About ARMA Appleton

    ARMA - the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts, is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to the study and practice of historical fencing and the exploration and promotion of our Western martial heritage. With focus on the interpretation and legitimate reconstruction of Medieval and Renaissance combat systems as a modern discipline, the ARMA’s efforts are directed toward resurrecting and recreating a legitimate craft of European fighting skills in a manner that is historically valid and martially sound. The ARMA was established to promote the study of European fighting arts and arms & armor of the 15^th – 17^th centuries.

    ARMA Appleton is currently the only ARMA study group in the state of Wisconsin. Forming in 2004 with only three members, we have grown steadily ever since. Our method combines the academic research of historical combat manuals and period resources with the physical application of practicing drills, test cutting, and sparring. We also use various tools in our studies, including wooden wasters, plastic wasters, steel blunts, steel sharps, and padded weapons and apply them in these practices. This is done with the contol, speed, and martial intent to gain some insight into how these martial arts were applied by our ancestors. You will not find fantasy or historical role-playing, sport fighting, or sword tag in ARMA Appleton. First and foremost we are a martial arts group. Our focus is on recreating these fighting arts with historical accuracy, or as accurately as we can with current amount of translated material.

    If you are interested in swordsmanship or any other historical European combat arts we will be more than happy to help you start your journey. The only thing you need to begin is an open mind and a willingness to learn, so contact your local Study Group Leader, and begin your journey of the sword.