Rebecca Boyd for GC-Campaign Discussion

[Becca B.]

I would be extremely honored to serve on the HEMA Alliance’s Governing Council. While I believe I still have a lot to yearn (a gross understatement), I am confident that the HEMA Alliance can greatly benefit from my dedicated participation. I view my current position (in relation to study of the sword, and my entrance into this community) as the first part of a lifelong journey. Though I don’t have the experience and knowledge base that many do, what I do have is commitment, passion, and organizational skills that are on-par with anyone in the community. I am willing to put forth the time and effort that a position on the GC requires. I am committed to doing what it takes to facilitate the learning, and progress of our arte.

I have had numerous positions in business and management, including running my own business. I am currently furthering my education and have been very active in my local fencing club. I love the “administration” parts of fencing clubs as well as the fencing itself. I am also a dedicated writer and I believe those skills could greatly benefit the HEMA Alliance. I bring great organizational skills in records, finances, project brainstorming and creation, as well as a unique perspective that stems from my age, gender, and beginner level.

I have been studying classical fencing for two and a half years and historical weapons since the beginning of this year. I teach classical foil and run my own satellite club (a division of Baited Blade, my home fencing club). I don’t have a lot of fencing credentials, but I do have this: I am willing to do the work, spend the time, and study in both the arte, as well within the GC. I can be trusted to make a difference. I will be where I say I will be. I’ll do what I say I’ll do.

There are so many wonderful individuals who can bring a lot to the HEMA Alliance through their participation on the GC. If elected, I promise to put forth the effort that the position requires. If not elected (due, no doubt, to the high caliber of other individuals) I will still work to better the HEMA Alliance, and myself.

I welcome any questions, comments, or concerns on this thread and am eager to discuss the possibilities that the coming year holds for us.

Becca

[Jake Norwood]

Hey. I got one.

One of the things we'd like to focus on is outreach to more of a "HEMA" community beyond the longsword circles. How do you see a successful outreach to classical fencers, etc., working for the HEMA Alliance? How would you go about it? How would you involve the Alliance's membership?

Jake

[Becca B.]

Thanks for that question, Jake. There are lots of things that could be done, but here is what I think of off the top of my head:

One of the first things that could be done is to educate within HEMA the way some classical fencers do things. Not all classical fencing is the same, and many historical fencers don't know that some practice classical fencing as a martial art just like they do. Also, many aren't aware that the transition from foil to epee to sabre (and then bridging the gap into historical weapons, we find small sword) is really a wonderful way to transition to the historical weapons, and it is an EXTREMELY useful tool for involving women in the historical fencing community. However, that is a topic in itself.

In reaching out to classical fencers, we need to make a point to find classical clubs and literally reach out to them. I'm talking, send them a letter, tell them who we are, invite them to an event. My club teaches both Classical and Historical weapons and they flow beautifully together. If we could make other classical fencers aware of this system, they could easily flow into the historical weapons.

By saying all of this, I don't mean to imply that we need to "convert" classical fencers to historical. That is not how I feel at all. However, I think that there is a way to bridge the gap, and people should know where and how to find it. Part of reaching out to classical fencers is making them feel they have a place here. For that we need more forum particpation and some more articles in the Wiktenauer. One of the ways we attract people to the website is through a google search that yeilds a resut in the Wiktenauer. Right now, there isn't much for classical fencers to find in the Wiktenauer, so they are not being attracted to the website. A quick search for "classical fencing" brought up three results with relatively little information compared to historical information. I'm not saying it should be equal, but more resources for classical fencers will yeild more classical fencer participation.

I would encourage Alliance membership to ask classical fencing-related questions on the forum. It's discussion like this that will attract the classical fencers with years of experience that can greatly contribute to the HEMA Alliance, as well as spread knowledge of classical fencing to our membership that will quash misconceptions and spread greater understanding.

I'm glad you asked this question, since it is near to my heart. I'll brainstorm some more ways to reach out to classical fencers.