[Heather Gent]

Hi all,

I'm seeking someone who lives in or around my area to help me further my education in medieval swordsmanship. I used to live in an area where the SCA was active and learned some basics there, but I find that books can only take you so far before your head starts to spin - I like to learn "hands on". I have searched the Yellow Pages and the web without success and the local SCA is non-extant. There are plenty of people who teach Rennaissance - style, fencing or Asian martial in this country, but the medieval specialists are thin on the ground, it seems.

I live on the north end of Australia's Sunshine Coast, so if anyone knows where they can direct me, I would certainly appreciate it. (North of Brisbane up to Maryborough, as far inland as Toowoomba and Kenilworth, if anyone feels inclined to pull out their atlas ).

I have enjoyed reading this site, very informative.

[Jason Dingledine]

Hi Heather,

Here are some links that I pulled from Stephen Hand's sig. line on another forum. I've met Stephen once, and was very impressed by his personality, and the class he taught at WMAW last year.

My sense of geography is horrible (usually can't find my way out of a paper bag without direction on how to get there), so I'm not sure how far away from Sydney you are. Here are the links though, hope they are helpful. I haven't had a chance to look at them yet, just copied them.

http://www.aushistswordplayfed.org/

http://www.stoccata.org/stoccata.nsf

http://www.scherma-tradizionale.org/

[Bill Grandy]

My sense of geography's awful too, Jason, so don't feel bad. I was also going to shout, "Stephen Hand's the guy to talk to, he's in Australia!" But then I immediately realized that I had no idea if he was near or far.

Heather, while I realize books can only take you so far, have you looked into a book called Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship by Christian Henry Tobler? It's an excellent book that's easy to understand, and the layout is great along with easy to follow photographs. It may help you until you can find a study group.

Good luck!

[Heather Gent]

Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated I will certainly check out both sources.

I'm about 1200kms from Sydney or so... give or take a 100 ks... about 750 miles. But that's OK *grin* because I have family down there, so if nothing else I can certainly look him up. One of those has a Brisbane contact, so we're off to a start, anyhow.

Thanks again!

[Sean Flynt]

Have a look at www.thearma.org, Heather. I think you'll find it fascinating and a great reference for historically accurate western martial arts training. You'll find a practice partners page there and, I think, a listing for ARMA-Australia.

[Heather Gent]

Thankyou, Sean.