HACA FAQ -- Swords & Swordsmanship

If you've examined the HACA site in detail then you already understand our purpose and know what makes us unique. But if you still have questions we have provided a list below of FAQ's that can facilitate answering many of the common inquires we receive.

How do I get started?

Due to the limited resources we have for ensuring our methods are followed and our standards sincerely and accurately adopted, all we can really do is refer new parties to our extensive online documents and media. Therefore, if you haven't already done so please read in detail the sections on: Premise & Affirmations of the HACA Approach to exploring our Western martial heritage, Membership, and the HACA Study Method for Historical Swordsmanship. Read through the sections on Sparring Guidelines and on Contact-Weapon Construction. Plus, it is highly recommended you read the Articles & Essays, Spotlight section, and study the Historical Terminology List.

Is there a HACA Study Group near me?

Unlikely, HACA has only recently begun officially extending and so far there are only a handful of Recognized Study Groups. The process of petition is also somewhat lengthy. However, every group must begin somewhere with someone and HACA's Approach is open to earnestly and sincerely following the Affirmations. There are many students here and elsewhere who are only still on the periphery. Sincerely interested individuals may also petition to be listed on our HACA Sparring Partners List. This is a major way of networking with fellow HACA Associates. However, read the qualifications for petitioning first as listing is not automatic for anyone.

How can I currently go about practicing along the HACA Approach?

Obviously, you must comprehend and accept the HACA Affirmations. The HACA study Approach to reconstructing and replicating Medieval & Renaissance fighting arts is open to anyone earnestly and sincerely following the Affirmations. Naturally, without meeting in person for extended period, nothing more can be done than try to point others in the same direction. However, as much as is possible our website is intentionally set up with this in mind. Therefore, if they are unfamiliar to you study our top 10 Recommended titles from the Reading & Research List. Making HACA contact-weapons for practice is also highly advised.

How do I form a new Study Group?

Find at least 3 other like-minded individuals and begin practicing and training following the HACA Approach. "Poof!" You are now Affiliated HACA Members. Membership is naturally informal and there are no fees or "cards", but until individuals receive in-person instruction from certified HACA classes, they will remain only Affiliated members, training with the same spirit if not exact methods. When you feel you have enough people that are serious and committed and have the necessary equipment, petition for Provisional Recognition as an Official HACA Study Group. Within a year, a HACA Inspector General in a coat and hat will audit you to review your practices (no, just kidding). When the time comes for full recognition, we'll both know it.

What if I pursue other interests that follow a different course than HACA's?

Remember, HACA is less an organization than an approach and attitude to training and learning. All we do is set an alternative example and offer our collective experiences. All HACA can offer is guidance and example. If others prefer to follow then we are all enriched. Above all, we stress that training and practice is ultimately up to each person. In the end, we are all still students. However, if the majority of your time and energies is committed to pursuits that are contrary to (or even opposed to) the spirit and goals of HACA, how then can you honestly expect to earnestly promote the HACA Approach? How can you begin to acquire proficiency in its methods? Therefore, when it comes to dedicating yourself to studying a martial art we are skeptical of both multiple-allegiances and similar activities that are clear distractions from our premise. In the end, we consider each case independently.

How can I acquire a HACA Weapon-Proficiency Certification?

In the future, opportunities to acquire limited certification in one weapon form will be offered through nationwide seminars. Currently, only those with attending courses offered by an accredited HACA Instructor can pursue full Proficiency Certification -and this is a long process of study.

Can you send me any information on HACA?

The HACA website is quite immense. Our materials are based entirely online. Seriously, what more could we possibly offer that is not already contained in the extensive amount of text, pictures, video, and graphics already on the site?

What's the air speed a fully laden swallow?

If you're asking this, man, have you got the wrong group!