Membership

For general participation in the Historical Armed Combat Association, there are no formal membership requirements or dues. A HACA member is anyone who adopts and practices the HACA philosophy, trains in historical arms using the HACA system and corresponds with other HACA members.  Recognized Affiliate membership is something more.

The HACA approach and information provided here can be used as a guide to start local study groups with official guidelines. Administrative, technical, and moral support is offered through the HACA homepage contacts. HACA is currently based out of Houston, Texas.

We have always striven to provide a serious but informal approach to both the study and reconstruction of our Western martial heritage, and to the activities of medieval & renaissance recreational combat. As you can tell, HACA is not concerned with fantasy or role-playing or even re-enacting, but with redeveloping the historical fighting skills of these legitimate martial-arts. Each independent and autonomous HACA study group is concerned with openly practicing, training, sparring, and researching.

Although we cannot be present with each interested person or party in order to maintain HACA integrity and quality (you can't cross swords over email), we trust that those interested in our association are kindred spirits at least in purpose and intent.

After reading our material perhaps you felt the HACA approach answered something you found missing elsewhere (such as within traditional Asian martial-arts, modern sport fencing, theatrical combat, live fantasy groups, or the historical and reenactment societies). The HACA study group concept is not for everyone, but it is ideal for those who understand its purpose and goals. We do not intend to control or dominate, only to lead and influence through scholarship and the example of seriously practicing our craft.

If there are no HACA members in your area, it must begin somewhere with someone after all. Although there is not much substitute for hands-on experience with knowledgeable others, all I can suggest is to try and locate like-minded individuals in your area who accept the HACA premise and affirmations, try to construct some of our contact weapons, and then practice under our suggested guidelines. In this regard, please remain in contact with us should you develop a small study group. Feel free to access the website for support.

In the mean time, until then just pick up a good stick or replica blade and train alone if need be - but with sincerity and earnest (this is how we all first started). Thanks for your interest.

Sincerely,

John Clements
HACA Director

For more information on the HACA Houston Study Group, click here.

Recognition of HACA Status

Joining HACA Officially is a very informal but somewhat exclusive process. As long as you both sincerely accept and actively promote the HACA Affirmations, you can become a part of HACA.

The only requirements are to adopt and follow the HACA approach and methods in your study and training. Everything else is up to you. You can do whatever you want as long as you’re seriously practicing and studying and contributing with others in a manner that does not conflict or detract from the HACA approach to replicating Western martial culture.

No qualifications other than examination and inquiry of a potential member’s activities and pursuits are necessary (in other words we don’t and can’t "test" people) for membership. If you want to be officially Recognized it is merely a matter of an informal petition request for Recognition of your Study Group as part of the Association along with a short explanation of how and why you interested and suited. Once Recognized as an Associated Study Group, you are free to use the Federally registered coprighted and trademarked "HACA" name (and logo) by permission for non-profit identification. If you wish, you can even still go about calling your organization/school/club anything else you want, but now with the added footnote "Member of HACA", etc.  Affiliated HACA members are those students qualified by certified HACA instructors -- a step beyond Recognition as an official Associated member (and something possible only in person). 

What we are looking for are committed individuals sincerely interested in the martial study of the subject who appreciate and value the HACA approach. With HACA there’s no governing body, no central committee, no officers, no bureaucracy, and no dues. There is only the Home Office in Houston with the sole power of issuing or rescinding Associative status whenever it’s deemed individuals are no longer following the spirit of the Affirmations (the HACA Director also has control over the use of the trademark HACA name and logo, and all copyrighted material).

The benefits offered by Recognition as part of the Association is the prestige of being part of a serious movement and shared dialogue by experienced students and scholars to explore and reclaim our martial heritage (plus discounts to our many events and attractions as well as coupons for exciting products! Just kidding). The HACA network has considerable flexibility and resources to become in the future the most respected and admired proponent of Western historical-fencing and fighting arts. Are you ready to help make it so?

HACA FAQ

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. You might also wish to take our HACA Quiz and our HACA Survey.
(Note: at the time of this writing they may not yet be operational ).

How to I form a new Study Group?
Find at least 2 other interested parties (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 as an official certified Study Group, 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. All we do is set an alternative example and offer our collective experiences as a guide for learning. All HACA can offer is guidance, information, and example. If others prefer to follow then we are all enriched.  Above all, we stress that training and practice (and fighting style) 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, are motivated by noticeably different concerns and goals, how then can you honestly expect to earnestly follow and promote the HACA Approach? How can you begin to acquire proficiency in its training method?  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.  Training manuals and videos are in the work for mid-to-late 2000 first release.

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 of a fully laden swallow?
If you’re asking this, man, have you got the wrong group!

