Pull out your sword and fight
As with its Eastern counterparts, European medieval martial arts also focus heavily on control, fitness and poise
A new but very old sport too – medieval martial arts – has made its way to Kempton Park.
Kempton Park Society for Medieval Combat Studies (KPSMCS) is the latest addition to the SA guild.
It is headed up by Kempton Park local, Master-at-Arms Stuart Bennett. Bennett has proven himself at multiple South African national sword combat championships and is currently a member of the South African team to represent South Africa at the Battle of the Nations World Championship in Trogir in Croatia in June.
He has also proven himself as a faithful and gracious leader and was advanced to the rank of Master-at-Arms at the 2013 national championships.
The guild comprises the Fourways Society for Medieval Combat Studies, the Plettenberg Bay Society for Medieval Combat Studies, the North-West Society for Medieval Combat Studies and now also the Kempton Park Society for Medieval Combat Studies.
As the names suggest, the guild is devoted to the study and practice of Western, or European, medieval martial arts. This encompasses all forms of medieval combat, full-armoured or harnessed, as well as un-armed and un-armoured.
As their default training system, they focus on the German long-sword but also incorporate sword-and-shield/buckler, side-sword, rapier, dagger-combat and archery.
As with its Eastern counterparts, European medieval martial arts also focus heavily on control, fitness and poise. This makes for the ideal alternative to most of the Eastern forms and ideal for someone wanting to revive something of their ancient European roots.
Heinrich Jost, the Master-at-Arms of the Fourways society and Grand Master of the South African Guild for Medieval Combat Studies, was the founding member of the South African Guild for Medieval Combat Studies which was formed around 2003.
KPSMCS will operate from Kempton Park Bowling Club at Barnard Stadium. Training will commence at 2pm every Sunday. All are welcome to come and try their hand at swordplay.
Bennett can be contacted on 083-246-1975
083-246-1975 or email stuart@crossfreight.co.za
Interested people can also visit www.swordfighting.co.za
