Association for Renaissance Martial Arts
Encyclopedia
Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (ARMA) is an international
educational non-profit organization
dedicated to the study and practice of historical European martial arts
of the 15th to 17th centuries. The ARMA focuses on increasing proficiency with Medieval and Renaissance weaponry, offering authoritative information via a catalog of historical manuals
and articles, improving the relationship between practitioners and academics, and ultimately deepening the understanding of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts. It also focuses on promotion of information about the European martial heritage and fighting arts
, arms and armor.
In September 2010 the ARMA became an official representative for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE) to the World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU) when ARMA Director John Clements was officially seated as a delegate to the World Martial Arts Union's committee.
As of 2006, the ARMA claimed a number of less than 500 paying members. They also list a number of "Academic Consultants".
as well as Italian
, Spanish
, and Portuguese
means "weapon". The ARMA asserts that for 13th century French knights, arma also referred to 'the valor of a fighter'.
The "Renaissance" in the name is described as "doubly appropriate", referring both to the European Renaissance as the period of most of the surviving historical fencing manuals, and to a current "rebirth" of historical European martial arts.
, an avid sword enthusiast. Reinhardt's idea was to provide an umbrella organization
for individuals interested in Western sword
s and historical weaponry. In 1993, John Clements took over the HACA 1993 saw the beginning of reforms within the organization and the foundation of its first Study Group. HACA began focusing more intently on the study and interpretation of the historical source literature
of Renaissance Martial Arts, much of which was presented on the website along with example training methods.
As one of the changes, the organization was renamed "the ARMA." 2001 also saw the introduction of a "national training program" (a series of seminars and workshops), ranking and certifications in the curricula, and the implementation of the basic philosophy and methodology used by the ARMA today.
The ARMA's conceptualization was also influenced by the work of Sydney Anglo, as presented in his work, The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (Yale University
Press 2000), hailed as the first academic treatment of Western martial arts in English
" since it involves a change in the way ARMA reads and understands the writings of the historical masters. While other modern day scholars of the art turned to classical fencing pedagogy John Clements took the opposite view and focused on how the historical masters were teaching the art, as defined by the structure of their works. A core component of this new curriculum is the teaching that one cannot properly perform HEMA without using many techniques and principles at the center of the new curriculum. Clements holds that the techniques and principles needed to properly perform the art anywhere near how it was actually performed include audaciously seeking the bind and wind with feeling and Indes linked, knowing how to employ the Vaage (Scales) footwork[10], striking from the Kron, utilize the Krumphau, be in constant motion with accurate postures and dynamic footwork, as well as integrated Ringen, correct ideas on range and timing.
Their
"ARMA Study Approach" includes "researching period fighting manuals, literature and iconography combined with comparative analysis from hands-on experience using accurate replica arms and armor."
Interpretations of combat techniques are not accepted as valid until they have been tested under as realistic conditions as possible, or in other words, in practice at speed and power against a resisting opponent.
The ARMA confines itself to historical sources and weapons, and tries to avoid techniques that are not historical or are drawn from other martial systems (such as Asian fighting arts).
Wooden waster
s and Steel feather swords (Federschwert
) are used for basic drilling and technique work, up to and including free-play
. Padded contact-weapons, along with helmets and appropriate padding, were previously used for more intense free-play, including sparring at full speed and power, though these have fallen out of favor. Sharp replica swords are used only for testcutting, and to teach students proper edge control and cutting technique. Test-cutting experience and frequent intense free-play are heavily emphasized.
, drawing on many masters for its understanding of any given technique. The foundational weapon of the ARMA training program is the longsword
. This is due both to its nature as arguably the most popular and most versatile weapon of the time period, and because there is more source material available for the longsword than for any other weapon. All ARMA scholars begin training with the longsword, and with it learn universal principles of fighting that they then apply to other weapons as they continue their studies.
The body of training techniques and methods used by the ARMA is referred to as Armatura (a term borrowed from Roman
military
writers), and includes distance and timing drills, footwork and cutting drills, striking and counter-strike exercises, grappling
elements, and flourish drills.
