WMA training in Wellington

[Callum]

Just to let people know that we are resuming WMA classes in Upper Hutt on February 10th out of the Upper Hutt Martial Arts Academy on Queen Street, Saturdays from 11.30 AM to 1 PM before our normal Order of the Boar mounted training from 2 PM onwards.

Our core system is 1.33 and we offer beginners a 6 week course in this system where they can learn enough of the system to spar competently.

We also cover Fiore in depth once students understand the basics of 1.33 and our class covers both 1.33 and Fiore, similar to Colin's approach but we only offer 1.33 and Fiore.

While part of the Order of the Boar, the WMA classes are not living history/re-enactment focused so many of our students come from other backgrounds. However if people want to advance to steel weapons we do require that they obtain correct period costume and armour.

Order of the Boar WMA costs $30 per month.

[Colin]

I'll possibly be in Wellington week starting Feb. 12

I've been told it is a 95% likelihood.

As usual, I'm doubly keen to get in touch with Wellingtonians to do some WMA training.

This is in all probability the last time I get a free ticket to Wellington.

State what night you want, and what you want me to cover (or teach me even).

[Anyad]

[Colin]

That's great! PM me your address. I'll probably be staying at the Just Hotel.

What do you want me to cover?

[Colin]

Update: I will be in Wellington during the aforementioned dates.

[Phil Berghan-Whyman]

Hi Colin,

A few people have expressed interest in covering some period rapier techniques. So would it be possible to run something along that line?

[Colin]

Yes, do those people have their own rapiers? Last night I had an influx of new students, so my spares will have to remain here in Auckland (Good for me up here, bad for you down there)

[Colin]

I'll be in Wellington June 18 - 20.

I can devote some time towards WMA activities to anyone interested.

I could, perceivably, be in Wellington Sunday (afternoon/evening) if that helps a WMA-meet.

[Phil Berghan-Whyman]

Thats inside Dayna due period for baby, so unless we are learning sword and catchers mitt, I may have to pass. I suspect some of the others may be keen though.

[Callum]

Hi Colin,

Spoke to the team here at training yesterday and they are all keen. So we'll sort something out in Upper Hutt for the Tuesday night. I will also extend the invitation to the wider Wellington re-enactment community as well.

Callum.

[Colin]

Seeing that I'm moving to Wellington this coming weekend, what WMA styles would (Wellington) people like to do?

I'm not, initially, bring a lot of gear and I'm imagining for the first few months it being ad hoc. At this stage I don't intend to be involved in re-enactment, but that could change.

I'll be bringing a few cutlasses if people are interested in some 18th century maritime WMA BTW. I believe rum should be a compulsory part of training

Some, but certainly not restricted, ideas include:

The Liechtenaur tradition of medieval German martial arts
Fiore dei Liberi corpus of medieval Italian martial arts
English Two handed sword (medieval too)
Early 17th century Italian rapier
Renaissance Spanish rapier
English Renaissance short sword and quarterstaff
18th/19th century military sabre/cutlass or Scottish broadsword
19th century English bare knuckle boxing

[NigelT]

Sorry to sidetrack the thread, but what is 18th century maritime WMA? Is this a variant of something else designed to be used by sailors? I'm curious about it's purpose and how it might differ from other styles.

Back on the main topic - yes I'm keen to participate in training with you from time to time... although my life is moving into a hectic time over the next month, so not sure when. Drop me a note, or via Dayna and Phil when you get here. Let's get you settled in first.

Nigel

[Colin]

The cutlass is a style of sword eminently more suited to ships (riggings, lower decks and so on and so forth). In practice it is the same as (military) sabre, but with the caveat that the thumb is more exposed (compared to military sabre). It is also shorter than its erstwhile cousin. It is designed to be used by sailors.

Ideally it should be practiced with an eyepatch, peg-leg, parrot (or monkey) and a bottle of rum in the left hand

A school in the USA has the added advantage over me in that they do their trainings aboard an actual ship

IMO it is quite fun. For those that have done the stage fighting stuff before there bears some similarities, but unlike stage fighting it is designed for actual combat, so it tends to be both a boon and bane in the same breath. A boon in that some of the terminology is the same, but a bane in that the mechanics are different (it is, afterall, designed to work.) Still, the differences are not insurmountable for those willing to learn.

[Colin]