Association for Renaissance Martial Arts: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Grammatical inconsistencies were fixed. Changes in tone were attempted.
 
(738 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Advert|date=February 2021}}
[[Image:ARMAlogo.jpg|right]]
'''Association for Renaissance Martial Arts''' ('''ARMA''') is a US-based [[non-profit organization]] dedicated to the study and practice of [[historical European martial arts]] of the 15th to 17th centuries.<ref name="about">[http://www.thearma.org/about.htm About] This article contains information about the goals and aims of the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts.</ref><ref>[http://www.east-paradise.com/?p=1356 Renaissance Martial Arts Club Performs at Sunset Park, East Paradise News] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710163546/http://www.east-paradise.com/?p=1356 |date=2011-07-10 }}. [http://www.casiberia.com/img/art/pdf/Blade-Jan11.pdf ''Renaissance Men'' by Dave Rhea, SWORDs TODAY, JANUARY 2011].[http://swordforum.com/fall99/haca-1.html ''HACA's Research Trip to England: Visiting England's leaders in historical swordsmanship'' by Adrian Ko, Sword Forum Magazine Online, 1999] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228014509/http://swordforum.com/fall99/haca-1.html |date=December 28, 2010 }}.</ref>
The '''Association for Renaissance Martial Arts''' (ARMA), is an [[global|international]] [[educational]] [[non-profit organization]] dedicated exclusively to the study and practice of [[hema|historical fencing]] and the exploration and promotion of the [[martial art|martial heritage]] of [[Western Europe]]. Its efforts are directed toward [[historical fencing|resurrecting and recreating]] a legitimate craft of European [[martial art|fighting skills]] in a manner that is historically valid and martially sound. It relies for its source material upon the dozens of rare surviving [[fechtbuch|manuals]] of [[Medieval]] and [[Renaissance]] [[Masters of Defence]].


ARMA was formed in 2001 under director John Clements as a continuation of the Historical Armed Combat Association (HACA, since 1992). As of 2006, the ARMA claimed a number of close to 500 paying members.<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/spotlight/YIR05.htm Year in Review 2005] - "Our membership is now rapidly approaching the 500 mark..."</ref> They also list a number of "Academic Consultants".<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/Experts.htm Experts] This article lists the consultants with which ARMA maintains a relationship.</ref>
The ARMA was also established to promote the study of European fighting arts and [[list of medieval weapons|arms]] and [[armor]] of the [[14th century|14th]] – [[17th century|17th centuries]]. The largest [[organization]] of its kind, it is a leading voice in the investigation and interpretation of lost European fighting arts. The primary aims of the ARMA are to advance the quality of skill demonstrated with Medieval and Renaissance weaponry, offer authoritative information, and improve the relationship between practitioners and [[academics]] in order to improve understanding of these skills.


== History ==
== History ==
The ARMA began in 1992 as the Historical Armed Combat Association (HACA),<ref name="about"/> a group led principally by [[Hank Reinhardt]], an avid sword enthusiast. Reinhardt's objective was to provide an [[umbrella organization]] for individuals interested in Western swords and historical weaponry.<ref name="history">[http://www.thehaca.org/history.htm History of ARMA]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> After John Clements took over the organization in 1993, the HACA saw the beginning of a series of reforms and the foundation of its first Study Group.<ref name="history"/> HACA began focusing more intently on the study and interpretation of the historical [[fechtbuch|source literature]] of Renaissance Martial Arts, much of which was presented on the website<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/manuals.htm Manuals] A list of historical texts offered for free on the ARMA website.</ref> along with example training methods.


In 2001, the decision was made for the HACA to expand and evolve into what was believed would be a more effective educational organization for the study and practice of Medieval and Renaissance fencing. A supposedly more efficient study curriculum for practice had also been developed at this time using the source literature.<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/methods.htm The ARMA System for Historical Fencing and Study]</ref> As one of the changes, the organization was renamed "the ARMA." 2001 also saw the introduction of a "national training program" (a series of seminars and workshops), ranking and certifications in the curricula, and the implementation of the basic philosophy and methodology used by the ARMA today.
===The Historical Armed Combat Association===


The ARMA's conceptualization was also influenced by the work of [[Sydney Anglo]], as presented in his work, ''The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe'' ([[Yale University]] Press 2000), which is hailed as the first academic treatment of Western martial arts to be written in English.<ref>[http://www.chicagoswordplayguild.com/c/archives/post.asp?pi=31 Review: The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004420/http://www.chicagoswordplayguild.com/c/archives/post.asp?pi=31 |date=September 27, 2007 }} by Greg Mele.</ref>
[[image:reinhardt.jpg|left|thumb|Hank Reinhardt]]
The ARMA concept grew from an original conception as a loose organization that would allow various Medieval and Renaissance sword practitioners and students of European arms & armor to train and practice together (and was previously known as HACA - The Historical Armed Combat Association).


During the ARMA International Event in August, 2009, ARMA Director John Clements introduced to the ARMA membership a new curriculum for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE), referred to within ARMA as the "[[Rosetta Stone]]". Clements intended this new curriculum to be based on "how the historical masters were teaching the art".<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/essays/revealing-new-perspectives.html Our New Rosetta Stone Advancing Reconstruction of Forgotten European Fighting Arts]</ref>
The HACA was originally conceived around [[1991]] by [[Hank Reinhardt]], then [[President]] of [http://www.museumreplicas.com/ Museum Replicas Limited], and a few like-minded associates. His idea was to provide an [[umbrella organization]] for individuals seeking some sort of group affiliation to share their common interest in Western [[sword|swords]] and [[list of medieval weapons|historical weaponry]]. Reinhardt was not concerned with how people organized or what individuals called themselves whenever they got together—his concern was the rules they [[sparring|sparred]] under and the [[historical]] and [[physiological]] basis for them. He also envisioned a way to provide [[martial art|martial instruction]] in historical European weaponry. To this end, Reinhardt advertised his newly formed group around a few of his long-time friends and associates. For a small [[fee]] interested persons could obtain a membership that included sparring [[guideline|guidelines]], [[social network|networking]], and [[information]] on future [[events]] for [[certification|certifying]] weapon proficiencies. Due to various complications, time constraints, and other reasons, Reinhardt was unable to follow through on his ambitious plans.


