Meet the Nominees

[Jake Norwood]

Each of our Nominees has been asked to provide responses to the following:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.
2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.
3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.
4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?

Their responses are below, in the order I received them. Feel free to ask questions and make comments in this thread or in a new one.

Jake Norwood
President, GC
HEMA Alliance

[Jake Norwood]

from Will Cain III:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.

I found out about HEMA through several websites, including the HEMA
Alliance, ARMA, and the Chicago Swordplay Guild. From there I began
doing some research, and decided I wanted in. I sold the idea to my
local gaming group, and I was fortunate in that the HEMA Alliance
forum members were able to point us to Ben Strickling as a teacher who
lived nearby us. A few weeks later, the Goldsboro Sword Guild was
born.

I can say honestly that I was the driving organizer behind GSG. I
helped the guys find equipment, organized practices, and helped make
sure Ben could get out to see us. I eventually got in touch with Jake
Norwood and his friends, and arranged for them to come down to
Goldsboro for a weekend training session that really was enlightening.

Around the time of this practice, Jake invited me to create the
Audacity blog that features on the Alliance front page. The idea was
to write a series of articles from a beginner's perspective, so that
other beginners could know that the Alliance really is
newcomer-friendly. I love doing Audacity, and so far I feel the
response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Late last year, I moved to California for a new job opportunity, so I
had to leave the GSG behind. But I was able to take up right away with
Kron Martial Arts, a group based in LA. I have enjoyed my time with
Kron immensely, and continue to be involved with it. I helped
volunteer with one of our first big promotional events, where we all
went and displayed our talents at the CSUF pumpkin launch (trebuchets,
swords, it's a match made in heaven), and I've done my best to stay
active in the club despite the large distance between us.

2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.

What I feel is the most valuable about the Alliance is it's almost
laissez faire approach to organizing HEMA events, without compromising
our sense of identity. We've been able to welcome SCA members and
other practitioners onto our boards and into our discussions, but have
maintained our distinction that HEMA is HEMA, and that's what we talk
about. It's a great example of how the big-tent approach can allow
it's many members a lot of responsibility without giving up what makes
it unique.

3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.

I mentioned before that so far, the Alliance has been able to maintain
a sort of HEMA brand identity - SCA is not HEMA, for these reasons a b
and c, etc. This is good, but I feel it can be applied more
consistently or clearly, to help people who are just starting out and
don't know better.

There are sites out there like Bullshido, that serve as a kind of
anarchistic consumer advocacy group. They have no government mandate,
no power to enforce their rulings on anyone. Yet their volunteers
tirelessly investigate dubious claims of martial artists, and if they
feel people are being defrauded, they publicly let folks know. They
also host a feature where students can rate schools they have visited
or trained at, so people have a sense of the options that are out
there. I feel that the HEMA Alliance could benefit from a similar,
informal regulatory body as well, something that can let students
know, "This way lies danger." It already exists in an informal sense,
with some HEMA students warning people away from schools that claim
you can learn the art without sparring, or from ARMA, but I feel
developing a better 'consumer protection' culture within HEMA as a
whole is a very good idea.

4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?

1 - the Audacity blog. It's a small thing, though I'm trying to grow
it. While I don't intend to turn it into an official blog for the
Governing Council, it is still an example of the Alliance's commitment
to beginners and helping them understand the art.

2 - enthusiasm. Ask Jonathan Mayshar, Ben Strickling, Jake Norwood or
Jason Taylor - I get excited about things, and I commit lots of time
and energy to them when I can.

3 - I have a very flexible schedule, and I'm on the West Coast,
meaning I can cover a time zone bracket that might be difficult for
east coast members (such as calling organizations out here to arrange
seminars, so forth).

4 - I have experience not only participating in, but running a club.
Admittedly I did so as a complete beginner, but the fact that a
version of the club still exists one full year from the time I started
it speaks well of the effort, and I think I can say that without
bragging.

5 - writing skills and speaking skills. I'm very good at communicating
with people, and I think that would be an asset for the council.

[Jake Norwood]

Rebecca Boyd:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.

I started out in October 2008 learning classical foil with Baited Blade Classical Fencing in St. Peters Missouri. The “bug” bit me. I became a fencing addict and have pursued it passionately ever since. In the years since I have progressed from foil to epee to sabre. Last year I bridged the gap into historical weapons with small sword and then rapier and rapier & dagger. You could say I “discovered” the WMA world and the HEMA Alliance this year when I attended Fechtschule America in Houston at the encouragement of my teacher, Robert McPherson. Once again I was bitten by the “bug” but this time it was the HEMA bug. Since then I have been working toward being not only an active member of the community but a leader as well. Though it will take me years to reach the level of experience and understanding to which I aspire, it is a goal I am willing—and excited—to take on.

