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…)
Now Recruiting New Members!!!
New Ulster Steel Fighting and steelfighting.com is pleased to announce some awesome awards for current students/members and prospective members as well. For the remainder of this month (March 2013) through the end of May 2013, we are having a recruiting drive here at New Ulster Steel Fighting in Waco, TX. Any current member who recruits 3 new members will receive one month free training/membership. That is a $60.00 value. Any prospective members that joins and brings in two of his or her friends that also joins will receive the same reward of one month free membership/training. That said, if you think you can bring in more members, don’t settle for a month’s free membership. Bring in 5 new members and the grand master will award you your own Starfire LS32 sword. That is a $150.00 value and the sword comes with a lifetime warranty through Starfire Swords Ltd. (warranty information located at Starfire’s web site). And finally, if you manage to bring in a total of 8 new members you will receive an official combat ready NUSF round shield to go along with your Starfire LS32 sword. So, if you are looking for a martial arts school that teaches Historical European Martial Arts, join us and bring in some of your friends and family members. 
There are some great incentives for doing so to include the awesome training and camaraderie you will gain by being a member. It does not matter if you have never studied HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) or if you are a seasoned veteran in the arts but are looking for a new school in the Heart of Texas/Central Texas region. We would love to have you on board with us! If you are a current member, get with it and reap the awesome benefits of our special recruiting drive! Come join us today and be apart of an awesome family of martial artists and earn some great rewards in the process. Contact us through the contact page of this site and leave us your name, email address and phone number and I will contact you via phone or email within 24 hours. Come join us! We would love to have you here!
ACSMMA National & Open Sword Fighting Championships 2013
Durban Sword and Shield Club in Durban, South Africa, will be hosting the first ACSMMA (The Affiliation for Contemporary Swordsmanship and Medieval Martial Arts) National and Open Swordfighting Championships 2013, and invites eligible fighters and teams from all parts of the world to attend and compete in this event. Below is a detailed listing of the events:
Venue: Hillcrest Scout Hall, Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal
Date: 09-11 August 2013
Events, Day one (Friday, 09 August):
Morning – Rapier (any combination of rapier and dagger, cloak, or case is permitted)
Afternoon – unarmoured longsword (weapon type to be decided upon)
Events, Day two (Saturday, 10 August):
Morning – Fully-armoured combat (sword and shield, longsword, greatsword and spear permitted) these will be steel, rebated weapons, & will be inspected for safety.
Afternoon – Dark Ages Holmganga (weapons chosen by chance and to include sword, shield, dagger, and spear)
At the end of Day Two, there will be a feast for all combatants and their guests. (more…)
Purists and Innovators: An Observation of Two Classifications of Western Martial Artists
Although there has been a rise in interest for roughly the last three decades in Renaissance and Medieval European Martial Arts, or what some refer to as Western Martial Arts, there appears to be surfacing what may be a level of contention between what the author of this article will refer to as “Purists” and “Innovators.” What is the matter of contention, or problem between these two classifications of martial artists and why does it exist? Furthermore, should there really be any issue in the first place? (more…)
Medieval Combat Studies in South Africa: An Interview With Grand Master Heinrich Jost
By: Jefferson P. Webb
This month’s piece introduces the readers of steelfighting.com and the membership of New Ulster Steel Fighting to the South African Guild for 
Medieval Combat Studies, and the organization’s founder, Grand Master Heinrich Jost. I am very blessed to have been able to engage in some excellent correspondences with Mr. Jost, and have found a number of parallels between the South African Guild for Medieval Combat Studies (SAGMCS) and New Ulster Steel Fighting (NUSF) here in Texas. I hope that you all enjoy this interview, and I am sure you will find it very informative. (more…)
