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!
A Martial Arts Experience Like No Other
New Ulster Steel Fighting: School of Medieval Combat Arts, is a martial arts school in Waco, Texas offering students a rich, relevant, and rewarding martial arts experience like few other martial arts schools in America can offer. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or you have zero experience, whether you would like to earn freestyle certification and compete in tournaments or simply enjoy the training and camaraderie, we would love to have you come and train with us. Students train in a number of weapons styles as well as empty-handed combat specifically directed at dealing with armed attackers when you are unarmed. Our empty-handed and dagger style is very popular and is offered as a workshop for organizations and groups, or as a single curriculum for students who wish only to study in this aspect of our martial arts style.Weapons are furnished for students at each training session. This keeps expenses low for students and ensures that all training weapons are approved for safety. Safety is key in proper training. We offer regular training sessions each week and also offer one-on-one, private lessons to be scheduled at a time suitable for the student and instructor.
If you are interested in undertaking the rich martial arts experience that is New Ulster Steel Fighting, please read more on our About page on this site, and please contact us through our contacts page. We hope to see you soon!
Br. Jeff Webb, Grand Master
