MASHS - Links

The Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts. Another leading organization in the re-creation and practice of historic European sword arts. Lots of information, and down-loadable resources. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. David Cvet, Director.

Established by Colin Richards, this German based school focuses on the works of Fiore di Liberi.

Formerly the Historic Armed Combat Association, the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts, or ARMA, is one of the preeminent organizations devoted to the study of western martial arts. The ARMA website is extensive, with a great deal of info on ARMA's approach, and a great general forum. The online reference sources are full of historical manuals and other resources that can be downloaded. Based in Houston, Texas. John Clements, Director.

Another great group of western martial art practitioners, based of course in Chicago. Greg Mele and Mark Rector co-founders. Greg's work at Sword Symposium International is well-known, and Mark has written several well received books. CSG has supported MASHS in numerous and significant ways, for which we are very appreciative.

Another leading organization in the re-creation and practice of Western Martial Arts and Historic Swordsmanship. Also another great site. Based in England. Rob Lovett, Director.

Another Maryland based study group specializing in European Martial Arts. HMSS and MASHS are closly related. Steve Huff, founder of the HMSS, is a long time fencing comrade of Larry Tom's; and Larry is a visting instructor at HMSS. Steve Huff, Director.

Another leading group in the Western Martial Arts community, based in England. Milo's work on Hope's New Method is well received. Milo Thurston, Director.

Maestro Ramon Martinez is a well respected sword master not only for his work in Classical Fencing but more significantly for his work in the Spanish style of Rapier. This is the website of his school. Some very fine photos. Based in New York City.

Formed in August of 2009 and headed by Jake Norwood, Maryland Kunst Des Fechtens is a Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) club focusing on the Medieval Germanic traditions under and expanded from Johannes Liechtenauer. As a group, Maryland KDF mainly focuses on Longsword with a compliment of grappling. MKDF also cycles through training in the use of the dagger, sword & buckler, messer, staff and other polearms, dussack and the cut & thrust family of swords.

This historic European martial arts group is located in Salisbury, MD, and is dedicated to the study of German style medieval weapon systems. Cory Winslow, director.

This is the school of Maestro Sean Hayes, one of today's pre-eminent masters of Classical fencing. The focus of the academy is on Classical Italian foil, epee and sabre. Maestro Hayes also teaches classes in the Italian rapier of Capo Ferro, and the English sword arts of George Silver. Based in Eugene, Oregon.

Run by Steven and Kara Reich, NoVA-Assalto is a school dedicated to the interpretation and practice of 16th century Bolognese swordsmanship and other contemporary Italian sword arts. Steven Reich is one of the premier researchers and instructors of this system and the website is a great source of information and resources for students and practitioners. NoVA-Assalto is based in Arlington, Virginia.

Located in Alexandria, Virginia the Order of the Seven Hearts is Tom Leoni's own school devoted to the research, analysis, practice and teaching of the Italian Renaissance sword arts. Special emphasis is on the Scienza d'Arme of the great rapier master Salvator Fabris, and the cut and thrust sword arts of the Bolognese school. A great website for information on Fabris and Italian swordsmanship.

Bob Charron is the acknowledged expert in the Flos Duellatorum of Fiore dei Liberi, He is a consummate researcher, a well-respected teacher, and a dedicated practitioner of this Italian medieval martial art system. This is his school, located in Madison, Wisconsin.

This California based WMA school is dedicated to the study and practice of medieval combat systems with a special focus on Fiore dei Liberi, and the use of the poleaxe. Schola Saint George also annually host one of the premier WMA symposiums. Brian Price, Director.

Christian Tobler is one of the leading experts in the German school of medieval combat, especially as embodied in the manuscript of Johannes Liechtenauer. This is his school, located in Oxford, Connecticut.

This is the website of one of the pre-eminent WMA/HES groups in Australia. Co-founder Stephen Hand is reknown for his work on I.33, George Silver and Vincentio Saviolo. Stephen Hand, Director.

Another fine WMA group based in England, with focus on the rapier.

Swordplay Alliance produces custom made rapier hilts along with a variety of other edged weapons. And they offer instruction in rapier, rapier and dagger and broadsword/shield and katana dueling.

The Tattershall School of Defense is an active group of practitioners of historic swordsmanship, especially of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. Members are dedicated to the preservation and teaching of these arts, as well as fencing of the Classical period. The Tattershall School of Defense is based in Phoenix, Arizona. William Wilson, Director.

A new umbrella organization and website for historic and classical fencing, centered around Maestro Ramon Martinez and his Academy of Arms in New York City.

The HEMA Alliance (HEMAA) is a service organization for the Historical European Martial Arts community. It is incorporated as an educational non-profit in order to provide a wide range of services from a stable core whose educational mission is legally bound by open bylaws and democracy.

The IOSP is a worldwide service organization for those who study and practice staged combat for theatre and film. The organization has a specific focus on the education of fight directors and choreographers of historical combat.

Here's an excellent publisher of new books and reprints covering a wide range of topics related to WMA and HES. The authors of the new titles include many of today's familiar and well respected practitioners, including Bob Charron, Stephen Hand, Mark Rector, Christian Tobler, William Wilson, and soon to be, our own Tommaso Leoni. Check this site.