The ARMA curriculum encompasses a variety of weapons and weapon combinations, armored and unarmored, including longsword
, greatsword, single sword
(cut & thrust), sword & buckler
, sword & dagger
, Messer, rapier
, rapier & dagger, single dagger, polearm, and short staff
. Kampfringen
, a historical system of unarmed combat, is also taught, both as it relates to fighting with weapons and as a separate discipline.
In addition, regional Study Days, member Workshop events, and National Training Program Seminars are frequently held, and members in a given area will probably have the opportunity to attend at least one annually. Larger international gatherings are held less frequently. In both cases, senior students and expert instructors are invited to present classes, lectures, and National Training Program seminars to attendees. ARMA members are given priority in these events, and non-members may be prohibited from participating in certain Workshops. However, one and two day "open workshops" are offered in which non-member may attend.
Outside the USA, there are Study Groups in Poland, Mexico, and Greece.
ARMA's forum is also an important means of community discussion within the organization, and currently contains over one thousand registered users.
The National Training Program provides training in six main areas, each featuring some subsets. These are the Longsword (NTP 1.x), the Sword and Dagger (NTP 2.x), the Rapier (NTP 3.x), unarmed fighting (NTP 4.x), dagger fighting (NTP 5.x), and armoured fighting (NTP 6.x). However, the ARMA currently focuses on the Longsword, Sword and Dagger, and the Rapier as foundational instructional principles.
Non-members who practice with ARMA study groups are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt and black sweatpants.
ARMA members of Provost
rank wear instead a black T-shirt with red pants. (Senior students may also assume this uniform when offering instruction at official seminars.) There is also a recognized but optional ARMA formal "dress uniform," which consists of period-style clothing in the same color scheme.
ARMA ranking is somewhat informal, and is based on the four-tiered system employed by the London Company of Masters
, "Scholar", "Free Scholar", "Provost" and "Master".
All ARMA members are considered to possess the rank of "Scholar". Scholars who achieve sufficient command of the Armatura and basic principles of the ARMA program, and a matching knowledge of the fighting manuals and historical masters, are advanced to the rank of "Scholar Adept". Scholar Adepts who demonstrate considerable expertise in all areas of the ARMA training program and an advanced knowledge of the source material are considered for "Free Scholar" rank. Testing for either rank involves an extensive oral examination and the physical demonstration of technique, as determined by the instructors conducting the test. Qualifying for Free Scholar rank also requires a Prize Playing
. Free Scholar testing may be administered by any Free Scholar. Free Scholar certification requires the oversight of two or more Free Scholars or the Director; by custom, as many Free Scholars as can be gathered are present to oversee such a test.
Unlike rankings in most martial arts organizations, Free Scholar rankings must be renewed; if a scholar has not advanced to a higher rank within four years of playing his prize, he must be retested in order to retain his current status. Free Scholar rankings are earned in a specific weapon, and a candidate must achieve a rank with the longsword before testing for any other weapon. At the present time, there are seven Free Scholars in the longsword, and no rank has been awarded in any other weapon (though such rank likely will be once the curricula for other weapons is fully established).
Above Free Scholar are the ranks of Provost, Senior Provost, and Master. At present is only one holder of the rank Provost, the ARMA's Deputy Director Aaron Pynynberg. The ARMA considers it highly inappropriate at this juncture to consider naming any ARMA practitioner a "Master" of these extinct arts, as the ARMA believes that the restoration of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts is still in its infancy and no modern practitioner has contributed to the art enough to claim the title of "Master".
Outside of this system, there is a purely academic distinction called "Senior Researcher" that is granted to ARMA scholars who contribute significantly to the general body of knowledge on historical fencing. The ARMA also has over a dozen "Expert Consultants" from different fields who have offered their knowledge and expertise to its efforts.
