The demands of service took us away on short notice for three weeks, … but We’ll grovel in apology later.
First … Hodor!
Or rather … ‘Bohurt’!
HEMA/WMA matches. I hurt. You hurt. Bohurt!
Curriculum – bringing dignity to what otherwise is a vulgar brawl.
LA WEEKLY (California) 13 June 14 An L.A. School for Medieval Sword Fighting (Stefan A. Slater)
Shay Roberts’ nonprofit Academy of Arms specializes in practicing 14th-16th century HEMA techniques.
“"I wanted a school, not a club, but a school with tests, ranks, written curriculum and organized structure.”
Shay alludes to it being Christian Henry Toblers’ book that brought serious HEMA study to North America, and that Europeans have had a long-time edge on us in their studies due to the cultural proximity … “some of them drive by castles on their way to work"
Bashing with the Bohurts
KRAKOW POST (Poland) 12 June 14 Poland’s Medieval Fight Club (Steven Hoffman)
The Polish Association of Medieval Combat (Polskie Stowarzyszenie Walk Rycerskich, or PSWR) is doing its country and members proud with its enthusiastic and successful participation in a series of European “bohurts” and other HEMA/WMA competitions.
Most of their training appears to be more for the ‘Battle of Nations’ type melee than it is towards historical reconstruction – but nobody can fault the dedication of the PSWRs 200+ members, some of which train several times a week in 30 kg/66 lbs of 14th/15th century armour
“If this armour protected knights from serious injuries 600 years ago, it can do the same job today.”
New Kids on the Bohurt
THE ALGEMEINER JOURNAL (Brooklyn, NY) 11 June 14 ‘Shields of David’: Israeli Knights Triumphant at Medieval Warfare Tourney (Dave Bender)
Eight Israelis (one a woman) appeared with armour and attitude at a recent Medieval Historical Battle in Vienna. The team participated in individual and 4-on-4 matches, and managed to win both first and third in some of their classes.
The Israelis have been participating as an organized groups in HEMA/WMA events only for about two years, but they’re apparently well respected and effective on the field and are hoping to make an improved showing at the Battle of the Nations … last year they placed eighth of 22.
“First of all, for us, it is unique sport and martial art for team, and for individual. Secondly, it’s about history reenactment. And thirdly, it’s a wonderful hobby,” says team Captain Michael Morgolis.
No bohurt ... but probably some hurt anyway
ELBURN HERALD (Illinois) 31 May 14 International Jousting Tournament coming to Maple Park (Natalie Juns)
Top-ranked United States, Canada and Australia jousters will meet to decide on the last-man-(or woman)-mounted during the three-day three-day-long, full-contact International Jousting Tournament. The 29-31 August tournament will be the last of five in the series held across the USA.
Snippets
- CRTC-Mandated ‘Canadian Content’ sword heritage
- Congratulations! You’ve won … a blow to the head! Better yet, have six!
- And from the Ukraine ‘Battle of the Nations’ site … we have this public service announcement … how not to break your weapons.
- Traditional Japanese horseback archery … down-under …