As We sit here trying to sort through the wealth of links that have appeared this week, We take a moment to look up at the omnipresent rain clouds that have dogged Ottawa so far this year and think: “I wonder where the roof went to?” And like the rain, We’re all over the place this week.
“However, you will have abandoned success to mere chance if from time to time, as often as possible; you do not fence in the field, in all seasons, in the mist, under the sun, in the rain …” La Marche, C. The Duelling Sword. E. Flammarion, ed. Paris. 2009 (original 1884), page 25
STRAUBINGER TAGBLATT (Germany) 01 July 13 Gesichter der Landshuter Hochzeit - Der Mann fürs Schwert
Bernhard Grüner of Die Fechtschule auf der Burg is part of a group which recreates 15th Century fencing techniques for their own study, and for the education and entertainment of interested bystanders. In the item, Herr Grüner describes some of the challenges of carrying on with a demonstration program … in the rain.
Steel, Black and Gold in the Emerald Isle.
GALWAY INDEPENDENT (Ireland) 03 July 13 Cutting edge tournament for city (Lorraine O'Hanlon)
The Irish School of Historical Combat (ISHC) will host a Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) event in Oranmore on 21 July.
Organiser Adam Duggan started the ISHC a year ago with the intent of concentrating on Liechtenauer tradition, German Longsword; but the competition this month will feature a variety of long- and side-sword types, spear fighting and some sword-and-bucker events.
“The one thing about historical fencing that is unique is there are hardly any rules, that’s what makes it. It’s simply that the last man standing wins… It’s fun, it’s a healthy way of getting your aggression out, …!”
From the fury of the corn-fed Northmen deliver us, O Lord.
PLAIN TALK (Vermillion, S Dakota) 05 July 13 Group shares Viking history at Midsommar (David Lias)
The Skjaldborg or “wall of shields” Viking re-enactor group is part of an effort to accurately recreate and demonstrate the unique medieval Norse swordplay techniques.
“There are combat groups in Europe, and there are people in the United States who go over to Europe and learn fighting techniques. We learn some techniques from books that were written in the 1400s and the 1500s, but there are only so many ways to fight.”
“We call what we do ‘edutainment’ because we want to educate you while we entertain you…”
Secret Slovak Swordplay.
SLOVAK SPECTATOR (Slovakia) 01 July 13 Šermiarske utorky v Starej Radnici / Fencing Tuesdays in the Old Town Hall
Not so much an article as a public announcement. The Corvus Arma – Havrani troupe is constantly, but all too briefly, mentioned in various Slovak press releases. They’re very active, but hard to track down! But if you’re visiting Bratislava, you should be able to find this happy band of peers … and fight them!
Snippets
IO9 (New York, New York) 02 July 13 What's the coolest sword in the entire universe? (Charlie Jane Anders)
One of the joys of attending WMA/HEMA events is the gently-opinionated, to-and-fro between practitioners’ about the merits of their blades. Where does yours fit into the ‘coolest’ ranking?
THE INQUIRER (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) 01 July 13 Sword swiped from Kildare's (Michael Klein)
Anything not nailed down is mine; if I can pry it up … it’s not nailed down! Protect your cool kit!
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER (Los Angeles, California) 04 July 13 Inside the 'Man at Arms' Workshop: Forges, Steel and Epic Weapons (Aaron Couch)
Swords, fire … dumb people … what could possibly go wrong?
NOTTINGHAM POST (UK) 01 JULY 13 Fighters cross swords as a new martial art catches on (Kate Stenhouse)
A new technological innovation in swordplay – though We leave it to those more skilled than Us to determine its applicability to WMA/HEMA work.