International
----International mostly means something that involves more than one country. The term international as a word means involvement of, interaction between or encompassing more than one nation, or generally beyond national boundaries...
educational non-profit organization
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
dedicated to the study and practice of historical European martial arts
Historical European martial arts
Historical European martial arts is a neologism describing martial arts of European origin, used particularly to refer to arts formerly practised, but having since died out or evolved into very different forms...
of the 15th to 17th centuries. The ARMA focuses on increasing proficiency with Medieval and Renaissance weaponry, offering authoritative information via a catalog of historical manuals
Fechtbuch
Martial arts manuals are instructions, with or without illustrations, detailing specific techniques of martial arts.Prose descriptions of martial arts techniques appear late within the history of literature, due to the inherent difficulties of describing a technique rather than just demonstrating...
and articles, improving the relationship between practitioners and academics, and ultimately deepening the understanding of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts. It also focuses on promotion of information about the European martial heritage and fighting arts
Historical European martial arts
Historical European martial arts is a neologism describing martial arts of European origin, used particularly to refer to arts formerly practised, but having since died out or evolved into very different forms...
, arms and armor.
In September 2010 the ARMA became an official representative for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE) to the World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU) when ARMA Director John Clements was officially seated as a delegate to the World Martial Arts Union's committee.
As of 2006, the ARMA claimed a number of less than 500 paying members. They also list a number of "Academic Consultants".
Name
The word arma in LatinLatin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
as well as Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
, Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
, and Portuguese
Portuguese language
Portuguese is a Romance language that arose in the medieval Kingdom of Galicia, nowadays Galicia and Northern Portugal. The southern part of the Kingdom of Galicia became independent as the County of Portugal in 1095...
means "weapon". The ARMA asserts that for 13th century French knights, arma also referred to 'the valor of a fighter'.
The "Renaissance" in the name is described as "doubly appropriate", referring both to the European Renaissance as the period of most of the surviving historical fencing manuals, and to a current "rebirth" of historical European martial arts.
The Historical Armed Combat Association
The ARMA began in 1992 as the Historical Armed Combat Association (HACA), a group led principally by Hank ReinhardtHank Reinhardt
Julius Henry Reinhardt was an American author, editor, science fiction fan, and noted armorer and authority on medieval weaponry. He wrote as Hank Reinhardt, the nickname by which he was widely known...
, an avid sword enthusiast. Reinhardt's idea was to provide an umbrella organization
Umbrella organization
An umbrella organization is an association of institutions, who work together formally to coordinate activities or pool resources. In business, political, or other environments, one group, the umbrella organization, provides resources and often an identity to the smaller organizations...
for individuals interested in Western sword
Sword
A sword is a bladed weapon used primarily for cutting or thrusting. The precise definition of the term varies with the historical epoch or the geographical region under consideration...
s and historical weaponry. In 1993, John Clements took over the HACA 1993 saw the beginning of reforms within the organization and the foundation of its first Study Group. HACA began focusing more intently on the study and interpretation of the historical source literature
Fechtbuch
Martial arts manuals are instructions, with or without illustrations, detailing specific techniques of martial arts.Prose descriptions of martial arts techniques appear late within the history of literature, due to the inherent difficulties of describing a technique rather than just demonstrating...
of Renaissance Martial Arts, much of which was presented on the website along with example training methods.
Transition to ARMA
In 2001, the decision was made for the HACA to expand and evolve into what was believed would be a more effective educational organization for the study and practice of Medieval and Renaissance fencing. An efficient study curriculum for practice had also been developed at this time using the source literature.As one of the changes, the organization was renamed "the ARMA." 2001 also saw the introduction of a "national training program" (a series of seminars and workshops), ranking and certifications in the curricula, and the implementation of the basic philosophy and methodology used by the ARMA today.
The ARMA's conceptualization was also influenced by the work of Sydney Anglo, as presented in his work, The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
Press 2000), hailed as the first academic treatment of Western martial arts in English
New "Rosetta Stone" Curriculum
During the ARMA International Event in August, 2009, ARMA Director John Clements introduced to the ARMA membership a new curriculum for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE). This new curriculum is referred to within ARMA as the "Rosetta StoneRosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone is an ancient Egyptian granodiorite stele inscribed with a decree issued at Memphis in 196 BC on behalf of King Ptolemy V. The decree appears in three scripts: the upper text is Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, the middle portion Demotic script, and the lowest Ancient Greek...