2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.

I have always been impressed by the HEMA Alliance’s acceptance of new members. The attitude of the Alliance and the GC is one that not only welcomes new people but also encourages them to take an active role. This will not only benefit individuals but the alliance as a whole, as the talents of the individuals are utilized effectively. Their attitude makes one stand up and say, “I can do this to help the Alliance!” Because of this, the Alliance will continue to grow, it’s potential never being fully met because of the perpetual new contributions.

3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.

The fact that the Alliance needs more of the same good work goes without saying (though it should be acknowledged, which is why I’m saying it here.) However, in addition to the excellent work already being done, we need more exposure. There are clubs out there who have never heard of the HEMA Alliance. (I know, because my club is one of them.) We need to reach out to those clubs. Existing HEMA Alliance clubs could do searches in their area for clubs that are unrepresented and then report their findings. Once a list is clubs is compiled, we could put together an “outreach letter” to be sent to each club. Not only will this give the Alliance more members (and thus, more resources) but could boost event attendance, which benefits the entire community. In addition, the more clubs that are exposed to our resources, the better the community will be as a whole, which will encourage an expansion of the art in general. After all, our goal is not just to improve ourselves, but to improve the community.

4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?

I have excellent organizational and administrative skills. I am a writer and my current project, I believe, will benefit the community greatly. I also bring a unique perspective to the GC, that of the female “HEMA Beginner” (and one who started out in Classical fencing). I think perhaps my most valuable trait is that I am dependable. If I say I’ll be somewhere, I am. If I say I’ll do something, I will. I am honest and reliable, and I am willing to put in the time and effort this position requires.

[Jake Norwood]

Jeff Cunningham:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.
2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.
3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.
4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?

My name is Jeff Cunningham, and I am running for the Governing Council of the HEMA Alliance.

My history with HEMA, as does the history of HEMA itself, began in the German countryside. While on assignment there for my church, I fell in love with German history and culture, and spent much of my free time teaching myself how to read the medieval script that I found on tombstones and memorials there.

When I discovered after returning to the States that the German people invented their own martial art, I excitedly dove in with both feet. I insisted on studying out of the primary sources, never content with anything but the original German. In time, I began attending classes at the University of Central Florida, where I was fortunate to meet several like-minded gentlemen. Together, we founded what the Alliance now knows as Knights Melee, and I've been actively engaged in its administration as Vice President and Cheif Translator ever since.

My first encounter with the HEMA Alliance was at the Meyer Freifechter Guild's 2009 Dixie Krieg event, where I had the pleasure of meeting acting President Jake Norwood. For a new and struggling school of Western Martial Arts, it was encouraging to me to learn that a network of support was there for me and the others to seek advice on matters of translation, interpretation, or the day-to-day matters of running the class itself. That night over dinner at T.G.I. Friday's, I vented my frustration over the deplorable state of available translations to Jake. It was he who challenged me to put my money where my mouth was and try my hand at it myself. I am now several chapters into what will be the first ever English translation of Leckuchner's Art and Craft of the Messer, several chapters of which are now available on the Wiktenauer. It is my hope that this project will be my way of "giving back" to the Alliance, and to further the Art itself.

As Councillor, I intend to primarily focus my efforts on what I'm best at: spreading the good news as the Alliance's evangelist. Up to this point, much of the Alliance's PR and recruiting efforts have focused on experienced martial artists, fencers, and historians. It is my belief that, if the Alliance is ever to become strong enough to be able to fund or otherwise support more of the meaningful activities we now enjoy, we must cast a wider net. I am wholly convinced that there are many more individuals out there who, like myself, never really "connected" with the more "conventional" martial arts of the east, but would immediately devote themselves to HEMA if they only knew it existed.

To this end, I have discussed with many of my colleagues within Knights Melee the possibility of reaching out to the general public--or at least, our immediate campus--through such things as academic-level presentations at Florida universities, giving presentations to history classes, Boy Scout Troops, and others. I also have some training in marketing, including social media, and have recently begun working with John Harmston on a comprehensive marketing plan. As a member of the Governing Council, I will not only strive to swell our ranks, but to provide our membership with greater value for their dues.

[Jake Norwood]

Allen Foster:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.
2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.
3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.
4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?

I’m Allen Foster. Prior to this gig, I had no previous martial arts experience; military background, police experience, SCA adventures, Renaissance faire forays or role playing endeavors. I have always spent a lot of time outdoors hunting, fishing & doing archery.