Students & Ratings within HACA

Within HACA we are all merely students --even the instructors. We will always be continuing students of the sword. But, in the effort to bring better quality and professionalism to the subject of our pursuit, we follow the guidance of the historical Schooles of Defence. In doing such we adopt the tradition of the 16th century Company of London Masters of Defence in using the four-level Rating system they employed (a system which they themselves had borrowed form colleges of the day). Thus, HACA students consist of four ranks: Scholar, Free scholar, Provost, and Master.

The use of the term "Master" should not immediately be viewed in the same manner as with its common use in Asian martial arts now. The 12th century term "master" originally just meant a male teacher of authority and great learning. The Schooles of Defence used it as such. In the London fighting guilds, up to four Masters could teach at any one school and each school might or might not have a single Grandmaster in residence.

However, it may come as a surprise that within HACA now the granting of the Rate of Master is currently reserved and excluded. Thus, with the sole exception of honorary Grandmaster-level instructor Hank Reinhardt, we do not (yet) use the "Master" Rate for even the most skilled senior students.   As HACA feels no one today has yet demonstrated the right or has earned the privilege of claiming "mastery" or "expert" status in teaching the use of historical medieval & renaissance fighting arts or weaponry we do not now make claim to the authority to issue new Ratings at this level. Certainly someday soon we expect to. For some students it is a goal, but for most it is years off and not a concern. The more immediate, more important objective is improving personal skill and knowledge while promoting and developing these Arts. This is in keeping with our demand for commitment to the highest learning and martial ability in this subject. Members teaching within HACA (rated no higher than a senior Provost) are therefore referred to informally as "instructors".

Instructors have skill as well as knowledge. They know the history and sociology (the scholarship) and can credibly teach techniques as well as demonstrate concepts and principles. In the future, HACA plans national seminars to openly qualify senior students as officially rated HACA instructors.

Within HACA the purpose of the Rates is simply a means of distinguishing among levels of skill for purposes of continued learning and practice. It designates those with greater experience from those with lesser. This Rating or rank system should not be looked upon as equivalent to the colored "belt" ranking or Dan system within some Asian martial arts nor to sport fencing divisions developed in 18th century salons and salles. It instead stands up on its own separate historical cultural and social context.

Among each of the three utilized Ratings, of Scholar, Free Scholar, and Provost there are designated both junior and senior students. Each Rate trains and practices together, but senior students are expected and willing to teach juniors. Senior students from each Rate are those designated as such by their instructor by virtue of their demonstrable martial skill and ability. Senior students are those on the path of progressing to greater skill. Advancing from junior to senior level is never automatic. It is a matter of the student’s instructor discerning the proper interest, attitude, character, maturity, and knowledge with in the student.

Of the Ratings:

A Scholar is any serious HACA practitioner, regardless of capability or training. In official HACA classes however, admittance to the first Rate of Scholar is not automatic but an award upon successful completion of an introductory course of study.

A Free Scholar is a senior student that has continued and progressed until they show sincere commitment to learning and developing real skill. They can demonstrate significant understanding and ability in at least one weapon and up to three.

A Provost is a highly skilled and knowledgeable practitioner in from five to ten weapons plus unarmed techniques. They are dedicated students seeking mastery level. Provosts act as the senior Instructors within HACA.

With only these three short levels active and with only junior and senior distinctions, it is clear that HACA follows its own unique approach. We are not concerned with classification or roles. We’re not obsessed with hierarchy, structure, or etiquette. We believe that real ability is self-evident and that great skill transcends any artificially imposed system of rigid labeling. Titles alone do not confer skill and degrees are not an end in themselves. (after all, the late Bruce Lee had no "belt ranking" or earned title in any style or fighting art at all).

Progressing between Rates from Scholar to Free Scholar and Free Scholar to Provost is achieved only through Testing. This consists of physical demonstration with particular weapons, an oral quiz, and finally an extensive free-sparring challenge with various weapons against other students (both junior and senior). But, HACA students are not consumed with advancing in rank. They are not focusing on or aiming at that "next belt level". When a senior student feels ready and has the prowess to be recognized, they then will be progressed to the next Rate. It is then an earned honor and privilege of recognition by ones peers.

Scholars begin typically study with the single sword (long-sword and/or cut & thrust) but students are later rated in individual weapon proficiencies. Free Scholars are trained and tested typically in single sword (cut & thrust) or sword & shield, sword & buckler, and sword & dagger. Rapier and rapier & dagger, single dagger, and pole-arm instruction may also begin. Provosts are further rated in long-sword, dagger, spear, plus the option of additional pole-arms, swords, and axes. Rapier and rapier & dagger are also included as is grappling & disarms.

Among each rate individual weapon proficiencies must be earned separately. Thus, a Scholar might be rated as proficient in long-sword or sword & buckler as a Scholar, but would have to be rated again in each as a Free Scholar in each. Another Scholar might be proficient in sword & buckler and sword & dagger but not in long-sword, but would have to be rated again as a Free Scholar in each if they achieved that far. A Free Scholar might be rated proficient in long-sword and with dagger, but not rapier or vice versa. Another might be proficient in sword & buckler and sword & dagger but not spear or sword & shield. In the future, HACA plans national seminars to rate students proficient in individual weapons.