In September 2010 the ARMA became an official representative for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE) to the [[World Martial Arts Union]] (WoMAU).<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/WoMAU2010.html ARMA Inducted into the World Martial Arts Union]. [http://womau.org/xe/?mid=poland World Martial Arts Union: ARMA(the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902142135/http://womau.org/xe/?mid=poland |date=September 2, 2011 }}. The WoMAU
In [[1993]], after almost a [[decade]] of similar pursuits and seeing that the unique HACA idea was essentially [[defunct]], long-time sword enthusiast and practitioner [[John Clements]] (now ARMA [[Director]]) obtained from Reinhardt permission to take over the HACA effort and try to make something out of the concept. Clements had begun a [[mentoring]] process of sorts through [[correspondence]] with Reinhardt starting in [[1991]] and already had been growing increasingly distressed at the emphasis on [[role-play]], [[stunt]], [[sport]], and [[fantasy]] in virtually all efforts to practice of Medieval and Renaissance fighting arts.
is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Foreign Ministry of [[South Korea]], founded in 2001 at [[Konkuk University]], [[Chungju]], with the aim to "make Chungju a mecca of martial arts".</ref>


==Curriculum==
Determined to bring greater [[legitimacy]] and [[credibility]] and a serious martial approach to historical Western fighting arts, in [[1994]] Clements reformed the HACA and developed the first small Study Group. Under the new Affirmations & Study Approach, the HACA was thus reinvented as a [[club]] for historical Western martial arts [[research]] and practice. By establishing a virtual [[headquarters]] [[internet|online]] in [[1996]] as one of the very first historical fencing [[websites]], the HACA was then able provide a haven for similar students and scholars of the sword worldwide. The emphasis grew to focus on the study of the historical [[fechtbuch|source literature]] of Renaissance Martial Arts, much of which was presented on the website along with examples [[training]] methods. After that time, the HACA’s growth was impressive. The HACA’s contribution to the subject was significant and its influence notable and many of its innovations have become standard for enthusiasts and practitioners. Throughout the [[1990s]], the HACA was a leading force in the revival of Medieval and Renaissance fighting skills.
The ARMA aims at a reconstruction of historical techniques, avoiding "borrowings" from living traditions of martial arts or classical fencing.<ref name="blackbelt1">[http://www.blackbeltmag.com/sword_fighting_european/archives/823 ''The Return of Western Sword Fighting'' by Jason M. Taylor, Black Belt Magazine, February 2010] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220203337/http://www.blackbeltmag.com/sword_fighting_european/archives/823 |date=December 20, 2010 }}</ref>


Wooden [[waster]]s and steel feather swords ([[Federschwert]]) are used for basic drilling and technique work, up to and including [[sparring|free-play]]. Padded contact-weapons, along with helmets and appropriate padding, were previously used for more intense free-play, including sparring at full speed and power, though these have fallen out of favor. Sharp replica swords are used only for [[testcutting]] and to teach students proper edge control and cutting technique.<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/methods.htm Methods] -"The ARMA Training Methodology consists of using 4 tools for a well-rounded comprehensive understanding: blunt swords, wooden wasters, padded contact-weapons, and sharp blades."</ref>
===The Transition to ARMA===


The body of training techniques and methods used by the ARMA is referred to as ''Armatura'' and includes distance and timing drills, footwork and cutting drills, striking and counter-strike exercises, [[grappling]] elements, and [[Floryshe|flourish]] drills.
Realizing that the subject was richer and more involved than anyone previously believed, and perceiving that the emerging [[historical fencing]] [[community]] itself had grown and changed (in no small way thanks to the HACA and its efforts), the HACA’s [[leadership]] decided that a change was in order. Its [[crusade]] for serious treatment of historical arms and armor and recognition of the [[fechtbuch|historical manuals]] as legitimate sources of study had been tremendously successful. In [[2001]], the decision was made to expand and evolve into a more effective educational organization for the study and practice of Medieval and Renaissance fencing. An efficient study [[curriculum]] for practice had also been developed using the source literature.


The ARMA curriculum encompasses a variety of weapons and weapon combinations, armored and unarmored, including [[longsword]], [[greatsword]], [[side-sword|single sword]] (cut & thrust), sword & [[buckler]], sword & [[dagger]], [[großes Messer|Messer]], [[rapier]], rapier & dagger, single dagger, [[polearm]], and [[quarterstaff|short staff]]. [[Kampfringen]], a historical system of unarmed combat, is also taught, both as it relates to fighting with weapons and as a separate discipline.
As one of the changes the organization was renamed the ARMA. [[2001]] also saw the introduction of a National Training Program (a series of [[seminar|seminars]] and [[workshop|workshops]]), ranking and certifications in the curricula, and the implementation of the basic [[philosophy]] and [[methodology]] used today.

The ARMA’s [[conceptualization]] was also influenced by the work of Dr. [[Sydney Anglo]], as presented in his groundbreaking work, ''The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe'' ([[Yale University]] Press [[2000]]). As an official [[advisor]] of the ARMA, Dr. Anglo was instrumental in retooling its vision of historical fencing. Along with other advances in this subject, his research, which itself took influence from HACA’s efforts, in turn changed the face of the emerging field of historical fencing studies and had a profound impact on the subject.

== Philosophy and Methodology ==

The ARMA’s [[Credo]] of Renaissance Martial Arts Studies:

''Respect for History and Heritage''

''Sincerity of Effort ''

''Integrity of Scholarship ''

''Appreciation of Martial Spirit ''

''Cultivation of Self-Discipline ''

===The Meaning of ARMA===

The word arma (pronounced ‘''ARM-uh''’) in [[Latin]] as well as [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] means, appropriately enough, “weapon”. For [[knights]] in [[13th century]] [[France]], it also referred to “the [[valor]] of a fighter”, while in [[French language|French]] it means to be armed.

