Nice video with wrestling.

The first pair of Koning gloves

I am really looking forward to getting my hands on...er...in these bad boys.

What is HEMA and why should you do it?

Combatcon has posted a nice article about what HEMA is and why it should be done.

For whatever reason, “martial arts” in America became synonymous with traditional Eastern styles like “kung fu” (as we frequently describe a group of over 30 individual Chinese styles), Karate, Judo, Muay Thai, and others. These are all incredible arts with a long-standing traditional pedigree and a host of fluent practitioners – but wait. We know that combat and warfare existed outside of Asia, right? What happened to those styles? Those arts?

Check it out!

GoPro sparring at a Chinese HEMA club!

Honestly, this is TOO awesome. Chinese badasses learning European martial arts!

I painted my masks.

Flipped classroom

I am planning on modifying the class structure to what is called a "flipped classroom".

In short, the lessons will be delivered by video, probably by YouTube. The student will watch a video of a technique, either before class, or on their smartphone at the beginning of class, and then use class time to practice with a partner. They would also be able to refer to the video as class progresses and ask the instructor for clarification.

The instructor would test the students periodically to assure comprehension, and have them repeat lessons as needed.

This allows students to:

1. Get more reps in of assigned lessons.
2. Learn at their own pace, possibly learning more.
3. Study what they need individually. In one class session, several different students might be practicing something different.

I feel this will improve the student experience, and allow more weapons to be added as the school grows.

Right now, this will be done with a checklist for each student, but videos will be added over time to fill out the experience. I have high expectations.

Also, I my curriculum will be eventually available on YouTube so that other schools can take advantage of it, or even solo practitioners or clubs. This will likely be offered as a free service, but we will ask for donation through a service such as Patreon. Details will come, but we look forward to this being a very useful practice.

Accurate choreography can look good on film. Pugil: A Fencer's Story