Interesting Perspectives on the Modern Tournament
By: Jefferson P. Webb
Although there is a segment of the HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) community that does not approve of nor are they interested in modern HEMA/Medieval Martial Arts tournaments, utilizing martial skill in tournament fighting (sport-fighting) is in no way a new concept. What reasons do some of the modern HEMA practitioners give for not engaging in competitions and what did fighting for sport mean to the medieval knights as seen through the eyes of one of chivalry’s most celebrated Medieval knights?
One thing that the author of this posting has noticed in researching other blogs, message and review boards, articles and other martial arts sites online is that there is a certain level of hesitation or lack of desire on the part of some (not all) HEMA schools, clubs, and organizations to engage in freestyle combat tournaments. And, when some of them do engage in such events, they are closed events within their own organizations. Naturally there are a number of HEMA schools that do indeed compete in open tournaments, but what is the mindset or philosophy behind others not doing so? There appears to be two main reasons that continue to recur the most as to why some HEMA groups will not engage in the tournament. (more…)
2013 Combat Tournament
While there is still much training to be engaged with in the remaining month of 2012, New Ulster Steel Fighting School of Medieval Combat Arts is looking forward to a very exciting year in 2013. Our new members are training hard and progressing at a wonderful pace displaying some natural talent for the arts. I want to give them my compliments and let them know that at this rate, they will be ready to take part in the 2013 N.U.S.F. Combat Tournament when it arrives. The 2013 tournament will have several categories of competition to include Individual Steel (one-on-one fighting for the Individual Steel Champion’s Medal), Team Steel (where teams of four or more fighters each compete against each other to take the First Place Team Steel Medals), Archery Division (where competitors compete in accuracy instinct shooting with long bows or recurve bows with no modern sights for the Archery Champion’s Medal), and Pole Arms Combat (where members go head to head using pole arms such as pole axes, spears, glaves, etc… and fight for the Pole Arms Champion’s Medal). Members of N.U.S.F. School of Medieval Combat Arts are encouraged to register to compete, but non-members my also register to compete in the various categories. There will be lots of great competition, camaraderie, food, and medals for all who earn the first place spots in their categories. More information will be provided once the date is set. If you are a member of an Historical European Martial Arts school, club, etc…,and you would like to compete as an individual or form a team. Please contact us through the contact page on this web site. Have a wonderfully blessed remainder of 2012, and an even better year in 2013.
Sincerely,
Br. Jeff Webb, Grand Master