" since it involves a change in the way ARMA reads and understands the writings of the historical masters. While other modern day scholars of the art turned to classical fencing pedagogy John Clements took the opposite view and focused on how the historical masters were teaching the art, as defined by the structure of their works. A core component of this new curriculum is the teaching that one cannot properly perform HEMA without using many techniques and principles at the center of the new curriculum. Clements holds that the techniques and principles needed to properly perform the art anywhere near how it was actually performed include audaciously seeking the bind and wind with feeling and Indes linked, knowing how to employ the Vaage (Scales) footwork[10], striking from the Kron, utilize the Krumphau, be in constant motion with accurate postures and dynamic footwork, as well as integrated Ringen, correct ideas on range and timing.
World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU) Membership
In September 2010 the ARMA became an official representative for the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe (MARE) to the World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU) when ARMA Director John Clements was officially seated as a delegate to the World Martial Arts Union's committee.ARMA Credo
- Respect for History and Heritage
- Sincerity of Effort
- Integrity of Scholarship
- Appreciation of Martial Spirit
- Cultivation of Self-Discipline
Methodology
The ARMA greatly emphasizes both historical accuracy and martial efficiency, aiming at a true reconstruction of historical techniques, "borrowings" from living traditions of martial arts or classical fencing are consciously avoided. ARMA also avoids any entraction with any role-play and/or fantasy groups since those activities can inhibit developing real martial skills.Their
"ARMA Study Approach" includes "researching period fighting manuals, literature and iconography combined with comparative analysis from hands-on experience using accurate replica arms and armor."
Interpretations of combat techniques are not accepted as valid until they have been tested under as realistic conditions as possible, or in other words, in practice at speed and power against a resisting opponent.
The ARMA confines itself to historical sources and weapons, and tries to avoid techniques that are not historical or are drawn from other martial systems (such as Asian fighting arts).
Wooden waster
Waster
A waster is a practice weapon, usually a sword, and usually made out of wood, though nylon wasters are also available. The use of wood or nylon instead of metal provides an economic and safe option for initial weapons training and sparring, at some loss of genuine experience...
s and Steel feather swords (Federschwert
Federschwert
The Federschwert , or Fechtfeder , is a type of training sword used in Renaissance Fechtschulen to train safely at full speed and power...
) are used for basic drilling and technique work, up to and including free-play
Sparring
Sparring is a form of training common to many martial arts. Although the precise form varies, it is essentially relatively 'free-form' fighting, with enough rules, customs, or agreements to make injuries unlikely...
. Padded contact-weapons, along with helmets and appropriate padding, were previously used for more intense free-play, including sparring at full speed and power, though these have fallen out of favor. Sharp replica swords are used only for testcutting, and to teach students proper edge control and cutting technique. Test-cutting experience and frequent intense free-play are heavily emphasized.
Curriculum
Instead of focusing on any individual historical master, the ARMA's curriculum emphasizes fundamental principlesPrinciples
Principles may refer to:*Value *Principles and parameters*Principles...
, drawing on many masters for its understanding of any given technique. The foundational weapon of the ARMA training program is the longsword
Longsword
The longsword is a type of European sword designed for two-handed use, current during the late medieval and Renaissance periods, approximately 1350 to 1550 .Longswords have long cruciform hilts with grips over 10 to 15 cm length The longsword (of which stems the variation called the bastard...
. This is due both to its nature as arguably the most popular and most versatile weapon of the time period, and because there is more source material available for the longsword than for any other weapon. All ARMA scholars begin training with the longsword, and with it learn universal principles of fighting that they then apply to other weapons as they continue their studies.
The body of training techniques and methods used by the ARMA is referred to as Armatura (a term borrowed from Roman
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
writers), and includes distance and timing drills, footwork and cutting drills, striking and counter-strike exercises, grappling
Grappling
Grappling refers to techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving relative position, escaping, submitting, or injury to the opponent. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial...
elements, and flourish drills.
The ARMA curriculum encompasses a variety of weapons and weapon combinations, armored and unarmored, including longsword
Longsword
The longsword is a type of European sword designed for two-handed use, current during the late medieval and Renaissance periods, approximately 1350 to 1550 .Longswords have long cruciform hilts with grips over 10 to 15 cm length The longsword (of which stems the variation called the bastard...
, greatsword, single sword
Side-sword
The spada da lato or "side-sword" is the Italian term for the type of sword popular during the late 16th century, corresponding to the Spanish espada ropera....