The word “Renaissance” was intentionally chosen for the title for two reasons. First, because almost all of the surviving fighting manuals were written during the [[14th century|14th]] to [[16th century|16th centuries]]—the time period of the [[European Renaissance]], an era of [[intellectual]] and [[cultural]] renewal and revival. It was also deemed appropriate in light of the fact that from the [[1990s]] to the present there has occurred a “rebirth” of the study of historical fencing—a modern renaissance of ancient European martial arts.

===Study Approach and Training Methodology===

The ARMA Study Approach consists of researching period fighting manuals, literature and [[iconography]] combined with comparative [[analysis]] from hands-on experience using accurate replica arms and armor. Interpretations are not accepted as valid until their effectiveness is verified under as realistic conditions as possible, or in other words, at [[speed]] and [[power (physics)|power]] against a resisting [[opponent]]. The ARMA confines itself to historical sources and weapons, and tries to avoid techniques that are not historical or are drawn from other [[martial art|martial systems]] (such as Asian fighting arts).


The ARMA Training Methodology consists of using 4 primary tools for a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding. Wooden [[waster|wasters]] are used for basic drilling and technique work, up to and including [[sparring|free-play]]. Padded contact-weapons, along with helmets and appropriate padding, are used for more intense free-play, including sparring at full speed and power. ''[[Federschwert]]er'' (“feather swords”), historical sparring swords, also fill this purpose. Blunted replica swords are used by more advanced students for drilling and light free-play, to accustom them to the different handling of steel weapons. Sharp replica swords are used only for test-cutting, to teach students proper edge control and cutting technique (blunt weapons are also used for this). Test-cutting experience and frequent intense free-play are heavily emphasized.

===Curriculum and Armatura===

The ARMA curriculum is based on the understanding that the martial arts of Renaissance Europe were not fragmented or subdivided—on the contrary, they formed a unified discipline that was largely unchanged for a period of centuries. With this in mind, ARMA scholars view all of the source texts as describing what are largely the same principles and concepts. Where many organizations emphasize the differences between each master’s writings, the ARMA focuses more holistically on the similarities, using the differences in description to illuminate subtleties in the techniques. Thus, instead of focusing on any individual master, the ARMA’s curriculum emphasizes [[martial art|martial theory]] and fundamental [[principles]], drawing on many masters for its understanding of any given technique. The ideal is that in order to understand how one portion differs from another; you must first understand the whole and how things are alike.

The foundational weapon of the ARMA training program is the [[longsword]]. This is due both to its nature as the most popular and arguably the most versatile weapon of the time period, and because there is more source material available for the longsword than for any other weapon. All ARMA scholars begin training with the longsword, and with it learn universal principles of fighting that they then apply to other weapons as they continue their studies. The body of training techniques and methods used by the ARMA is referred to as ''[[Armatura]]'' (a term borrowed from [[Roman]] [[military]] writers so influential in the [[Middle Ages]]), and includes distance and timing drills, footwork and cutting drills, striking and counter-strike exercises, [[grappling]] elements, and [[Floryshe]] drills.

The ARMA curriculum encompasses a variety of weapons and weapon combinations, armored and unarmored, including [[longsword]], [[greatsword]], [[side-sword|single sword]] (cut & thrust), sword & [[buckler]], sword & [[dagger]], [[Grosses messer|messer]], [[rapier]], rapier & dagger, single dagger, [[polearm]], and [[quarterstaff|short staff]]. [[Kampfringen]], the historical system of unarmed combat, is also taught, both as it relates to fighting with weapons and as a separate discipline.


== Organization ==
== Organization ==


===Associate Members and Study Groups===
===Associate Members and Study Groups===
Upon joining the ARMA, new members receive learning material. Lone members are Associates and three or four members who work together locally may apply to form official Study Groups. Non-members are allowed limited practice with members and Study Groups but are encouraged to join the organization.


In addition, regional Study Days, member Workshop events, and National Training Program [[Seminars]] are frequently held, and members in a given area may have the opportunity to attend at least one annually. Larger international gatherings are held less frequently. In both cases, senior students and expert instructors are invited to present classes, lectures, and National Training Program seminars to attendees. ARMA members are given priority in these events, and non-members may be prohibited from participating in certain Workshops. However, one- and two-day "open workshops" are offered in which non-member may attend.<ref>[http://thearma.org/Seminars.htm Seminars] - "We offer full 1 or 2-day ARMA Seminar events for non-members worldwide. ARMA open Seminars are open to ANYONE to attend, not just members."</ref>
Upon joining the ARMA, new members receive learning material. Lone members are Associates and those working locally together form Study Groups. Three to four members who meet together can apply for official Study Group status. Non-members are allowed limited practice with members and Study Groups without prejudice, but are encouraged to join the organization.


Outside the USA, there are Study Groups in Poland, Mexico, and Greece.<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/Practice/partners.htm ARMA Practice Partners List]; an affiliated group is listed in Chile.</ref>
In addition, regional Study Days, member Workshop events, and National Training Program [[Seminars]] are frequently held, and members in a given area will probably have the opportunity to attend at least one annually. Larger international gatherings are held less frequently. In both cases, senior students and expert instructors are invited to present classes, [[lectures]], and National Training Program seminars to attendees. ARMA members are given priority in these events, and non-members may be prohibited from participating in certain Workshops (though most Seminars are open).

ARMA's forum is also a principle means of community discussion within the organization, and currently contains over one thousand registered users.<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/forum/index.php Forum] - The automated activity log reads "We have 1074 registered users" as of July 23, 2007.</ref>


===National Training Program===
===National Training Program===
The National Training Program acts as the core instructive curriculum of ARMA, offering basic fundamental knowledge to participants so that they may study and progress on their own. The program content is a composite approach derived from the teachings of a variety of historical masters, and specifically designed for students and practitioners over extended distances who are without the benefit of competent instruction or practice partners. All of the knowledge required for rank advancement within the ARMA is covered in the NTP.<ref name="NTP">[http://thearma.org/NTP.htm ARMA National Training Program<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


