Historical European Martial Art a crossroad between academic research, martial heritage re-creation and martial sport practices

• Authors: Daniel Jaquet , Claus Frederik Sørensen , Fabrice Cognot independent researcher [e-mail]
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Historical European martial arts (HEMA) have to be considered an important part of our common European cultural heritage. Studies within this field of research have the potential to enlighten the puzzle posed by past societies, for example in the field of history, history of science and technology, or fields related to material culture. The military aspects of history are still to be considered among the most popular themes of modern times, generating huge public interest. In the last few decades, serious HEMA study groups have started appearing all over the world – focusing on re-creating a lost martial art. The terminology “Historical European Martial Arts” therefore also refers to modem-day practices of ancient martial arts. Many of these groups focus on a “hands-on” approach, thus bringing practical experience and observation to enlighten their interpretation of the source material. However, most of the time, they do not establish inquiries based on scientific research, nor do they follow methodologies that allow for a critical analysis of the findings or observations. This paper will therefore propose and discuss, ideas on how to bridge the gap between enthusiasts and scholars; since their embodied knowledge, acquired by practice, is of tremendous value for scientific inquiries and scientific experimentation. It will also address HEMA practices in the context of modern day acceptance of experimental (or experiential) processes and their value for research purposes and restoration of an historical praxis. The goal is therefore to sketch relevant methodological and theoretical elements, suitable for a multidisciplinary approach, to HEMA, where the “H” for “historical” matters.

Keywords

EN

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA); Martial sport; Martial arts; History; Archaeology; Middle Ages; Renaissance; Early Modern Period; Material culture; Embodied knowledge

• Publisher: Sciendo
• Journal: Acta Periodica Duellatorum
• Year: 2015
• Volume: 2015
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 5-35

Dates

published

2015-05-01

online

2015-09-19

Contributors

author

Daniel Jaquet

• University of Geneva

author

Claus Frederik Sørensen

• Nyborg Castle — Museums of Eastern Funen

author

Fabrice Cognot independent researcher [e-mail]

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1515/apd-2015-0001