Believe it or not, WMAW is only a month away! Response has been fantastic, and we only have about 15 slots left before the event is full!
If you haven't been to the site for awhile, you will see that we have uploaded descriptions of Craig Johnson's two lectures:
Quote: |
Some Unique Weapons in the Western Martial Context
The diversity of weapons in the western martial culture of the medieval and renaissance period is immense. The sword did not stand alone as many options where available to the combatant of the day. The wide variety in weapon design created some interesting developments as weapon makers and combatants strived for an advantage. This interactive demonstration will be exploring some of the physical attributes and qualities of these weapons and a discussion of what advantages and disadvantages might arise from their use. |
and
Quote: |
Sword Manufacture in the Medieval and Renaissance Period
A brief overview of what the most likely models for sword manufacture in the historical period would have been like and a discussion of the range of quality that these pieces encompassed. How this relates to the use of these swords in historic style combat will be looked as well as the implications this has for our interpretation of period combat. |
If you have already registered for classes, you do not have to register to attend lectures - they are open attendance, but if you will dropping out of a practicuum to attend either presentation, please let the registrar know so that he can adjust registration numbers.
Now, as always happens with a large event with an international instructor base, there's always a wrinkle or two before the event. Unfortunately, this year we have two.
I'm sorry to announce that Terry Brown will not be able to attend this year's event. Terry hurt his back rather badly a while ago, and we've been waiting to see if he would be recovered enough to hop the pond. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that he will be, so rather than have to cancel at the last minute, Terry asked that we reschedule his classes.
Principles of the True Fight 1, scheduled for Thursday morning, has not yet had a replacement scheduled, so stay tuned for updates. The three hour Silver class on Saturday will be covered by Paul Wagner of the Stoccata School of Defence. Paul will look at the basic principles of the True Fight, using the single sword as the vehicle, and then show how those same principles are applied to other weapons. Students are asked to bring the same equipment previously noted (substitute a fencing mask for boxing headgear), and a quarterstaff/polearm if possible. There will be a limitted supply of staves available for use during class, first come/first serve.
Our second cancellation is Mr. Craig Gemeiner. Unfortunately, Craig had a family event come up and had to cancel his planned US vacation, which obviously eliminated his availability to attend WMAW. I think I'm as disappointed as anyone, since it has been almost eight years since Craig taught at an American WMA event. We are scheduling his replacement class now, which will likely be on the Italian rapier. As soon as the replacement is available, I will announce it.
With any class change, you will automatically be put into the new class unless you contact the registrar to alter your registrations.
I apologize for any inconveniences this causes, as well as the late date of the changes. Tardiness in the announcement is my fault, as travel delayed me for a few weeks in arranging replacement classes.
Look for more news in the next few days!
Gregory Mele
WMAW Programming Chair