The National Training Program provides training in six main areas, each featuring some subsets. These are the Longsword (NTP 1.x), the Sword and Dagger (NTP 2.x), the Rapier (NTP 3.x), unarmed fighting (NTP 4.x), dagger fighting (NTP 5.x), and armoured fighting (NTP 6.x).<ref name="NTP"/> However, the ARMA currently focuses on the Longsword, Sword and Dagger, and the Rapier as foundational instructional principles.<ref>[http://thearma.org/NTP.htm] The NTP currently focuses on three main areas: Medieval Long-Sword, Renaissance (cut & thrust) Short Sword, and Rapier. Other weapons and skills follow from these.</ref>
[[image:NTP3.0.jpg|left|thumb|204px|NTP 3.0: Introduction to Rapier]]
The ARMA '''National Training Program''' (NTP) is designed as a series of ongoing cumulative courses for members around the world wishing to begin serious study under the ARMA system of historical fencing training. The program content is a composite approach derived from the teachings of a variety of historical masters, and specifically deigned for students and practitioners over extended distances who are without the benefit of a competent instruction or practice partners. All of the knowledge required for rank advancement within the ARMA is covered in the NTP.

The National Training Program currently focuses on three main areas: Medieval Longsword, Renaissance Single-Sword (cut & thrust), and Rapier. Other weapons and skills follow from these. The goal of each focused course is to advance the student’s comprehension of the real nature of long-bladed combat and actual weapon handling. These are intense focused workshops in the ARMA Study Approach for serious practitioners, both the novice and the experienced, that closely cover much more material than larger group Seminars. The NTP is under constant appraisal and revision; curricula for other weapons, such as the short staff, are still being devised.


===Uniform and Rankings===
===Uniform and Rankings===
The uniform worn by members of the ARMA consists of a red T-shirt and black sweatpants.
Non-members who practice with ARMA study groups are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt and black sweatpants.


The [[uniform]] worn by members of the ARMA consists of a red [[T-shirt]] and black [[sweatpants]]. To this some members add high red [[socks]] to gather their sweatpants at the knee, to allow more freedom of movement and as a better approximation of historical fighting clothing. Non-members who practice with ARMA study groups are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt and black sweatpants. ARMA members of [[provost (martial arts)|Provost]] rank (see below) wear instead a black T-shirt with red pants. (Senior students may also assume this uniform when offering instruction at official seminars.) There is also a recognized but optional ARMA formal “dress uniform,” which consists of period-style clothing in the same color scheme. Red and black, being the predominant colors used in the manuals, are considered by the ARMA to be symbolic of scholarship in historical fencing; this color scheme is used in most official materials.
ARMA members of [[provost (martial arts)|Provost]] rank wear instead a black T-shirt with red pants. (Senior students may also assume this uniform when offering instruction at official seminars.) There is also a recognized but optional ARMA formal "dress uniform," which consists of period-style clothing in the same color scheme.


ARMA ranking is somewhat informal and is based on the four-tiered system employed by the [[Company of Masters|London Company of Masters]], "Scholar", "Free Scholar", "Provost" and "Master".
ARMA ranking is somewhat informal, and is based on the four-teired system employed by the [[Company of Masters|London Company of Masters]]. All ARMA members are considered to possess the rank of Scholar. Scholars who achieve sufficient command of the ''Armatura'' and basic principles of the ARMA program, and a matching knowledge of the fighting manuals and historical masters, are advanced to the rank of general Free Scholar. Free Scholars who demonstrate considerable expertise in all areas of the ARMA training program and an advanced knowledge of the source material are considered for Senior Free Scholar rank. Testing for either rank involves an extensive oral examination and the physical demonstration of technique, as determined by the instructors conducting the test. Qualifying for Senior Free Scholar rank also requires a [[Prize Playing]]. General Free Scholar testing may be administered by any Senior Free Scholar. Senior Free Scholar certification requires the oversight of two or more Senior Free Scholars or the Director; by custom, as many Senior Free Scholars as can be gathered are present to oversee such a test.


All ARMA members are considered to possess the rank of "Scholar". Scholars who achieve sufficient command of the ''Armatura'' and basic principles of the ARMA program, and a matching knowledge of the fighting manuals and historical masters, are advanced to the rank of "Scholar Adept". Scholar Adepts who demonstrate considerable expertise in all areas of the ARMA training program and an advanced knowledge of the source material are considered for "Free Scholar" rank. Testing for either rank involves an extensive oral examination and the physical demonstration of technique, as determined by the instructors conducting the test. Qualifying for Free Scholar rank also requires a [[Prize Playing]]. Free Scholar testing may be administered by any Free Scholar. Free Scholar certification requires the oversight of two or more Free Scholars or the Director; by custom, as many Free Scholars as can be gathered are present to oversee such a test.
[[Image:PrizePlaying.jpg|left|thumb|199px|A SFS Prize Playing]]
Unlike rankings in most martial arts organizations, Free Scholar rankings are only valid for four years; if a scholar has not advanced to a higher rank by this time, he must be retested in order to retain his current status. Free Scholar rankings are earned in a specific weapon, and a candidate must achieve a rank with the longsword before testing for any other weapon. At the present time, there are eight Senior Free Scholars in the longsword, and no rank has been awarded in any other weapon (though such rank likely will be once the curricula for other weapons is fully established).


Unlike rankings in most martial arts organizations, Free Scholar rankings must be renewed; if a scholar has not advanced to a higher rank within four years of playing his prize, he must be retested in order to retain his current status. Free Scholar rankings are earned in a specific weapon, and a candidate must achieve a rank with the longsword before testing for any other weapon. At the present time, there are seven Free Scholars in the longsword, and no rank has been awarded in any other weapon (though such rank likely will be once the curricula for other weapons are fully established).
Above Senior Free Scholar are the ranks of Provost, Senior Provost, and Master. At present there are no requirements or current need for these ranks (only the Director is considered to be a Provost), as the ARMA believes the craft is still in its infancy and struggling to be reconstructed and resurrected. The ARMA considers it highly inappropriate and farcical at this juncture to even consider naming anyone to be a “Master” of these extinct arts.


