Academy of Historical Fencing

In 1996, Michael Thomas, Nick Thomas, Tim Jones and John Washbourne began training weekly in Chepstow, the four had met through re-enactment and the weekly sessions were intended for sword practice.  The training sessions quickly became less and less about re-enactment combat and more about competitive martial arts.  A number of other re-enactors and friends began to train over the years as an informal members club.

Over the years, the competitive combat develped into a martial form, as new historical manuals and translations began to arise, training weapons and protective gear was refined, fencing masks introduced in order to allow proper contact.  At this point the club focused on 17th century weapon forms associated with the period of re-enactment several members practiced, which included hanger fighting, basket hilted backswords, sword and buckler and rapiers.  Longswords were also introduced.

In 2006, the four previously mentioned members got together to train as an open club in Newport, with Michael Thomas and Nick Thomas managing the club and openly taking on new members from the public.  At this opening, Michael and Nick took their specialisms of German Longsword and Italian Rapier respectively.  In time Pamela Jary took over as secretary for the AHF. 

In 2007 Michael and Nick Thomas began attending and teaching British and European HEMA events along with a selection of the clubs members. 

2008 saw the biggest expansion of the club, as in March 08 the first Bristol club was started at UWE, where the AHF was quickly established with over 20 members each session.  Bradley Stoke was opened in July 08.   2008 also saw the published of sword manuals by both Michael and Nick on their respective subjects.  The club continues to grow and members and instructors alike attend more European events each year.

Written by :

Michael Thomas

 

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