When most people picture a samurai, they picture a katana. It is the iconic image — a warrior with a long curved sword, perfectly balanced and supremely deadly. But the samurai were nothing if not practical, and the reality of feudal Japanese combat demanded a far broader arsenal. Among their lesser-known but highly effective tools…
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The image of a samurai warrior conjures visions of the katana, that iconic curved blade that came to symbolise the martial prowess of medieval Japan. Yet long before the sword became the primary weapon of choice, the bow—yumi—reigned supreme on the Japanese battlefield. Kyujutsu, the martial art of Japanese archery, was not merely a combat…
He left England as a ship’s navigator and ended up as a feudal lord in Japan. The true story of William Adams is stranger — and more moving — than any fiction. Picture the scene. It’s April 1600, and a battered Dutch ship crawls into a harbour on the coast of Japan. The crew are…
The samurai of Japan’s Sengoku period (1467–1615) and early Edo era were among the most formidably armed warriors in human history. Far from the romanticised image of a lone swordsman, the battlefield samurai was a versatile fighter equipped with a sophisticated arsenal — one that evolved rapidly in response to the chaos of near-constant civil…
A Practical Guide for Attendees What are Multi Instructor Events? A multi-instructor event brings together practitioners from different clubs, lineages, and interpretive traditions for a concentrated period of shared training — typically one to three days. Attendees move between sessions taught by different instructors, each bringing their own source material, interpretive approach, and teaching style.…
This article arose after my last trip to Munich where I found a helm labelled as a helm for the Joust of Peace. I then found a similar helm in the Kaiserberg Museum in Nuremberg. Pictures below. Reading the text and researching this, it is amazing to me how this is very much like our…
In the urban centres of 16th century southern Germany, fencing was conceived not merely as a physical skill but as a public performance of honour, discipline, and civic identity. Public fencing contests, known as Fechtschulen, were regulated events staged before spectators and governed by social expectations that extended well beyond technical proficiency. Within this performative…
Few weapons are as synonymous with English military tradition as the longbow. This simple yet highly effective piece of archery equipment played a pivotal role in medieval warfare and has since become an enduring symbol of English martial skill. What is the English Longbow? The English longbow was a powerful type of bow, typically made…
England’s medieval history is rich with tales of kings, knights, and legendary outlaws such as Robin Hood. Yet buried in the chronicles of the early 13th century lies the story of a real figure who rallied archers and woodsmen to fight foreign occupiers: William of Cassingham, better known as Wilikin of the Weald. Though far…
Kent’s ancient streets whisper stories from the Middle Ages at every turn. From the bustling pilgrim trails of Canterbury to the peaceful market squares of Faversham and the well-preserved quays of Sandwich, history is not just preserved here—it’s alive. Whether you wander ancient halls, stay in centuries-old inns, or even learn to wield a sword,…
In an age of digital overload and modern combat sports, training in historical martial arts might seem like a niche pursuit. But beneath the surface of rusty swords and dusty manuscripts lies a dynamic, intellectually rich, and physically rewarding discipline. Whether you’re drawn by history, fitness, or personal development, here’s why historical martial arts (also…
Gladiatorial combat was one of the most iconic spectacles of ancient Rome, combining violence and ritual in a display of skill and brutality. These fights took place in arenas like the Colosseum, where gladiators, often slaves, prisoners of war, or volunteers, faced off for public entertainment. There were many types of gladiators, each armed and…
If you are considering building an armour impression to use for HEMA armoured fighting (Harnischfechten), it is a bit of a minefield. This is a first part of a number of posts, I will be compiling for those interested in the German tradition and want something on period and somewhat accurate. I was lucky that…
If you are interested in building up your knowledge of the German Medieval Martial Arts tradition, these books are a great place to start to build your library. A lot of Medieval Combat training is reading… While there is no substitute for actual training, these books can help give you some context to the systems…
World War I witnessed a variety of combat methods, ranging from large-scale artillery barrages to trench warfare. In addition to these tactics, hand-to-hand combat played a significant role on the battlefield. This article will explore the hand-to-hand fighting methods employed by the British, Canadian, French, and American forces during World War I, shedding light on…
This book is a collection of essays produced by a number of authors on the subject of the different Revolutions that happened in British history starting with the Peasants Revolt (Wat Tyler) in 1381 and The Jack Cade rebellion of 1450. The book continues into the English Civil War and highlights Cromwell and Lilburne, as…
Interested in Medieval Archery and want to learn more? As well as coming to train with us, you can also find a large array of books on this important medieval weapon. Bowmen of England From the 12th to 15th centuries the longbow was the weapon that changed European history more than any other. In the…
I am currently reading a bunch of Malcolm Atkin books on the SOE, Section D and other secret organisations of WW2. I will have reviews coming shortly but wanted to share them all in one place as they are a great collection to have on this theme. Section D for Destruction When Neville Chamberlain made…
We have launched a small range of Bartitsu related merchandise as a way to generate more club funds to help us add a permanent Bartitsu Class, when we can open again. Bartitsu is a rounded martial art – in fact you could say it was the first MMA. It consists of 4 main elements: Pugilism…
I recently found a traditional Pencak Silat teacher on my doorstep. Don’t you just love Facebook. Mike runs the West Kent Silat Padepokan which is a small private training facility in Kent. Mike has a lot of experience with traditional Pencak Silat and personally has been a great find at he is able to show…