I guess I came to HEMA because I had a desire to learn more about my European heritage. I’ve always enjoyed delving into history, and I also paid attention to politics and culture as a casual observer. Being a little older than most of you, I’ve had the benefit of being able to observe and compare our culture over the last few decades. What I began to see was in my opinion, a change or revision in attitudes toward Western civilization which have amounted to a rewriting of our history from what I understood it to be. My desire to understand “our heritage” for myself instead of listening to what people w/ agendas were telling me about it coupled with my obsessive / compulsive nature landed me right into the middle of the HEMA scene in 2008. I have to say that what I found has pleased and amazed me. Pleased to know that the modern day detractors are wrong on many counts and amazed at how sophisticated and advanced our ancestors were in both thought and intelligence. What’s even better is that HEMA relies on source documents to verify their findings. Although the purpose of what we do is to reconstruct a lost martial art, we cannot begin to understand this material without immersing ourselves into the mind of the author and culture of the times. For me rediscovering the art is the goal but rediscovering our heritage in the process is gravy.

As I am an obsessive person I pleasantly found myself surrounded by other obsessive people of the Meyer Freifechter Guild. These guys eat, drink, sleep and live Joachim Meyer all day long. I suspect if lederhosen ever came back into style for clothing, the MFFG would be behind it. I’m amazed that some of us are still married. The MFFG’s dedication to Meyer borders on the fanatical although you wouldn’t know it by our well grounded professional carriers and various normal interests. Since its founding, I’ve watched the MFFG grow from two groups in Florida to thirteen groups on two continents. This group is poised to take HEMA to greater levels of understanding and it’s exciting to know that Ill be right there riding their coat tails.

My involvement in the HEMA Alliance is my acknowledgement that no one individual, club, or group is an island. That the sum of our total effort is greater than the sum of our individual efforts. I believe that anything that binds us together makes us stronger and any effort to divide us weakens the movement. With that said I also think that diversity spurs growth in unexpected ways & different directions while too much conformity can suck the life out of the movement. Both can be taken to extremes and should be balanced with an eye toward seeking the truth and questioning one’s own premise of belief. I saw involvement in the HEMA alliance as a way that I could have an impact on the organization and hopefully the HEMA movement in positive ways.

What needs to be done to improve the Alliance? Most of the work done on behalf of the Alliance is done by a core group of people. As life tends to get in the way some people drop out doing that work and some step in and fill their shoes. The amount of good work the Alliance can do is limited by its core group of workers. Therefore if we are to grow with the idea of taking HEMA to the next level, we must increase the size and/or quality of core people to fill in the slots needed to grow the organization. The worst thing that can happen is if the core people do not grow and change to meet the organization’s challenges and people get burned out or worse try to control it. The only way I know to grow our core group is to educate the membership that this is an historic opportunity to be a major part of preserving something that was on the verge of being lost forever. That by getting involved they can influence the way our organization and HEMA turns out. Also that if you do not get involved and do not like the way things turn out, you have no one to blame but yourself.

What do I bring to the table as a potential member of the Governing Council? Not much. I am not a good martial artist. Nor am I a researcher or translator or transcriptionist. I can’t sell and I not good at public relations. I can actually do what I do best whether I’m in the GC or not. So what am I good at? I’m a fairly good task master and I like getting things done. I guess I’m a worker. That’s about it.

[Jake Norwood]

Craig Shackleton:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.

Like many, my early introduction to HEMA came one boxing day when my mother gave my brothers and me the cardboard tubes left over from the wrapping paper and let us beat on each other until the tubes were destroyed. I've never looked back since.

It was many years before I started training seriously, however. Late in 1997, I joined a medieval combat group in Palmerston North, New Zealand, called the Red Ravens. The Red Ravens fought with blunt steel with "re-enactment combat" rules, and only limited historical inspiration, but I was surprised both by how much I enjoyed it and how much of a knack I had for this. I trained and drilled and soon became one of the club's top fighters.

In 1999, I moved home to Canada, and started looking for a similar group. Not finding what I was after in Ottawa, I reconnected with a friend named Scott Nichols, who was then leading a rapier club in another city called "The Company of Cavalier Gentlemen." In 2000 I founded what became Ottawa Classical Swordplay as a branch of the Company, and trained relentlessly with Scott, while leading my own group.

Eventually the original Company of Cavalier Gentlemen folded, and Scott Nichols moved back to teaching modern classical sport fencing full time. Meanwhile, Iwas moving in the opposite direction, doing more historical research and using more historical techniques, mostly working with Silver's "Brief Instructions" and RA MS I.33. Eventually, I returned almost fulli to medieval rather than renaissance combat, and focused on German combat systems.

