definitely come back to practise!

Fantastic experience: I've been here for a few archery sessions with a teenager I look after as part of a volunteer befriending/mentoring scheme, and found the whole experience brilliant. Johnny was a fun, supportive and engaging instructor, the vibe in the Centre was great and we always feel welcome and have a great time. I plan on returning very soon

Fantastic experience: Great experience, the instructor was very good!

Fantastic experience: Great instruction. Really friendly and expert staff.

Fantastic experience: Awesome place, will be going again!

Fantastic experience: My score was 39

Fantastic experience: A tonne of fun! Comfortable, easy-going atmosphere. They take their job seriously but not themselves.

Fantastic experience: Excellent space, friendly staff. Thoroughly enjoy my visits and would highly recommend any of the activities.

Fantastic experience: Excellent day out, always really friendly and heroic staff with all round good times!

Fantastic experience: Great private session which was was excellent for us having never tried archery before. Amazing fun with brilliant staff

Fantastic experience: What makes it so special is the balance between artistry and realism. The Vanguard Centre reaches down into the mud and finds something beautiful.

Fantastic experience: Was there for a stag doo for my best friend doing a bit of archery and sword fighting and people running the place were lovely and supportive. Knew what they were talking about and worked with all levels of ability. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to know more about some of the medi-evil material arts.

Fantastic experience: Fantastically friendly and knowledgeable staff, had great fun every time I've been. Looking forward to trying some archery and other HEMA classes.

Fantastic experience: Jonny was brilliant, funny and professional. Group of 8 of us went for the first time and it was brilliant!

Fantastic experience: Been to couple of sessions in here for Archery and it was great experience, instructors are really friendly and will make you feel comfortable, my first session was just too good, both Johnny and Josh are nice friendly guys, very welcoming....Give it a try.

Fantastic experience: I came here to learn and practice archery and the experience has been great so far. The instructor is very knowledgeable and has helped me improve further every time I went there. If you're looking to learn archery (or any of the other sports/activities they do) I would highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: My son found this place and wanted to try out the HEMA classes. He enrolled in an archery class before hand in which I also participated as they'd had a cancel. Within our archery lesson we were joined by three regular archers. An older gentleman with what looked like a long bow varient, A man who was in shirt and trousers as looking like he'd just left work and a young lady in what looked like full historical /Zelda get up. They were all friendly and respectfull and had a wee laugh as all participated in a little competition at the end, which speaks volumes for this places incredible inclusitivity. After archery I watched as my soon took on the next class.A good sized crowd turned out which all seemed enthusiastic and enjoyed the class. Both activities were driven by the welcome and good humour of the instructor, Johnny. If your thinking about it, just give it a go!

Fantastic experience: So glad this is opened again! All activities started again, same excellent instruction, relaxed atmosphere and well maintained equipment.

Fantastic experience: Great place for archery. Very friendly and helpful staff. Good for letting loose

Fantastic experience: Really lovely staff and a fun night learning to shoot. Will be heading back every once in a while when we get the chance

Fantastic experience: Had a private introduction to European longsword. Jonathan the instructor was super knowledgeable and made it really relaxed and fun! 100% recommend.

Fantastic experience: Great archery lesson with Johnny who knew everything about it, and I did grill him. Great experience day in Glasgow if you fancy learning archery.

Fantastic experience: Has my first ever lesson on Thursday everyone was really friendly and helpful. It my look intimidating but people are very willing to help and are very understanding of beginners! Can't wait to go again soon!

Fantastic experience: Great place to learn archery and historical arts. Instructors are lovely, helpful, and knowledgable (especially Johnny!) A brilliant time for anybody.

Fantastic experience: Great team and fun too!

Fantastic experience: Excellent. Go along and have a go!

Fantastic experience: Good value archery range very helpful and friendly staff also have blacksmiths and fencing classes

Fantastic experience: I have been taking private tuition at the Vanguard Center and it has been amazing. Jonathan is by far one of the best instructors. I am 5’2” and not very big, but when I leave I feel “very mighty”. It has bolstered my self image and self confidence, I encourage everyone to join this wonderful center.

Fantastic experience: We had a great blacksmithing lesson doing the firestriker kit. It was great fun and the instructor was brilliant. You learn how to use the kit to and have a go lighting a candle at the end. I would highly recommend this :)

Fantastic experience: Great time friendly staff. Instructor was very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Great way to spend a couple of hours. Really good instructor and we really enjoyed the archery. Worth a visit, but do take a jumper

Fantastic experience: Unique training venue for sword fighting and archery.

Fantastic experience: A great facility for Historic European martial arts training, including German longsword, Scottish broadsword and archery as well as regular blacksmithing classes.