Renaissance Martial Arts at UGA is a Study Group of the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (ARMA). The ARMA is an international, non-profit, and educational organization whose goal is to reconstruct and rediscover the authentic martial arts of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. This focus does not include role-play or costume dress, nor other aspects of Medieval culture outside of their influence on combat.

As a part of ARMA, Renaissance Martial Arts at UGA uses historical documents to reconstruct the fighting systems of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. These texts date back to 1295 and come from a variety of locations: Germany, Italy, Spain, England, and France. They provide authentic historical insight into the use of a number of weapons:

• Longsword
• Sword and Buckler
• Sword and Dagger
• Dagger
• Rapier
• Staff
• Spear and Other Polearms
• Unarmed / Grappling

To aid in the recreation of these arts, we make use of the following tools:

1. Wooden Wasters – Wasters are wooden replicas of swords that approximate their physical qualities (weight, balance, size). These relatively inexpensive tools allow individuals to learn the basics of the art without a huge financial investment. Interestingly enough, wasters were used historically by soldiers learning the arts of combat.





2. Nylon (Plastic) Wasters – A relatively new addition to the equipment available to us, plastic wasters allow for more slide in the bind and flex along the flat, similar to how steel acts. However, they're actually a bit too slippery and flex a little too much. Used in conjunction with wooden wasters, they allow for a good holistic representation of how steel feels if it is unavailable.





3. Blunt Steel– Blunt steel swords are the ideal tool for use in the study of Renaissance martial arts. They are designed with our craft in mind, and they are the best tool available for simulating the weight, balance, feel, and overall characteristics of high-quality, historical sharp swords.





4. Sharpened Steel – High quality sharpened steel swords are used only for test cutting and solo exercises by more advanced members. These exercises offer the individual the opportunity to practice with realism and historical accuracy.
   
   

If you’re a martial artist, a fencer, a beginner, a lover of the Middle Ages/Renaissance, or just a history buff, you are welcome to come out and see what it is we do. We would love to see you. For more information on visiting us, please see the Visiting and Joining page.

Sincerity of Effort

Integrity of Scholarship

Appreciation of Martial Spirit

Cultivation
of Self-Discipline