Have you come across existing WMA masters?: Since I started researching in Scotland in 2001 I've managed to find: Stickfighting (single-stick) was still taught as a training weapon for the sabre by at least one fencing master (Prof Bert Bracewell) in Scotland well into the late 80's, early 90's The Single-stick art was revived in the Royal Navy by Locker Madden back in the 1980's, he's now retired but works for Aberdeen Uni (and is still single-stick Champ) Willie Baxter, backhold wrestling coach practiced dirk knife-fighting 50 years ago. John Wesencraft, one of the few persons to learn the combative 'Dirk Dance' which resembles a kata/dance much like Indonesian Silat These guy's are in their 70's and don't see themselves as the holders of styles or systems, they don't advertise and just do what they do..... I'm hoping there are a lot more.... Louie
No just people whom I would rather not be on the other end of stick from. UNfortunately I doubt ther any near where I am.
In England: Matt Easton doing Fiore del Libere(longsword, dagger, wresteling ++) Dave Rawlings doing I-33 and german longsword Anywhere (but resides in Germany/Norway Colin richards doing talhoffer dagger, I-33, Fiore del Libere(longsword, dagger, wresteling ++) USA (I know it's big, but I'm crap in USA geography) Bob Cherrone teaching and publishing Fiore del Libere All of theese can be tracked down via "http://www.Swordforum.com"
Also, please check out the BFHS, British Federation of Historical Swordplay, a lot of very knowledgable people there as well. Regards Rob
Bfhs Welcome Robb, I've had the opportunity of attending a couple of seminars held by Paul MacDonald from Edinburgh. He's in big demand at the moment teaching around the world...... Edinburgh Mappers take note! I also faced a number of BFHS members at the Milingavie Highland Games Single-Stick tournament.... Great fun but I hope to do better this year!!!! BFHS info can be found at; http://www.hadesign.co.uk/BFHS/home.htm Louie
The Russians are coming! Hi Rob.... If you want to start a thread and expand our knowledge of Russian MA history and any surviving traditional folk styles... Please do! Louie