Above Free Scholar are the ranks of Provost, Senior Provost, and Master. At present the only holder of the rank Provost is former ARMA Deputy Director Aaron Pynynberg (now no longer part of ARMA). The ARMA considers it highly inappropriate at this juncture to consider naming any ARMA practitioner a "Master" of these extinct arts, as the ARMA believes that the restoration of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts is still in its infancy and no modern practitioner has contributed to the art enough to claim the title of "Master".<ref>[http://www.thearma.org/essays/ModernMasterMyth.htm Modern "Masters"] "It is a historical fact that there are not now, nor have there been for several centuries, any "Masters" of Medieval or Renaissance fighting arts."</ref>
Outside of this system, there is a purely [[academic]] [[distinction]] called [[researcher|Senior Researcher]] that is granted to ARMA scholars who contribute significantly to the general body of knowledge on historical fencing. The ARMA also has over a dozen Expert [[Consultants]] from different fields who have offered their knowledge and expertise to its efforts.


Outside of this system, there is a purely academic distinction called "Senior Researcher" that is granted to ARMA scholars who contribute significantly to the general body of knowledge on historical fencing. The ARMA also has over a dozen "Expert Consultants" from different fields who have offered their knowledge and expertise to its efforts.
== Other Programs ==


===ARMA-Youth===
==See also==
{{portal|Martial arts}}
*[[Swordsmanship]]


==References==
ARMA-Youth is an additional program emphasizing [[history]], [[physical fitness]], and the [[ethics]] of personal [[responsibility]] and [[service]] derived from the best [[Chivalry|Chivalric]] [[values]] of [[Western Civilization]]. ARMA-Youth seeks to offer [[kids]] and young [[teens]] a healthy approach to learning about Medieval and Renaissance [[martialism|martial culture]] and [[Europe|Europe’s]] [[historical European martial arts|martial heritage]].
{{reflist}}

Membership is open to kids 12 and older with parental permission. For those who have been an ARMA Youth for at least one year upon reaching their 18th [[birthday]], they automatically attain full ARMA membership in the adults program for free.

This program is still in its [[infancy]], and still lacks a great deal of structure and development.

===ARMA InTheatre (Defunct)===

While the ARMA is not about [[stage combat]], ARMA InTheatre is, and in a historically valid and martially sound manner. Though its focus has never been on [[choreography|choreographed]] [[theatrical]] fighting or [[stunt|stunt combat]], the ARMA has long perceived a need for a martially sound and historically accurate program of fight choreography instruction and certification. The ARMA Professional Stage Combat Certification Program was designed to fill this need.

ARMA InTheatre is a series of workshop classes as an alternative to more familiar and less realistic efforts. Designed and headed by a noted expert on stage combat, Keith Duklin, ARMA InTheatre is a complete system of weapon forms, allowing students to train from basic to advanced levels.

This program was disbanded shortly after its creation.

== Controversy and Criticism==

{{POV-section}}

Almost since its inception, the ARMA has been controversial. Director John Clements has been called “the most controversial person in the Western Martial Arts community”, and the ARMA is often criticized by many prominent members of the European martial arts world. Most of this controversy and criticism stems from the ARMA’s efforts to promote their own perception and interpretation of Renaissance martial arts. As both an educational and as a martial arts organization ARMA is focused on bringing their interpretations to the public and correcting the misconceptions and untruths about Renaissance martial arts.

[http://www.thearma.org/essays/TopMyths.htm Top Myths of Renaissance Martial Arts]


=== Martialism and Injuries ===

The ARMA’s stated focus on [[martialism]] is questionable to many practitioners of Renaissance martial arts because of claims of repeated injuries that have occurred during ARMA demonstrations and open sparring. However, due to its strong focus on safety ARMA actually has one of the best safety records of any martial art orgainizations. Those who claim ARMA has a history of injuries somehow manage to over look facts such as an instructor from the Stoccata School of Defense struck a fellow Stoccata instructor in the head with a sharp rapier causing a serious injury, a instructor for the Chicago Swordplay Guild broke his neck during a demonstration, and another member of the Chicago Swordplay Guild almost lost an eye when he was hit in his eye with a training dagger. That said, John Clements has a reputation within the rest of the Renaissance martial arts community for brutality and a tendency to disregard the safety of his training partners

ARMA does takes a hard line on the importance of intent and realism in any martial arts training. Of course, such an intense martial approach to martial art training appears to scare many of the people who are use to a more softer approach. In the words of a retired military officer who is well respected in the Western Martial Arts community and is not associated with ARMA:

"''They [ARMA members] are great people that take their training protocols 'outside the box' and work pretty 'close to the edge' as far as intensity and training safety is concerned. This IS NOT for everyone. You have to keep up your proficiecy up or else you WILL get yourself hurt. Not because they are by nature unsafe but because things are just racheted up a bit closer to reality. Some of it gets risky if you don't stay tuned up. From what I've seen of their programs, if you train hard and consistantly with the ARMA method you will be more than prepared. Don't think you can go once a month to 'Play' Longsword. You are going to get some busted knuckles. ARMA has a valid testing program that I've looked at. It is a test! and it is a challange. ARMA is not for everyone.''"

Because of its focus on intent and realism ARMA has been very appealing to people with military and law-enforcement backgrounds. The most notable among these is Matt Larsen, the Director of the U.S. Army Combatives [martial arts] Program and author of [[FM 3-25.150]].

=== Former Members ===

Though interaction with the greater community of Western Martial Artists, ARMA and it's director have inspired strong feelings on both ends of the scale. Supporters claim it's methods help them to learn, and generally have a high opinion of Clements. Detractors maintain that the the organisation and it's director are responcible for very bad conduct on several levels. Like other organizations ARMA has on occasion ejected members for misconduct or violation of the membership agreement. Disgruntled former members have been some of the harshest critics of the organization. A typical example of this kind of criticism is the [http://www.armatruth.com arma-truth] website who's owners claimed to be former members (their true identities were never posted on the web site). While the arma-truth web site, which is no longer functional, was extremely critical of the organisation and Director Clements most of the web site's content consisted of little more than jokes about the organization and its members. The arma-truth web site also displayed a large amount of private discussion text stolen from the organization's private forum, but this backfired on the owners of the web site since the discussion text showed ARMA's side of many issues.