I now teach almost full time. In 2010 I taught over 100 youth students alone, and am aiming to top that in 2011. In addition to my regularly scheduled classes, I have taught privately for a variety of organizations, led workshops (especially on sword and buckler), done public demonstrations and given seminars and school presentations. I have also attended a variety of workshops and classes by other HEMA instructors, and am a semi-regular student with a local Fiore group called Les Maitre d'Armes.

2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.

The HEMA Alliance is a spectacular network and support organization for new clubs and for instructors who want to improve their club. In addition to concrete benefits like insurance and non-profit status, the alliance provides moral support and credibility for what we do. It also helps inform the world that HEMA exists and is real. What is best about all of this, though is that the alliance is supportive but not proscriptive. The alliance helps groups become the group that the group wants to be, not requiring anyone to be what the alliance wants them to be. As the alliance grows it can offer even more in the way of training, information and certification.

I also think that it is great that HEMA Alliance supports open sharing of ideas and information, and open communication between groups in general. We all learn more when we share what we know and think. We all understand each other better if we work together and play together.

3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.

Although the alliance has done a lot and is working to do more, there are areas we can improve. Some services are only available or valid in the United States. Although the majority of the alliance members are American, expanding these benefits to other countries would increase our membership potential and resources.

Also, the HEMA Alliance is one of several organizations that have sprung up as umbrellas for individual clubs. This is not a bad thing, but we need to establish a more clear relationship with these other groups. This means both communicating with those groups and establishing clearly what our identity as an organization is. I joined the HEMA Alliance because I believe in what it stands for, or my perception of what we stand for. We need to present a clear image of that. I think it is important that those that want to have other umbrella groups that suit there needs if we aren't it. But we can share the common ground and recognize and respect each others differences, if we know what they are.

4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?

My background is varied, but most of my non-HEMA experience is in service industry management and administration. I've also worked as a farmhand, a stay-home Dad, a tour guide, a freelance writer and game designer and more. The things I bring from all of these jobs is the ability to effectively communicate with and understand the needs of others. I also have a willingness and ability to take on whatever task needs doing, or to find the person that can and will do it better than me.

I am currently working close to full time in my role in Ottawa Classical Swordplay. I am dedicated to raising and improving the profile of Historical European Martial Arts, and I believe that the HEMA Alliance is a key vehicle in that goal. I know what is involved in building and maintaining a HEMA organization, and want to help more groups start.

I also have worked with a variety of HEMA and quasi-HEMA organizations, and maintained good relations. I have worked with the SCA, modern sport fencers, other martial artists, and of course, a variety of HEMA practitioners of different stripes. I am on good terms with many, and have the capacity to recognize and respect our differences while while working in our common ground.

Craig Shackleton

[Jake Norwood]

John Harmston:

Bio:

John Harmston is a Senior Instructor for True Edge Academy of Swordsmanship in Utah. John studied Kempo and Tae Kwon Do for many years before discovering HEMA. While conducting research on fighting techniques for a novel, he learned about ARMA Provo at an writing symposium and began attending classes to learn more about historical fencing; after just one class he was hooked and eventually became an ARMA General Free Scholar. John is True Edge Academy’s resident arms and armor expert, owning a collection of replica weapons and armor. He is the current HEMA Alliance forum admin, was an original member of the HEMA Alliance’s Governing Council, and is an occasional contributor to the Wiktenauer. Five years later he hasn't gotten back to his novel, being too engrossed in HEMA.

What has the Alliance done for you?

One of the great things about the HEMA Alliance is the sense of community that it has built in less than two years. In attending events, participating on the forums, and training with other Alliance members, I have learned much to expand my knowledge of HEMA. And just as importantly, I have made many new friends while gaining new perspectives on our Art and it's application.

What improvements can be made?

Many of my ideas from the last year's campaign remain uncompleted, so that's a good start. More specifically, I would like to see the GC explore ways to better support official Alliance projects. In some cases we can do a better job designating a team lead/project owner who is responsible to see a project to completion. We all have lots of good ideas, but unless a specific person is "on the hook" to continue managing and driving a project, it will too often languish and fade away. Compartmentalizing the GC to specific areas of responsibility was a big step in the right direction in this regard.

What do you bring to the table?

Over 15 years experience in traditional and Web marketing. I am the Alliance's current Marketing Chair. I have managed teams in both professional and club settings. I have coached numerous lacrosse teams. The greatest assets I can bring to the GC are creativity, enthusiasm, and strong organizational skills. Regardless of the election outcome, I look forward to continuing to serve the Alliance in whatever capacity I can.

