About the Guild
Our Manifesto
Preamble
The Guild of Knightly Arts is dedicated to the study, practice, and preservation of the historical martial traditions of England and the British Isles. We are more than a school of swordplay; we are a brotherhood of scholars, warriors, and teachers committed to reviving the chivalric arts and embodying the virtues of the knightly tradition in the modern world. Through disciplined training, rigorous research, and a deep respect for the past, we seek to master the martial skills of our ancestors while fostering a community of like-minded individuals who strive for excellence.
Martial Goals
Our foremost purpose is to reconstruct and refine Historical European Martial Arts through direct engagement with the surviving historical treatises. We approach this task with discipline, seeking not only to understand these techniques but to make them viable and effective in practice. Training is the heart of our endeavor, requiring dedication, precision, and a willingness to test ourselves under pressure. Sparring, controlled drills, and competition provide the proving grounds where our interpretations are put to the test. More than just students of the past, we are teachers of the future, committed to developing structured methods of instruction so that the next generation may inherit and improve upon our work.
Research Goals
The revival of the English knightly arts requires not just physical skill, but intellectual curiosity and scholarly rigor. The Guild is committed to the study of historical combat manuals, seeking out, acquiring, and analyzing primary sources to better understand the martial traditions of England. Transcription, translation, and in-depth research allow us to reconstruct these arts with greater fidelity. However, our study is not confined to the pages of old manuscripts. We also look to the broader historical and cultural context in which these arts developed, examining how they fit within the framework of medieval and Renaissance society. Where possible, we study surviving English martial traditions, drawing insights that may shed light on lost techniques. In doing so, we train a new generation of researchers who will carry forward the work of rediscovery.
Outreach Goals
The knightly arts are not relics of the past; they remain vibrant and relevant today. The Guild is committed to sharing this knowledge with the world, ensuring that Historical European Martial Arts are recognized and respected. Education is a key aspect of our mission, both in dispelling misconceptions about medieval combat and in introducing these arts to those who have never encountered them before. We engage with historians, martial artists, sports fencers, and reenactment communities, helping them understand the depth and sophistication of the martial traditions we study. Just as important is the recruitment of new practitioners. The survival of these arts depends on their continued practice, and we welcome all who seek knowledge, skill, and discipline to join us in this pursuit.
Community Goals
The Guild of Knightly Arts is more than just a training ground; it is a fellowship bound by shared passion and mutual respect. We foster an environment where practitioners support one another in their journey, providing mentorship, guidance, and friendship. This sense of community extends beyond our own group, as we work to strengthen the broader network of individuals and organizations devoted to Historical European Martial Arts. Through events, workshops, and tournaments, we create opportunities for learning, competition, and camaraderie. Above all, we strive to uphold a standard of conduct that reflects the virtues of the traditions we study—discipline, integrity, and honor.
Organizational Structure & Guiding Principles
The Guild of Knightly Arts is a USA-based organization structured as an LLC, dedicated to the study, practice, and teaching of Historical European Martial Arts. While the Guild provides a stable framework for its operations, and it functions as a center for practitioners, researchers, and educators who share a commitment to reviving and refining the knightly arts.
A function of the Guild is the certification of instructors. We recognize that teaching is both a responsibility and a skill, requiring not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of historical context, pedagogy, and practical application. To that end, the Guild provides a structured certification process to ensure that instructors meet high standards of both martial and instructional competence.
While the Guild has leadership to oversee operations and maintain its mission, it is not governed by rigid hierarchy. Decision-making is guided by open discussion, valuing the voices and insights of all members. We acknowledge that the study of HEMA is a broad and evolving discipline, enriched by diverse perspectives. While we hold to high standards in research and practice, we encourage individuals to explore their own paths within the historical martial tradition.
As an organization committed to both scholarship and martial excellence, the Guild upholds respect for historical accuracy while incorporating modern advancements in training and safety. We foster a strong sense of community, where mutual respect, camaraderie, and a shared pursuit of knowledge bind us together.
English serves as the primary language of communication within the Guild, ensuring accessibility and ease of collaboration. However, we welcome practitioners from all backgrounds and strive to make historical knowledge as widely available as possible. Above all, the Guild of Knightly Arts stands as a fellowship of dedicated individuals who seek to preserve, refine, and embody the martial heritage of the past for the benefit of the present and future.
Membership Rules
Membership in the Guild of Knightly Arts is open to individuals who share a commitment to the study, practice, and advancement of Historical European Martial Arts but particularly the arts of England and the British Isles. While the Guild welcomes practitioners of all backgrounds, membership is not granted automatically; rather, it is extended to those who demonstrate dedication, respect for the tradition, and a willingness to contribute to the community.
Applications for membership are reviewed by Guild leadership, with input from existing members where appropriate. Those accepted into the Guild enter a 6-month probationary period, during which they are expected to participate actively in training, research, or community engagement. Full membership is granted once an individual has demonstrated both proficiency in their chosen area of study and a commitment to the Guild’s principles.
The Guild fosters a strong sense of fraternity and mutual respect among its members. While differences of opinion and interpretation are inevitable in the study of historical martial arts, all members are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and a spirit of camaraderie. Heated debates are part of scholarly and martial discourse, but hostility, dishonesty, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Membership in the Guild is a privilege, not a right. Those who act in a manner contrary to the values of the Guild—whether through unethical conduct, persistent disrespect, a danger to others, or other forms of unacceptable behavior—may have their membership revoked. Such decisions will be made by Guild leadership in consultation with senior members, ensuring that the integrity of the organization is upheld.
By joining the Guild of Knightly Arts, members pledge themselves to the study and preservation of the knightly arts, to honorable conduct, and to the strengthening of the Guild as a community and institution.
Conclusion
The Guild of Knightly Arts stands as a bastion of knowledge, discipline, and honor. Through our dedication to research, training, outreach, and community, we do not merely study the martial traditions of the past—we bring them to life. We are warriors and scholars, teachers and students, bound by the pursuit of excellence in all things. For the sword, for the art, and for the brotherhood, we train, we learn, and we thrive.