(cut & thrust), sword & buckler
Buckler
A buckler is a small shield, 15 to 45 cm in diameter, gripped in the fist; it was generally used as a companion weapon in hand-to-hand combat during the Medieval and Renaissance, as its size made it poor protection against missile weapons but useful in deflecting the blow of...
, sword & dagger
Dagger
A dagger is a fighting knife with a sharp point designed or capable of being used as a thrusting or stabbing weapon. The design dates to human prehistory, and daggers have been used throughout human experience to the modern day in close combat confrontations...
, Messer, rapier
Rapier
A rapier is a slender, sharply pointed sword, ideally used for thrusting attacks, used mainly in Early Modern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.-Description:...
, rapier & dagger, single dagger, polearm, and short staff
Quarterstaff
A quarterstaff , also short staff or simply staff is a traditional European pole weapon and a technique of stick fighting, especially as in use in England during the Early Modern period....
. Kampfringen
Kampfringen
Ringen is the German language term for grappling .In the context of the German school of historical European martial arts during the Late Middle Ages and the German Renaissance, ringen refers to unarmed combat in general, including grappling techniques used as part of swordsmanship.The German...
, a historical system of unarmed combat, is also taught, both as it relates to fighting with weapons and as a separate discipline.
Associate Members and Study Groups
Upon joining the ARMA, new members receive learning material. Lone members are Associates and three or four members who work together locally may apply to form official Study Groups. Non-members are allowed limited practice with members and Study Groups, but are encouraged to join the organization.In addition, regional Study Days, member Workshop events, and National Training Program Seminars are frequently held, and members in a given area will probably have the opportunity to attend at least one annually. Larger international gatherings are held less frequently. In both cases, senior students and expert instructors are invited to present classes, lectures, and National Training Program seminars to attendees. ARMA members are given priority in these events, and non-members may be prohibited from participating in certain Workshops. However, one and two day "open workshops" are offered in which non-member may attend.
Outside the USA, there are Study Groups in Poland, Mexico, and Greece.
ARMA's forum is also an important means of community discussion within the organization, and currently contains over one thousand registered users.
National Training Program
The National Training Program acts as the core instructive curriculum of ARMA, offering basic fundamental knowledge to participants so that they may study and progress on their own. The program content is a composite approach derived from the teachings of a variety of historical masters, and specifically designed for students and practitioners over extended distances who are without the benefit of competent instruction or practice partners. All of the knowledge required for rank advancement within the ARMA is covered in the NTP.The National Training Program provides training in six main areas, each featuring some subsets. These are the Longsword (NTP 1.x), the Sword and Dagger (NTP 2.x), the Rapier (NTP 3.x), unarmed fighting (NTP 4.x), dagger fighting (NTP 5.x), and armoured fighting (NTP 6.x). However, the ARMA currently focuses on the Longsword, Sword and Dagger, and the Rapier as foundational instructional principles.
Uniform and Rankings
The uniform worn by members of the ARMA consists of a red T-shirt and black sweatpants.Non-members who practice with ARMA study groups are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt and black sweatpants.
ARMA members of Provost
Provost (martial arts)
In the London-based "Corporation of Masters of the Noble Science of Defence", or "Company of Masters", Provost was the third of four ranks, the others being Scholar, Free Scholar, and Master. A Free Scholar could not be accredited as a Provost until they have studied under a registered Master for...
rank wear instead a black T-shirt with red pants. (Senior students may also assume this uniform when offering instruction at official seminars.) There is also a recognized but optional ARMA formal "dress uniform," which consists of period-style clothing in the same color scheme.
ARMA ranking is somewhat informal, and is based on the four-tiered system employed by the London Company of Masters
Company of Masters
The Company of Maisters of the Science of Defence was an organisation formed in England during the reign of Henry VIII to regulate the teaching of the Arte of Defense or fencing, using a range of weapons, including the rapier, quarterstaff, and, most notably, the broadsword.This school of fencing...
, "Scholar", "Free Scholar", "Provost" and "Master".