=== Relationships with other organizations ===

ARMA has also been the subject of controversy due to its criticism of what it considers misconceptions currently popular in the Renaissance martial arts community. It openly rejects the claims of some [[fencing|sport fencing]] and [[classical fencing]] instructors to possess a “living lineage” of martial arts training extending back into the Renaissance. It likewise criticizes any instructor claiming the title of “master” of any Renaissance martial art. Finally, the ARMA has never been shy about pointing out what it perceives to be unrealistic and inefficient techniques employed by other organizations, holding their work to its own internal standards.

Other organizations maintain that strained relations between themselves and ARMA are only due in small part to the above disagreements. They point to specific actions on the part of Director Clements, such as his absolute refusal to give a historical basis to the shield style he describes in his book. The reader is directed to SPADA 2, one of the most respected publication in the Western Martial arts world, SPADA 2 ISBN 1-891448-35-8 In the footnotes of the article "Further thoughts on combat with large shields" it is pointed out that Clements has repeated refused to document his shield style.

The given reason stated by many for the ostracism of John Clements was his conduct at a seminar. Clements reportedly attempted to put his thumb into a man's eye after repeatedly failing a grappling technique on the man. This was witnessed by the entire class, instructors from the Tattershall School of Defense. [http://tattershall.org/ Tattershall] and the Stoccata School of Defense. [http://stoccata.org/ Stoccata] Either can be reached for comment. Clements is also reported to have injuried himself doing a Kata of his own design, which he calls a Flourish, by sticking the point of a longsword into his own thigh.

=== Scholarship ===

Both of John Clements' books have received some harsh reviews by Maestros, instructors, and researchers within the [[classical fencing]] and the [[historical fencing]] community.

*[http://www.classicalfencing.com/articles/martinez_review.shtml Review of Renaissance Swordsmanship by Maestro Ramon Martinez on ClassicalFencing.com]

*[http://www.chronique.com/Library/Reviews/review_clements.html Review of Medieval Swordsmanship by Brian Price]

*[http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=299 Review of Medieval Swordsmanship by Ken Mondschein on FightingArts.com]

*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0873649192/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/002-4830507-5875207?%5Fencoding=UTF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=-SubmissionDate&n=283155 Amazon.com Reviews of Renaissance Swordsmanship]

*[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/1581600046/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/002-4830507-5875207?%5Fencoding=UTF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=-SubmissionDate&n=283155 Amazon.com Reviews of Medieval Swordsmanship]


ARMA has also taken some debatable positions on some issues. Two notable ARMA positions are that "rapiers cannot cut" and that all parries with actual cutting blades should occur edge-to-flat rather than edge-to-edge.

===='''Edge-on-Edge'''====

Edge-on-edge parrying is one of the major isssues that separate ARMA from other groups. According to the ARMA interpretation parries with cutting blades are to be performed either by striking into the flat of an adversary's blade with the edge so as to displace the adversary's blade or by displacing the adversary's blow by receiving the edge of the adversary's blade on the flat of your blade. The reasoning behind ARMA's interpretation is that (A) it matches the techniques discribed by the historical masters, (B) it is more martially sound since the edge is not tied on the adversary's edge, allowing quicker execution of counter techniques, and (C) it does not damage the blade. The use of edge-on-edge parries is viewed as being as being a mis-interpretation due to the theatrical, role playing, and re-enactment background of many of the people in other groups.

It should be noted that edge-on-edge parrying is only an issue for cutting blades such as the [[longsword]], [[arming sword]], and [[side sword]]. Edge-on-edge parrying is not an issue for a thrusting blade such as found on a true [[rapier]], nor is it an issue when thrusting with a cutting blade.

[http://www.thearma.org/essays/edgemyth.htm Articles by John Clements discussing why edge-on-edge parries should not be used.]

[http://www.thearma.org/essays/damagededge.htm Article by John Clements discussing and showing damage caused by edge-on-edge parries.]

[http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s=e52716bf156ca7f7662ce2b9664a0254&threadid=48955 A discussion on SwordForum by Bladesmith & Swordmaker Kevin R. Cashen on damage caused by edge-on-edge parries]

[http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16177&highlight=edge+versus+flat One of the many discussions on SwordForum for and against the use edge-on-edge parries]

====Sparring Rules====
'''Rapiers without Edges'''
The ARMA advisement for sparring is that "For rapier fencing it is strongly suggested that the full body target be used (including the hand and foot). All thrusts to the torso, head, and neck should be counted as lethal. For true rapiers, slashes, slices, and draw-cuts should not be considered incapacitating or lethal." "Grappling (seizing arms & hilts) should be kept to a minimum..." [http://www.thearma.org/book/2nd.htm Link to ARMA article]

The primary criticism of the practice of ignoring the sharp edges of a rapier is that it introduces an unrealistic artifact to any sparring that occurs and leads to more grappling than might actually be reflected in a realistic encounter. However, from its research ARMA has concluded that grappling is a very realistic artifact of rapier fighting. Again, the criticism of grappling in rapier fighting seem to come from those who are use to a more softer approach to their martial training.

The practice of using cuts with a rapier is well documented in the historical record as shown by [[Salvator Fabris]](1606), [[Ridolfo Capo Ferro]](1610), Pacheco(1600), [[Joseph Swetnam]] (1617) and many other authors who describe cuts within their texts. Of course, it should be noted that there is not a single historical record of someone actually being killed by a rapier cut.

* Viggiani(1575) - "The strike can be of two sorts, either the cut or the thrust. The cut is either with the true edge of the sword or with the false edge."

* Giganti(1606) - "Hold the sword and dagger firmly in the hands: the dagger high, at times low, at times extended; the sword at times high, at times low, at times to the right side always in action of defence and attack, you wound the enemy, either with a point or cut, it is possible to defend and wound in one time."

* Capo Ferro(1610) - "The cuts need to be done as if slicing, because in this manner one comes to strike with all of the debole, because little by little one will come to cut with the sharpest part of the edge, and for this reason the cuts that descend are more vigorous than those that stop above the waist, to such extent that the said upper and lower parts are found to be more or less at apt measure to give slicing offenses." (Translation by J. Swanger)

* Swetnam(1617) - "if thou put thy thumbe upon thy Rapier according as I have set it down, calling it the naturall fashion, and is the first of three waies for holding of thy Rapier; and this fashion will bee a great strength to thee, to give a wrist blowe, the which blow a man may strike with his Rapier, because it is of small force, and consumes little time,..."

