Medieval European Martial Arts Guild
The Medieval European Martial Arts Guild is a modern-day fechtschule (fencing-school) devoted to the study, training, and reconstruction of the combative arts developed in Europe during the Middle-Ages and Renaissance. The M.E.M.A.G.'s studies focus on the Kunst des Fechtens (Art of Fighting) of Master Johannes Liechtenauer, who lived in what is now Germany in the fourteenth century. Master Liechtenauer’s art has survived the treacherous passage of time in the form of several fechtbucher (fight-books) written by various Masters from within his long-lived tradition. It is from these writings that MEMAG has devised interpretations and accompanying curriculums that are used to instruct modern students in the ways of the Medieval German Masters of the Kunst des Fechtens. MEMAG currently has schools in three locations which hold regular classes in the use of several types of Medieval weaponry.
History
The Medieval European Martial Arts Guild was officially founded in March 2006 by Cory Winslow, John Bax, and Joshua Reptsik. It was the aim of all involved to create a fellowship of dedicated researchers, practitioners and instructors of Historical European Martial Arts who would aid each other in their endeavors and help resurrect these lost arts. Later, Robert Koulakjian and Chuck Wyatt joined the ranks of MEMAG instructors, adding new insight and observations to MEMAG’s interpretations.
Training Philosophy
MEMAG believes that in order for students to become proficient in the use of medieval weaponry they must practice the forms laid down by the Masters earnestly and repeatedly until they have internalized them. It is the repetition of these forms and techniques coupled with discussions on and experimentation with tactics and strategy that form the basis for training at our schools. Student are not allowed to bout openly or engage in practice-combat freely until they have proven to the instructors that they have internalized these forms and strategies to the point that they no longer need to think of them before using them. Doing this ensures that only effective and historical techniques are learned and nothing detrimental is introduced to a student’s practice.
New students may join any class at any time. All new students start at the beginning of the curriculum of the class they are in. They first learn a bit of history about the Art they are studying, then move on to stance, footwork, how to grip the weapon, how to attack with the weapon, and basic tactics. After they have been observed to have learned these basics by the instructor, they are allowed to move on the next level of training. This is repeated until the entire curriculum has been covered and internalized. Training is done individually, in pairs, and in groups.
Disciplines
Longsword
Ringen
Sword and Buckler
Dagger
Rappier
Messer
Staff/Spear
Pollaxe
Ranks
These ranks and the holders of them are only recognized within MEMAG and any other accepting organization. These ranks can be attained in each discipline.
Permanent Ranks
Lehrling (Apprentice/Scholar) - Symbolized by the Buffalo, holders of this rank are novice students in MEMAG. This rank is achieved upon joining the MEMAG.
Geselle (Journeyman/Free Scholar) - Symbolized by the Deer, holders of this rank are proficient students in MEMAG, and sometimes aid in teaching. This rank is achieved upon completing all training in various techniques and principles in this level, correctly performing a mirror-fencing form consisting of these same techniques within a time limit, correctly performing in 21 random encounters with an instructor, winning 10 sparring matches against other practitioners, and being a member of MEMAG for a specified length of time
Vorfechter (Advanced-Fencer/Provost) - Symbolized by the Falcon, holders of this rank are advanced students in MEMAG and assistant teachers. This rank is achieved upon completing training in various additional techniques in this level and first-aid, correctly performing a mirror-fencing form consisting of these same additional techniques within a time limit, correctly performing in 33 random encounters with an instructor, winning 33 sparring matches against other practitioners within MEMAG, translating at least 3 pages of primary source documents, owning and properly maintaining a piece of specified equipment, journeying to at least 2 other recognized schools, winning at least 5 sparring matches at these other schools, re-completing the Lehrling test, helping to give instruction to Lehrling students on at least 10 occasions, holding a rank of at least Geselle in 1 other discipline at MEMAG, and being a member of MEMAG for a specified length of time.
Meister (Master/Teacher) - Symbolized by the Lion, holders of this rank are teachers at MEMAG and may run their own school. This rank is achieved upon completing training in various additional techniques in this level and traditional healing methods, correctly performing a mirror-fencing form consisting of these same additional techniques within a time limit, correctly performing in 50 random encounters with an instructor, winning 100 sparring matches against other practitioners within MEMAG, refereeing at least 50 sparring matches, translating at least 20 pages of primary source documents, journeying to at least 5 other recognized schools, winning at least 20 sparring matches at these other schools, re-completing the Lehrling and Geselle tests, giving instruction to Lehrling and Geselle students on at least 50 occasions, holding a rank of at least Geselle in 2 other disciplines and at least Vorfechter in 1 other, passing a teaching exam, teaching at least 1 seminar outside of MEMAG, taking on all comers while playing the prize, engaging in 3 matches with a Meister, and being a member of MEMAG for a specified length of time. One who has attained the rank of Meister will enter a probationary period of one year, at the end of which he will be critiqued by his peers. During this time he must further progress in his studies and continue to contribute to MEMAG and the HEMA community. If his peers find that he has met their standards he is granted the rank of full Meister and his probation ends. If he does not meet his peers' standards then he enters another probationary period of one year and the process repeats.
Provisional Ranks
Instructor - One who teaches at MEMAG in the absence of any members who hold the rank of Meister. Holders of this rank are expected to work their way up to the rank of Meister.
Assistant Instructor - One who assistant-teaches at MEMAG in the absence of any members who hold the rank of Vorfechter. Holders of this rank are expected to work their way up to the rank of Vorfechter.
Schools Within MEMAG
Halbinsel Fechtschule
The Halbinsel Fechtschule (Peninsula Fencing-School) in Salisbury, Maryland was the first School to open its doors within MEMAG. Today it is still the headquarters of the Guild, has the highest number of regular students, and hosts a variety of Guild events yearly.
Brücke Fechtschule
Pennsauken, NJ. USA School
Elkton Fechtschule
Elkton, MD. USA School
See also
- Historical European martial arts
- German school of fencing