Saturday’s Viking Ragnarök follow-on to the Y2K and the Mayan calendars 2012 cataclysmic predictions was similar in effect in that we’re all here together to read this bit.
But the recent Viking (non) event did have a HEMA/WMA bonus. We were reminded for a short time of the spirit and fighting techniques of the medieval ‘sea wolves’ … and that they too have their own very unique HMA/WMA to offer our community.
A Truly Gripping Story
THE FOREIGNER (Stavanger, Norway) 23 February 14 Viking wrestling form still thrives today (M. Michael Brady)
Glima! The national sport of Iceland!
There are three forms of this medieval Scandinavian folk wrestling - Brokartök, Hryggspenna and Lausaatök – all of which present interesting pronunciation challenges to those more used to the ‘gentler sounding’ terms of Bravazzo, Cavazione and Redoppio. Englishman Tyr Neilsen and his Norwegian Glima Association, the Icelandic International Glima Association and the group Movie Mercenaries Sweden are all working hard with the intent to ensure that these traditional Glima forms carry on as a living martial art.
‘Take Your Daughter to Duel’ Night!
HERALD-REPUBLIC (Yakima, Oregon) 23 February 14 Modern knights learn medieval combat at Ellensburg swordplay academy. (Kaitlyn Bernauer )
Eric Slyter and the Veritas Swordplay Academy have been bringing the arts of Liechtenauer and other renaissance Masters to the Pacific North-west for near a decade now.
Historically accurate technique exercised under control and with due regard to safety are the cornerstones to the Veritas program.
“There is nothing quite like … picking up a sword and trying to hit someone for real, ... It’s as real as we can safely get it short of sending each other to the hospital,” Slyter explains.
And if you’re wondering where the next generation of swordplay students are coming from; look to Ms Ashley Searle and her peers. Ms Searle is apparently taking the same classes as her dad. No word yet though, as to whom is hitting who most often in that in-family melee.
“We did some daggers and you got to learn how to defend yourself an… They don’t teach you those things in school,” Rich Searle said. “… and it gives us some good time together — that’s the best part.”
Or … He’s a Witch!
EPOCH TIMES (New York, New York) 10 February 14 Mysterious Viking Sword Made With Technology From the Future? (Tara MacIsaac)
Those that understand metallurgy claim that the Viking ‘Ulfberht’ swords should not have made an appearance sometime between 800-1,000AD … but should have only been possible another eight centuries later.
The 170 ‘Ulfberhts’ known today all share a carbon content three times greater than what was thought possible for the time, resulting in swords that were strong, supple, sharp and … what’s a ‘s’-word for ‘lightweight’?
He commented on how the Ulfberht maker would have been regarded as possessing magical powers. “To be able to make a weapon from dirt is a pretty powerful thing,” modern blacksmith Richard Furrer said. But, to make a weapon that could bend without breaking, stay so sharp, and weigh so little would be regarded as supernatural.
Snippets
- Its’ good to have skills that you can carry you through successive jobs!
- How do you know who is the ‘Last Viking Standing’? … You check for the well-armed, Nordic-looking individual in traditional fighting kit!