=== ARMA Response ===

John Clements' own thoughts on the controversy surrounding the ARMA can be found here: [http://www.thearma.org/essays/Rumor.htm ARMA Editorial: Rumors, innuendos, and half-truths].

== ARMA Member-Published Literature ==

Anglo, Sydney. ''The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe''. Yale University Press, 2000. ISBN 0300083521

Clements, John. ''Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques''. Paladin Press, 1998. ISBN 1581600046

Clements, John. ''Renaissance Swordsmanship : The Illustrated Book Of Rapiers And Cut And Thrust Swords And Their Use''. Paladin Press, 1997. ISBN 0873649192

Lindholm, David, & Peter Svärd. ''Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword''. Paladin Press, 2003. ISBN 1581604106

Lindholm, David, & Peter Svärd. ''Knightly Arts of Combat - Sigmund Ringeck's Sword and Buckler Fighting, Wrestling, and Fighting in Armor''. Paladin Press, 2006. ISBN 1581604998

Lindholm, David. ''Fighting with the Quarterstaff''. The Chivalry Bookshelf, 2006. ISBN 1-891448-36-6

Vail, Jason. ''Medieval and Renaissance Dagger Combat''. Paladin Press, 2006.

Zabinski, Grzegorz, with Bartlomiej Walczak. ''The Codex Wallerstein : A Medieval Fighting Book from the Fifteenth Century on the Longsword, Falchion, Dagger, and Wrestling''. Paladin Press, 2002. ISBN 1581603398


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official Website}}
*http://www.thearma.org/
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110116082248/http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/medieval-fight-book-5366/Overview#tab-Videos/09511_00 Medieval Fight Book (2011). A National Geographic show on the fight book of German fight master Hans Talhoffer]

*[http://chivalrytoday.com/podcast-39-chivalry-in-renaissance-martial-arts/ Podcast 39: Chivalry in Renaissance Martial Arts by Scott Farrell, February 24, 2010. An interview of John Clements, the director of the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts, on how the ideals of chivalry shaped, and were reflected in the culture and practices of civilian and military combat training in the 16th and 17th centuries.]

''This article includes paraphrases of material copyright John Clements. Used with permission.''



{{DEFAULTSORT:Association For Renaissance Martial Arts}}
[[Category:HEMA]]
[[Category:Historical European martial arts revival]]
[[Category:Martial arts organizations]]
[[Category:Martial arts organizations]]
[[Category:European martial arts]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations]]

Latest revision as of 02:37, 10 April 2024

Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (ARMA) is a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to the study and practice of historical European martial arts of the 15th to 17th centuries.[1][2]

ARMA was formed in 2001 under director John Clements as a continuation of the Historical Armed Combat Association (HACA, since 1992). As of 2006, the ARMA claimed a number of close to 500 paying members.[3] They also list a number of "Academic Consultants".[4]

History[edit]

The ARMA began in 1992 as the Historical Armed Combat Association (HACA),[1] a group led principally by Hank Reinhardt, an avid sword enthusiast. Reinhardt's objective was to provide an umbrella organization for individuals interested in Western swords and historical weaponry.[5] After John Clements took over the organization in 1993, the HACA saw the beginning of a series of reforms and the foundation of its first Study Group.[5] HACA began focusing more intently on the study and interpretation of the historical source literature of Renaissance Martial Arts, much of which was presented on the website[6] along with example training methods.

In 2001, the decision was made for the HACA to expand and evolve into what was believed would be a more effective educational organization for the study and practice of Medieval and Renaissance fencing. A supposedly more efficient study curriculum for practice had also been developed at this time using the source literature.[7] As one of the changes, the organization was renamed "the ARMA." 2001 also saw the introduction of a "national training program" (a series of seminars and workshops), ranking and certifications in the curricula, and the implementation of the basic philosophy and methodology used by the ARMA today.

The ARMA's conceptualization was also influenced by the work of Sydney Anglo, as presented in his work, The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (Yale University Press 2000), which is hailed as the first academic treatment of Western martial arts to be written in English.[8]

During the ARMA International Event in August, 2009, ARMA Director John Clements introduced to the ARMA membership a new curriculum for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE), referred to within ARMA as the "Rosetta Stone". Clements intended this new curriculum to be based on "how the historical masters were teaching the art".[9]

In September 2010 the ARMA became an official representative for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE) to the World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU).[10]

Curriculum[edit]

The ARMA aims at a reconstruction of historical techniques, avoiding "borrowings" from living traditions of martial arts or classical fencing.[11]

Wooden wasters and steel feather swords (Federschwert) are used for basic drilling and technique work, up to and including free-play. Padded contact-weapons, along with helmets and appropriate padding, were previously used for more intense free-play, including sparring at full speed and power, though these have fallen out of favor. Sharp replica swords are used only for testcutting and to teach students proper edge control and cutting technique.[12]

The body of training techniques and methods used by the ARMA is referred to as Armatura and includes distance and timing drills, footwork and cutting drills, striking and counter-strike exercises, grappling elements, and flourish drills.

The ARMA curriculum encompasses a variety of weapons and weapon combinations, armored and unarmored, including longsword, greatsword, single sword (cut & thrust), sword & buckler, sword & dagger, Messer, rapier, rapier & dagger, single dagger, polearm, and short staff. Kampfringen, a historical system of unarmed combat, is also taught, both as it relates to fighting with weapons and as a separate discipline.

Organization[edit]

Associate Members and Study Groups[edit]

Upon joining the ARMA, new members receive learning material. Lone members are Associates and three or four members who work together locally may apply to form official Study Groups. Non-members are allowed limited practice with members and Study Groups but are encouraged to join the organization.

