Joining The British Federation for Historical Swordplay
The British Federation for Historical Swordplay is keen to hear from groups who are interested in joining. We believe that membership of the BFHS helps groups achieve more and provides real benefits to their own members. Advantages include access to advice, experience and shared knowledge, top class instruction at our bi-annual events, and simply meeting more people with a passion for all aspects of historical swordplay.
So if you run a group practising Historical Fencing or Western Martial Arts in the UK, then get in contact and apply to join the UKs largest Historical Martial Arts organisation.
Reasons to join the BFHS
- We are the largest grouping of Historical Fencing and Western martial arts groups in the UK
- Increased access to a vast knowledge bank of WMA, including many of Britains leading WMA researchers
- Support and advice on equipment, good practice, insurance and safety
- Promotion and publicity for your own group
- Access to workshops and training
- Certified Instructorship available to instructors of member groups
- A source of new recruits
How the BFHS helped The Aberdeen Swordsmanship Group
Michael Cromarty and friends decided to set up the Aberdeen Swordsmanship Group in late 2003. They knew they wanted to learn more about European swordsmanship where not really sure how to go about it. In December 2003 they attended the BFHS AGM and workshops in Edinburgh where they made contacts with a number of individuals and where given a lot of useful advice about how to set up their club. Maestro Paul Macdonald, a former BFHS President, travelled to Aberdeen from Edinburgh regularily to lend a hand and give lessons to the club. Other BFHS members popped in from time to time to help out or just take part in classes.
Joining the BFHS has been extremely helpful in setting up our group. We have been part of the BFHS for just over a year, and we have been able to increase the number of students from 10 to 40. We've got to thank a lot of people from the Fed who helped us in the start up process, as well as giving us tuition and advice along the way.Michael Cromarty, Chairman of the Aberdeen Swordsmanship Group
In 2004 the Aberdeen Swordsmanship Group applied to join the federation and were accepted at that year's AGM. From a handful of enthusiasts the ASG now numbers upwards of 40 members.
Frankly we beleive that most of this success is down to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Aberdeen Swordsmanship Group themselves. However, BFHS members where glad to lend a hand where we could and we hope have been useful.
We accept new groups too
The Federation accepts that some groups will be further along the path of WMA than others. One of the reasons we exist is to help new groups along the path and hopefully avoid some pitfalls along the way. We can give you advice on good practice, insurance, health and safety and of course help you to locate historical sources for your chosen field of study. You will also have access to qualified instructors many of whom are willing to travel to give lessons, an invaluable resource for groups starting out.
How to Join the BFHS
Initially you should fill out the BFHS Application form and send it to us.
Once we have recieved your form we will make contact to arrange for an assement to be made for your group. This will be undertaken by two BFHS instructors.
The purpose of the assessments is to check that your group is engaging in the activities that the BFHS was set up to promote. We do not demand that you all play to the standard of Maestros. The BFHS is a broad church and we do not look to impose a style or rigid structure on any member group. What we do expect is that you are undertaking Historical European Arts rather than other sword arts and that you take a responsible attititude to safety and such matters.
So long as you are interested in western historical swordsmanship and have a true aim to practice the art in the correct and safe manner there should be no problem.
Once your group has been assessed your application will be discussed and hopefully approved at the next General Meeting, these happen twice a year.