Here is a thorough listing of clubs, schools, organizations and individual practitioners of classical fencing and HES, based geographically. Other informational resources as well. Compiled and maintained by Kim Moser.

This is the website of William Wilson, another leader in the study of historic swordplay, especially cut and thrust weapons and rapiers. There's alot of online resources as well as excerpts from his text on Renaissance fencing.

From the Higgins Armory, here's a very useful link to the definitions of the terminology associated with the medieval German Longsword. Thanks to Paul Wiedorn for bringing this to us.

This site provides a wealth of resources on historic arms. Features include photo galleries of both private and museum collections, essays, discussion forums, and a weapons comparison chart. This last is a unique feature that allows the browser to compare, side by side, any number of modern replicas of swords from various sword makers and vendors.

Another great site for sword enthusiasts and practitioners, with a multitude of forums on various topics related to sword arts.

As mentioned above, this is Tom Leoni's site on Italian Renaissance swordsmanship. There are a great number of research sources and articles to be found on this site. Look here, especially for information on the great masters of the Bolognese School, and on the great rapier master Salvator Fabris.

A great site for anyone interested in swords and swordsmanship. There is an online magazine, and several forums.

Albion Armorers provides some of the finest reproduction weapons and armor. Included are swords by DelTin, Jim Hrisoulas, Al Massey, Jody Sampson, Randal Graham, and their own custom Albion Mark items. Albion's product line is some of the finest, their service is great, and Howy and Amy are terrific people to work with.

Alchem makes some decent looking rapiers and daggers for a reasonable price. Some nice hilt designs, as well as a 40" schlager blade of their own. Haven't handled them myself, but well worth a look.

Arma Bohemia is another Czech sword maker. Haven't handled their weapons, but what's on the website looks good.

This is a Czech Republic based hand crafted sword manufacturer. The gallery photos of their weapons and armour suggest some good quality items. Sword Forum International endorses ARMART, so its worth a look.

This company, based in Scotland, manufactures a wide range of weaponry from antiquity to the 17th century. They have some very nice looking rapiers and Scottish basket hilts. Nicely priced too. One of the MASHS members owns their falchion and it is a very good piece. Well worth a look.

Arms and Armor is one of the leaders in the production of historic weapons and armor. All items are hand made, finely crafted, historically accurate, and fully functional. A&A's swords are truly exquisite.

ASA Swordworks is a distributor of Atrim Swords.

Fast becoming the weapon of choice among MASHS rapier fencers, Darkwood Armory provides historically accurate rapier hilts with a variety of blades. Among these is the Del Tin Practice and Rebated Rapier blades. Darkwood's daggers are also excellent.

A good source for wooden training swords, or wasters. Many different sword types and styles. Also manufactures authentic crossbows.

Lutel is another Czech Republic based manufacturer of replica swords that has had favorable reviews. The weapons look well crafted. Worth a look.

Wooden swords, also called wasters, are a basic training weapon for Medieval sword arts, and early Renaissance cut and thrust weapons. Purple Heart Armory makes some of the best wasters available. Excellant weapons, excellant prices, and excellant service.

For those interested in the Colonial period of WMA, here is a site with a very, very nice selection of hand forged tomahawks and knives.

This vendor makes quality period weapons for stage combat. The smallswords are well made, handle well, and are reasonably priced.

Here's the site of a supplier of authentic 18th century reproduction items. Link to the swords section of their website to fine reproduction smallswords that would be suitable for use by MASHS smallsword practitioners.

A very fine maker of aluminum longsword simulators, Swordcrafts' products are recommended highly by many practitioners, including those in MASHS.

Swordplay Alliance produces custom made rapier hilts along with a variety of other edged weapons. And they offer instruction in rapier, rapier and dagger and broadsword/shield and katana dueling.

Kult of Athena is a vendor that carries several manufacturer's weapons and equipment suitable for historic swordsmanship including Arms and Armor, Albion, DelTin, Tinker Pearce, and Hanwei.

By The Sword is a pretty good medieval reproduction site with alot of things ranging from armor, clothing, leatherwork, to handmade longbows done the traditional way.

Here's another good site with links to a wide variety of sources for swords, armor, historical combat, and historical resources. Therion is the US distributor for the Czech sword makers, Arms and Armor Manufacture.

Formerly a part of Triplette Competition Arms, Zen Warrior Armory provides weapons, equipment, and fencing garb suitable for the SCA and theatrical fencer. Many of the MASHS members use their equipment. Consult with Larry before ordering any weapons.

Here is a list of some of the on-line vendors of modern sport fencing equipment. Each provides a good range of masks, jackets, gloves, chest protectors, etc. If you're studying the dueling sword, you can purchase your epees from these vendors. Feel free to peruse these sites, but consult with Larry before ordering any equipment.

For those studying the dueling sword, here's a list of vendors that carry high quality reproductions of period French and Italian epees, and associated accessories. These are excellent weapons. Consult with Larry before ordering.

A collection of on line sources for period costumes and garb, arms and armor, footwear, materials, accessories, and books.