by Andriy Holuk
Sport vs Tradition. Martial Artists love this debate.
For HEMA, this discussion is even more nuanced given our primary focus is the interpretation of historical sources. Some practitioners proclaim, like Martin Luther, that the study of scripture (our fencing treatises and manuscripts) are of paramount importance; expressing disdain for anything resembling ‘sport’. In contrast others place an emphasis on 'real' deeds of arms (live sparring, tournaments etc ‘sport’) above all else. Of course, the majority of HEMA practitioners are somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. The question arises, then, do tournaments and sport elements ruin HEMA?
I don't think so. The sport aspect of HEMA is not only complementary to the historic aspects, but is also a fundamental part of that very historic tradition we all value.
A comparison can be drawn from Iaido and Kendo. While Iaido focuses primarily on traditional techniques, it does not focus on live sparring or competition. Which is why many Iaidoka also train in the sport/martial art Kendo to develop and maintain a “martial spirit” of live combat. This is the way we should also approach HEMA and tournament – a healthy balance. Study, drilling, sparring and sport each being aspects complementary of one another.
Fiore states his techniques are not for “fun” (though they are fun), but for a ‘life or death’ situation. Today, unfortunately, we do not duel or fight pitched battles. Tournaments and sparring are our equivalent of battle. Emulating the environment of a deadly fight in live sparring and tournaments helps us appreciate and utilize Fiore’s techniques in their proper context of mortal combat. As he says, to fight de ir (in earnest):
"My focus is on mortal combat, and on showing you step by step on how to gain and defend against the most common holds when you’re fighting for your life."
It is not so much a matter of “my brother in Christ, doth these techniques work on hither streets?”, but rather exposing a fencer to an uncertain adversarial situation; and thus to fight and apply these techniques in earnest as Fiore intended.
As many experience in class, certain techniques do not work as well unless both partners are executing their respective roles with some level of earnestness. Some techniques do not make sense unless we are working at a pace near full speed (disarms for example).
Through sparing we develop our Avisamento (prudence) by determining the techniques that work in different contexts; but also being able to respond in tempo to unscripted attacks. Thus, we also develop our Presteza (speed).
I have, recently, been soundly humbled and battered in a tournament. Here I learned that one value: Ardimento (boldness or courage) — cannot be learned in study, practice, or drills. Rather, competition and tournaments develop and trains our “martial spirit”, our Ardimento.
“No one has a more courageous heart than I, the Lion, for I welcome all to meet me in battle."
It takes courage to step into your first class and it takes courage to spar. But competing in a tournament is a different level. Not only must you overcome the fear of facing new competitors and the pressure of losing; but you must face the most dire adversary of all; your own head.
Learning to cope with these fears in these high pressure tournament situations is a rewarding challenge and important experience for any fencer. When reflecting, after the tournament, I saw drills and sparring in a different light. The urge to “win” was replaced by the desire to improve. Tournaments became an opportunity to learn, not prove myself.
One, often overlooked, truth is that the tournament has always been a part of fencing. In Fiore's time swordsmen participated in tournaments to refine their skills and prowess, but also have fun the same way we do today. HEMA tournaments are a part of that historical lineage — the only real difference between tournaments then and now are the rule set and equipment.
The 14th knight Geoffroi De Charny in his seminal work, The Book of Chivalry:
"We should then talk of another pursuit at which many men-at-arms aim to make their reputation: that is at deeds of arms at tournaments. And indeed, they earn men of praise and esteem for they require a great deal of wealth, equipment and expenditure, physical hardship, crushing and wounding, and sometimes danger to death. For this kind of practice of arms... indeed they are worthy of praise."
Competing in tournaments was praiseworthy according to Geoffroi, and is important to a HEMA fencer today. We should not be using training simply to win tournaments, but rather use tournaments as a complementary activity to train more effectively and to deepen our understanding of historical sources.
But most importantly, to develop our martial spirt (Ardimento), and refine our skills like that of the masters of the past.