In addition, regional Study Days, member Workshop events, and National Training Program Seminars are frequently held, and members in a given area may have the opportunity to attend at least one annually. Larger international gatherings are held less frequently. In both cases, senior students and expert instructors are invited to present classes, lectures, and National Training Program seminars to attendees. ARMA members are given priority in these events, and non-members may be prohibited from participating in certain Workshops. However, one- and two-day "open workshops" are offered in which non-member may attend.[13]

Outside the USA, there are Study Groups in Poland, Mexico, and Greece.[14]

ARMA's forum is also a principle means of community discussion within the organization, and currently contains over one thousand registered users.[15]

National Training Program[edit]

The National Training Program acts as the core instructive curriculum of ARMA, offering basic fundamental knowledge to participants so that they may study and progress on their own. The program content is a composite approach derived from the teachings of a variety of historical masters, and specifically designed for students and practitioners over extended distances who are without the benefit of competent instruction or practice partners. All of the knowledge required for rank advancement within the ARMA is covered in the NTP.[16]

The National Training Program provides training in six main areas, each featuring some subsets. These are the Longsword (NTP 1.x), the Sword and Dagger (NTP 2.x), the Rapier (NTP 3.x), unarmed fighting (NTP 4.x), dagger fighting (NTP 5.x), and armoured fighting (NTP 6.x).[16] However, the ARMA currently focuses on the Longsword, Sword and Dagger, and the Rapier as foundational instructional principles.[17]

Uniform and Rankings[edit]

The uniform worn by members of the ARMA consists of a red T-shirt and black sweatpants. Non-members who practice with ARMA study groups are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt and black sweatpants.

ARMA members of Provost rank wear instead a black T-shirt with red pants. (Senior students may also assume this uniform when offering instruction at official seminars.) There is also a recognized but optional ARMA formal "dress uniform," which consists of period-style clothing in the same color scheme.

ARMA ranking is somewhat informal and is based on the four-tiered system employed by the London Company of Masters, "Scholar", "Free Scholar", "Provost" and "Master".

All ARMA members are considered to possess the rank of "Scholar". Scholars who achieve sufficient command of the Armatura and basic principles of the ARMA program, and a matching knowledge of the fighting manuals and historical masters, are advanced to the rank of "Scholar Adept". Scholar Adepts who demonstrate considerable expertise in all areas of the ARMA training program and an advanced knowledge of the source material are considered for "Free Scholar" rank. Testing for either rank involves an extensive oral examination and the physical demonstration of technique, as determined by the instructors conducting the test. Qualifying for Free Scholar rank also requires a Prize Playing. Free Scholar testing may be administered by any Free Scholar. Free Scholar certification requires the oversight of two or more Free Scholars or the Director; by custom, as many Free Scholars as can be gathered are present to oversee such a test.

Unlike rankings in most martial arts organizations, Free Scholar rankings must be renewed; if a scholar has not advanced to a higher rank within four years of playing his prize, he must be retested in order to retain his current status. Free Scholar rankings are earned in a specific weapon, and a candidate must achieve a rank with the longsword before testing for any other weapon. At the present time, there are seven Free Scholars in the longsword, and no rank has been awarded in any other weapon (though such rank likely will be once the curricula for other weapons are fully established).

Above Free Scholar are the ranks of Provost, Senior Provost, and Master. At present the only holder of the rank Provost is former ARMA Deputy Director Aaron Pynynberg (now no longer part of ARMA). The ARMA considers it highly inappropriate at this juncture to consider naming any ARMA practitioner a "Master" of these extinct arts, as the ARMA believes that the restoration of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts is still in its infancy and no modern practitioner has contributed to the art enough to claim the title of "Master".[18]

Outside of this system, there is a purely academic distinction called "Senior Researcher" that is granted to ARMA scholars who contribute significantly to the general body of knowledge on historical fencing. The ARMA also has over a dozen "Expert Consultants" from different fields who have offered their knowledge and expertise to its efforts.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b About This article contains information about the goals and aims of the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts.
  2. ^ Renaissance Martial Arts Club Performs at Sunset Park, East Paradise News Archived 2011-07-10 at the Wayback Machine. Renaissance Men by Dave Rhea, SWORDs TODAY, JANUARY 2011.HACA's Research Trip to England: Visiting England's leaders in historical swordsmanship by Adrian Ko, Sword Forum Magazine Online, 1999 Archived December 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
  3. ^ Year in Review 2005 - "Our membership is now rapidly approaching the 500 mark..."
  4. ^ Experts This article lists the consultants with which ARMA maintains a relationship.
  5. ^ a b History of ARMA[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ Manuals A list of historical texts offered for free on the ARMA website.
  7. ^ The ARMA System for Historical Fencing and Study
  8. ^ Review: The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine by Greg Mele.
  9. ^ Our New Rosetta Stone Advancing Reconstruction of Forgotten European Fighting Arts
  10. ^ ARMA Inducted into the World Martial Arts Union. World Martial Arts Union: ARMA(the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts) Archived September 2, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. The WoMAU is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Foreign Ministry of South Korea, founded in 2001 at Konkuk University, Chungju, with the aim to "make Chungju a mecca of martial arts".
  11. ^ The Return of Western Sword Fighting by Jason M. Taylor, Black Belt Magazine, February 2010 Archived December 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ Methods -"The ARMA Training Methodology consists of using 4 tools for a well-rounded comprehensive understanding: blunt swords, wooden wasters, padded contact-weapons, and sharp blades."
  13. ^ Seminars - "We offer full 1 or 2-day ARMA Seminar events for non-members worldwide. ARMA open Seminars are open to ANYONE to attend, not just members."
  14. ^ ARMA Practice Partners List; an affiliated group is listed in Chile.
  15. ^ Forum - The automated activity log reads "We have 1074 registered users" as of July 23, 2007.
  16. ^ a b ARMA National Training Program
  17. ^ [1] The NTP currently focuses on three main areas: Medieval Long-Sword, Renaissance (cut & thrust) Short Sword, and Rapier. Other weapons and skills follow from these.
  18. ^ Modern "Masters" "It is a historical fact that there are not now, nor have there been for several centuries, any "Masters" of Medieval or Renaissance fighting arts."

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Association_for_Renaissance_Martial_Arts&oldid=1218161248"