All ARMA members are considered to possess the rank of "Scholar". Scholars who achieve sufficient command of the Armatura and basic principles of the ARMA program, and a matching knowledge of the fighting manuals and historical masters, are advanced to the rank of "Scholar Adept". Scholar Adepts who demonstrate considerable expertise in all areas of the ARMA training program and an advanced knowledge of the source material are considered for "Free Scholar" rank. Testing for either rank involves an extensive oral examination and the physical demonstration of technique, as determined by the instructors conducting the test. Qualifying for Free Scholar rank also requires a Prize Playing
Prize Playing
A Prize Playing was a test of martial skill popular in Renaissance England with the London-based Corporation of Masters of the Noble Science of Defence....
. Free Scholar testing may be administered by any Free Scholar. Free Scholar certification requires the oversight of two or more Free Scholars or the Director; by custom, as many Free Scholars as can be gathered are present to oversee such a test.
Unlike rankings in most martial arts organizations, Free Scholar rankings must be renewed; if a scholar has not advanced to a higher rank within four years of playing his prize, he must be retested in order to retain his current status. Free Scholar rankings are earned in a specific weapon, and a candidate must achieve a rank with the longsword before testing for any other weapon. At the present time, there are seven Free Scholars in the longsword, and no rank has been awarded in any other weapon (though such rank likely will be once the curricula for other weapons is fully established).
Above Free Scholar are the ranks of Provost, Senior Provost, and Master. At present is only one holder of the rank Provost, the ARMA's Deputy Director Aaron Pynynberg. The ARMA considers it highly inappropriate at this juncture to consider naming any ARMA practitioner a "Master" of these extinct arts, as the ARMA believes that the restoration of Medieval and Renaissance martial arts is still in its infancy and no modern practitioner has contributed to the art enough to claim the title of "Master".
Outside of this system, there is a purely academic distinction called "Senior Researcher" that is granted to ARMA scholars who contribute significantly to the general body of knowledge on historical fencing. The ARMA also has over a dozen "Expert Consultants" from different fields who have offered their knowledge and expertise to its efforts.
ARMA member-published literature
The following books were published by members of ARMA. Some of these authors are no longer members of the organization.- Anglo, Sydney. The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe. Yale University Press, 2000. ISBN 0-300-08352-1
- Clements, John. Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques. Paladin Press, 1998. ISBN 1-58160-004-6
- Clements, John. Renaissance Swordsmanship : The Illustrated Book Of Rapiers And Cut And Thrust Swords And Their Use. Paladin Press, 1997. ISBN 0-87364-919-2
- Clements, John et al. Masters of Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts: Rediscovering The Western Combat Heritage. Paladin Press, 2008. ISBN 978-1-58160-668-3
- Green, Thomas. Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO, 2001. ISBN 1-57607-150-2
- Knight, David James & Brian Hunt. Polearms of Paulus Hector Mair. Paladin Press, 2008. ISBN 978-1-58160-644-7
- Lindholm, David, & Peter Svärd. Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword. Paladin Press, 2003. ISBN 1-58160-410-6
- Lindholm, David, & Peter Svärd. Knightly Arts of Combat - Sigmund Ringeck's Sword and Buckler Fighting, Wrestling, and Fighting in Armor. Paladin Press, 2006. ISBN 1-58160-499-8
- Lindholm, David. Fighting with the Quarterstaff. The Chivalry Bookshelf, 2006. ISBN 1-891448-36-6
- Vail, Jason. Medieval and Renaissance Dagger Combat. Paladin Press, 2006.
- Zabinski, Grzegorz, with Bartlomiej Walczak. The Codex Wallerstein : A Medieval Fighting Book from the Fifteenth Century on the Longsword, Falchion, Dagger, and Wrestling. Paladin Press, 2002. ISBN 1-58160-339-8
External links
- Association for Renaissance Martial Arts
- Medieval Fight Book (2011). A National Geographic show on the fight book of German fight master Hans Talhoffer
- http://chivalrytoday.com/podcast-39-chivalry-in-renaissance-martial-arts/Podcast 39: Chivalry in Renaissance Martial Arts by Scott Farrell, February 24, 2010. An interview of John Clements, the director of the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts, on how the ideals of chivalry shaped, and were reflected in the culture and practices of civilian and military combat training in the 16th and 17th centuries.]