[Jake Norwood]

Michael Edelson:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.

From NYHFA website: Michael has been studying swordsmanship in various forms since 1990. Prior to German longsword, his primary area of interest was Japanese swordsmanship. Among the styles he studied were Toyama Ryu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, Engi Iaido and others. He also has an extensive background in unarmed Eastern martial arts and worked for several years as a Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido instructor. Michael was hooked on Historical European Swordsmanship from the moment he picked up a longsword in July of 2005. Aside from serving as NYHFA's principal instructor, he is currently studying Toyama Ryu batto jutsu under Sang Kim sensei. Michael founded NYHFA in 2006 and focuses his work on body mechanics and distilling fundamental principles from the period texts. He is a firm believer in the synergy between drills, free fencing and cutting, believing that these three elements must be combined to restore an effective and viable martial art.

2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.

The HEMA Alliance connected me with some of the finest people I have ever met in martial arts. While it was not strictly necessary to join the alliance to meet them, working together to build something bigger than ourselves has been a very rewarding experience. In these connections came the opportunity to learn and exchange ideas, and that has allowed me to grow as a person and a martial artist.

3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.

The Alliance needs to do more to help individual members, such as finalizing the instructor certification program, and perhaps creating a distance learning program to help people who can't find qualified instructors. We have a lot of technology at our disposal, and it's about time we used it. For example, a remote class with several students and an instructor...via Skype video calling. The instructor can demonstrate, correct, etc.

4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?

4. Aside from my experience in learning and teaching martial arts, I have been the Alliance's membership secretary for about a year now and have contributed a good deal of time to cleaning up our membership records, improving organization and catching up on missing data (still in progress). While I am not entirely eager to continue this often difficult job, I feel it is the least I can do to help the Alliance and if the members want me to keep doing it, I will.

[Craig Shackleton]

To kick off my campaign, I'm going to be offline for the next four days in all likelihood.

I will be attending the Recreational Violence Weekend VII.

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135041406560586

[Jason Taylor]

Hi All,

I just checked this thread and noticed that my bio wasn't here. I sent it in a while back but maybe it got misplaced/spam filtered/I typed the address wrong, so here it is again:

Jason Taylor:

1. HEMA-centric BIO. Include club experience, etc.
I have been an avid martial artist for 16 years. He holds an instructor certification in Lai Chung Chu’an Fa Kung Fu and has experience in numerous other styles. I have also developed a curriculum for Women’s Self-Defense and research and practice Reality Based Self-Defense (RBSD) and personal protection.

I discovered HEMA in 2007 while investigating Japanese sword, and I stumbled across the growing array of videos of serious HEMA practitioners. I was hooked. Here I found something exciting and real, something that taught me how to use the swords I’d always been fascinated by as a young boy.

I am a founding member of Kron Martial Arts in Orange County and I have taught for the cluyb since its inception. I have also taught a very successful class in Medieval Swordsmanship through California State University, Fullerton, one of the first of its kind at a major university. I have also published an article on the yielding aspects of Medieval Swordsmanship in Black Belt Magazine. As a college professor and mainstream martial artist, I try to make outreach to both the academic and traditional martial arts communities.

2. Something positive about the Alliance, such as what it's done for you, what it's potential is, etc.
I have been involved with the Alliance since its inception, as well , and I am proud of what the organization has become in less than two short years. The Alliance has provided me one of the best venues for support, academic discourse, and training I have ever encountered in HEMA, and I hope to continue to help it provide those values to other community members. It’s potential, however, is far greater than what we have seen so far, and I see the possibility to vastly increase the Alliance profile in the coming years.

As Treasurer since the HEMAA’s inception, I have had a chance to be a part of its growth so far, and I hope to continue to do so in the coming year.

3. Something that needs to be done to improve the Alliance. Be specific, be critical, be constructive.
The Alliance needs to reach out more to traditional martial artists. These individuals can understand the value and efficacy of HEMA and can help our arts really become a mainstream idea in American minds.

4. What will you bring to the table? Reputation? Professional Skills? Organization/leadership experience? What will we be able to rely on you to provide?
I bring extensive leadership and organization experience in both HEMA and non-HEMA clubs to the table. I also have good connections in both the academic and traditional martial arts worlds, and I can make an excellent liaison to those worlds. I hope to continue being a part of the board and bringing my experience, both as a member of the GC and as an organizer and teacher with Kron Martial Arts, to help the Alliance meet its goal of helping the community.