Medieval Sword School (HEMA)

German Medieval Martial Arts

Medieval Manuscript Workshop

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As HEMA Students, we always refer to the manuscripts of the medieval period, but how were they actually made and how long did it take to create a page or image?  Now you can find out first hand.  We have Julia Baxter who is an experienced calligrapher and illuminator coming to run a hands on workshop at the fechtschule. 

This is an opportunity to work through the process of medieval illumination working towards a finished letter with colour paints and gold leaf. We also plan to draw weaponised medieval bunnies.

Beginning with an initial tracing, laying gold size, applying real gold leaf and building colour paints we will work in the same order as the medieval illuminators. Finally the essential outlining for a finished letter or image. We will work with a pre-designed capital letter. Tools and materials are included. Suitable for all.

£20 per head (includes all materials) at St Georges School on the 23rd November 10am -1pm  Tea, Coffee and Biscuits will be provided.

Interested? Stop by our Facebook Page for details and to book your ticket.

East Kent to get rare chance to experience the Indian Art of War

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KDF Broadstairs are proud to announce that Gurdev (Grandmaster) Nidar Singh is coming to East Kent on the 6th July 2019 to run a one-day introductory workshop on the Art of Indian Martial Arts – Shastar Vidiya.

The workshop held at St George’s School Broadstairs will be an overview of some of the martial art techniques and weaponry used by Indians on and off the battlefield for the last 500 years.

Jason Hulott, Coach at KDF Broadstairs, says: “There has been an increasing resurgence of people studying and bringing these ancient martial arts back to life. Having someone that teaches this around the world and has access to the deep workings of the system coming to Kent is great for those with a keen interest in martial arts or those with a love of history.

“While we train in European and Japanese martial arts, there are a number of parallels with all martial systems, and we welcome anyone that would like to come and take a look at this system of combat”.

Tickets are on sale now at £30 for the day – we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. 

To find out more information or to pay via Paypal, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/2245810292347775/

About KDF Broadstairs

KDF Broadstairs was born out of a desire to study medieval martial arts.  Our focus is to emulate the techniques that are provided in the Manuscripts and use them as they were used in the Middle Ages. While our focus is on German longsword techniques, we also practice a range of other weapons at either Workshops or extended training sessions. Read more about us here: https://medievalswordschool.co.uk

About Shastar Vidiya

The term ‘Shastar Vidiya’ is transliterated as ‘shastar’ – weapon or more specifically edged weapons, and ‘vidiya’ – science. Hence Shastar Vidiya translates as ‘the science of weapons’. You can read more about Shastar Vidiya and Gurdev Nidar Singh here: https://www.shastarvidiya.org/index.html

Summer Workshops

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Over summer we will have extra training workshops

  • June will be Indian Martial Arts (15th June) and possibly another Bartitsu one
  • June – also another set of Longsword workshops on Friday 14th June at MEMSFest (Canterbury)
  • July will be British Military Victorian Sabre (13th July)
  • August and September could be spear / poleaxe, dagger, as well as sword and buckler.

If you are interested in any of these workshops or can think of anything else you would like to see then drop me a line – the best way is via Facebook messenger.

Shield Making Day

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In order to have a lower cost way of making our shields, Matt has come up with the idea to make a group day of it.

We just need to find a location where we can do this but here is detail. This will be July / August time….

These are the standard bosses for Viking shields.

https://www.gdfb.co.uk/viking-shield-boss-2mm-steel-battle-ready-diameter-19cm-bulge-125cm-weight-500g-1052-p.asp

I’d say another £10 for leather and £5 per shield blank. Add on Tony’s (Armourer / Shield builder) time and workshop consumables the total figure should be £35 per shield for the guys and girls to save up.

Depending on use, shield edges can be tacked (quick but less authentic and more weight) or sewn on (ball ache of a job but light, cheap and easily repaired).

Reenactors usually do 12mm thick to soak up the blows but 9mm (or even 6/8mm) should be sufficient for HEMA where the shields are used properly.

And, to match the shield diameter to the person, each individual should measure from their elbow to their knuckle and multiply that figure by 2 to get the “correct” diameter for each person, I find that smaller diameters work for me as the shield doesn’t get in the way of the hand weapon as much.

So the plan is we get people interested (that means you), you register and pay so we can order the shield bosses and raw materials.

Then you come a long on the day and finish the day going home with a round shield made just for you.

Who’s in? Not taking payment yet, just trying to get an idea of numbers. It will be Thanet / Canterbury based.

About Us

KDF Broadstairs (Thanet Fecht Schule) is a German Longsword HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) Group based in Broadstairs, Thanet.

Canterbury Medieval Combat is a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) Group based in Canterbury, Kent.

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