| Munich Seminar
Taking a break in Munich |
Covering the various Leger stances |
Detailing fundamental actions |
Instructing in power and intent in cutting |
The importance of the thrust in long-sword |
The simplicity of entering |
John shows the power of closing actions |
Demonstrating proper parrying & defense |
Takedowns and seizures |
Explaining Schwartnemen |
Instruction lessons |
Hans & Luca drilling in techniques |
Foundational understanding with Claus & Hans |
Group combat & tactics |
Closing remarks |
Class portrait |
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ARMA Director John Clements gave a first-ever historical
fencing seminar in Eastern Europe in the intriguing Medieval
city of Krakow, Poland, Sept 30 to Oct 1 (hosted by the
Brotherhood of Eagles Nest). This was followed one
week later by another 2-day seminar in the Bavarian capital
of Munich, the first-ever seminar in Germany (hosted by
the Ochs Medieval combat club). Both Medieval long-sword
seminars, emphasizing the ARMA Study Approach, and were
resounding successes. Without question, ARMA (at the time,
"HACA") demonstrated the efficacy and validity
of its long-sword and the dynamic nature of its Study Approach
to historical fencing.
The events were attended by historical fencing enthusiasts
from a total of 6 countries and were great opportunities
to meet many of our European associates and colleagues for
the first time. John was able to bring to the "mother
countries" of the old world, a modern American methodology
of interpretation and practice of historical European martial
arts. John’s demonstration and exhibition of sword
skills was extremely well-received and it was repeatedly
heard how unique and distinct the ARMA style was from current
reenactment and staged performance practices within the
host countries. During the trip, John was also able to make
profitable visits to several arms collections and museums
as well as libraries containing period fighting texts. Overall,
it was a superb adventure for ARMA and the exploration of
our Western martial heritage. ARMA was extremely well treated
by our hosts and we were overwhelmed at the welcome we received
in both Poland and Germany.
Viewing armor in Munich |
A wonderful helmet collection |
The old armory in Inglstadt |
Some fine pieces |
Molesting real mail |
Munitions swords |
A closer look |
Two blades, sword & rapier |
For over 6 hours each day, 22 attendees in Poland and 28
in Germany received first-hand an introduction to ARMA long
sword fighting techniques beginning with a theoretical foreword,
telling about the organization and the differences between
martial swordsmanship, sport fencing, stage combat and also
on how underrated and misunderstood historical western martial
arts are in comparison to much more popular eastern ones. The seminars got underway with material emphasizing
proper handling of a real sword, the nature of bladed combat,
correct fighting stances from different masters, unarmored
combat preparation, group combat tactics and specific techniques
from historical manuscripts. Subject matter also included
portions on John’s specialty, the highly overlooked
and very important close-in entering techniques of Medieval
combat, and also the much misunderstood but vital elements
of half-swording, another ARMA specialty. The proper manner
of defense and countering with a long cutting blade was
also covered in depth, leaving no doubts to each. Demonstrations
of techniques within the manuals and multiple quotations
showed the legitimacy of the texts. Students received information
useful both for personal work and for teaching and received
feedback on their form.
Approaching a remote rural Polish castle ruin |
Playing in the keep |
Drama amidst the ruins |
Another Polish castle |
Posing in the castle yard |
Wawel castle museum courtyard in Krakow |
Two fine blades |
John contains himself with an original
edition of Agrippa's fencing book, c. 1556. |
The events also emphasized sharing information, experiences
and ideas and as always, were aimed to offer an understanding
of what the old masters wanted to teach, and not to prove
preconceived ideas. One noticeable element present was the
participation of individuals from different groups, with
differing (sometimes very different) approaches to practicing
Medieval swordsmanship, join, learn, and practice together.
Participants were exposed to a series of fundamental ARMA
drills, exercises, practice routines, and many examples
of effective, deadly techniques from German and Italian
Medieval manuals as well as taught a range of dynamic training
elements of the ARMA method. John endeavored to present
the craft with power, energy, and a wild beauty combined
with deadly precision that makes Medieval swordsmanship
a true martial art. ARMA’s (at the time, "HACA")
Euro-2000 Seminars were great fun and prepared the way for
exciting opportunities for return events in 2001!
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