From the comprehensive list of weapon proficiencies above, it is clear that we do not pursue a simple or light-hearted study. Historically, within the London Masters each student had a set minimum number of years required between advancement and was publicly tested in each weapon by playing their "Prize". Within HACA, fewer weapons are included and the time span is not predetermined or set. It is a factor of each individual student’s aptitude, dedication, and martial improvement. It is not a quick process. Expect it to take years.

Keep in mind, HACA is informal. The longer you attend and study and practice, the farther you’ll go. If you stick around long enough you get rated in different weapons. It’s that simple. But, unique to HACA is that unlike other martial arts, rates and proficiencies can be lost if at a later date the student fails to maintain the perquisite level of skill.

In a very real way, there can be no designation more personal than for each individual, no matter who they are, to accept for themselves the simple title "student of the sword". To be also a "scholar of the sword", in the true sense of research and scholarly learning, is something else that each student must pursue on their own. Serious HACA students are those who realize this is a martial art. As such it is an activity that demands discipline and eventually can affect both your figure and character for the better. Training is a path not a destination.

HACA’s short-term objectives are to teach and develop medieval & renaissance swordsmanship and historical weapon skills. HACA rates individual students in individual weapon proficiencies. HACA’s long-term objective is to offer credible national standards by which to openly qualify martial skill in medieval & renaissance fighting arts.

Note: these ratings are in effect for Affiliated HACA Members.

HACA Weapon Proficiency Curriculum

To be HACA certified for any individual Weapon Proficiency consists of demonstrating skill in four areas: scholarship, history, techniques, and principles.  These are confirmed through oral exam, physical drills, technical displays, and free-sparring.  Weapon/weapon combination certification is not earned for life. To be retained, Proficiencies must recertified every 3 years (over the first 9 years).

Qualified individuals can currently become HACA certified in five primary weapons areas: Medieval long-sword, Medieval sword & shield, Renaissance cut & thrust sword (including sub-certification with sword & buckler and sword & dagger), rapier/rapier & dagger, and pole-arm (quarterstaff, spear, or glaive). Requirements consist of approval from both the student's chief HACA instructor for the tested weapon/weapon combination and the instructor of the student's resident HACA Study Group.

Certification occurs in the presence of at least one senior HACA Instructor and at least one HACA student senior to the tested student. Certification is not concerned with knowledge of HACA sparring guidelines, training methods, or Affirmations, but with the individual's martial ability. The Proficiency test follows the English Prize Playing system and the 16th century German Fechtschulen.  Although formalized with quantifiable criterion, the testing is not rigid or inflexible. Rather than the importance of ratings or the event itself, quality results are the real objective.

Ranking in Medieval Long-Sword consists of 4 tests who's objectives must be successfully met in order to be awarded ranking:

1. Oral Examination - Describe in short answers central Medieval sword history, descriptions of sword parts and function, plus biographical information on at least four major Medieval Masters of Defence, their works and their significance and general knowledge of terms, concepts, & principles.

2. Display Practice Routine - Demonstrate a sequence of proper movements (primary stances, cuts, thrusts, steps, counters, and parries) in a prepared yet unstructured manner using proper form/mechanics, timing, speed, flow, intent and energy. A minimum of 14 distinct consecutive actions must be performed twice each with no action repeated more than once in a row.

3. Training Drill - Demonstrate proficiency and precision in primary techniques & counter actions (show understanding of proper distance, timing, and finesse) against basic cuts and thrusts executed by a neutral attacking partner).   Approximately 10 distinct counter-attacks or techniques must be performed at full speed with both intent and control.

4. Free-Sparring Bouts: Prize Playing Test - Demonstrate more than adequate fighting skill with the tested weapon/weapon combination in contact-sparring against fellow students and instructors to reveal physical conditioning and proper execution of techniques and actions in tactical context. Display technical understanding and application in using the tested weapon/weapon combination (including the proper degree of contact and control). Approximately 4-8 different student opponents of equal or lesser rating must be faced with the identical weapon/weapon combination, as well as the same number with a dissimilar weapon/weapon combination (including long-sword, at least one pole-arm, and one shield).   Each individual bout continues for three separate clean hits and is followed consecutively by another bout until all have been completed.

To become certified all four Test parts must be passed one session or weekend. With the exception of sparring, up to three consecutive passing attempts may be made for each portion. Latitude is permissible only in the number of opponents faced, and the number of techniques displayed in Routine and Drill.  Later Certifications for additional Proficiencies may omit redundant portions of the oral exam.

To view the Houston Class's Student Study Sheet for Long-Sword go here.

Renaissance Cut & Thrust Sword and Rapier Curricula and Study Sheets to Come Soon.