Curriculum Council

A major part of the services provided by the HEMA Alliance falls on the Curriculum Council. Many of these services will require a combination of martial skill, scholarship, pedagogy, and interpersonal communication. Because these are the cornerstones of being an effective martial arts instructor, Curriculum Council members must meet the rigorous criteria of the instructor certification program. Since that program has not yet been implemented, the current members of the Council are only acting, temporary members who will be expected to certify as instructors or step down.

The Council can grow and contract to provide the services that HEMAA members need to get the most out of their study. If you wish to see HEMA flourish as a martial art, we invite you to strive to join the council  and actively make HEMA a larger part of the martial arts community.

The Council consists of a director, a small number of deputy directors chosen by the director, and Council members.  The position of director is not a permanent position. Everyone on the Council should have an opportunity to serve in the position should they so desire and be capable of dedicating sufficient time and energy to the job.

The Council’s primary function is to see that curricular materials are available for all interested in the community to use. A large part of this function is vetting curricula submitted for a solid connection to the historical sources and martial soundness. The Council’s other functions include:

• Creating and regulating a means for certifying instructors in a way that does not amount to a self-proclaimed title.

• Recognizing scholarly, martial, and educational achievements of those in the community.

• Establishing programs for distance learning, web-based education, and club mentoring to make learning HEMA more accessible.

• Helping students and instructors connect with each other, and with those instructors who are best able to serve them.
  

We at the Curriculum Council look forward to learning what you have to offer and crossing swords with you often. If there is a service you wish that someone in the community provided, we welcome suggestions.

Sincerely,

Stewart Feil
Acting Director of Curriculum