This is more for Terre, but I wanted to leave this open for everyone else to view and comment on.
Back in the day, there were combat demos done by the SCA. Yes, I know, that is a contentious subject on both sides, so let us leave the acrimony aside and focus on the events. The Battle Mound events were pretty popular, as were the Live Chess Matches. Put frankly, people love watching swordfights. I know ARMA has done demos out there periodically, but I was wondering if there would be an interest in seeing more Historical European Martial Arts groups demo out at TRF regularly? With the increasing popularity of such, with HEMA groups all over the place and derivatives such as the international Battle of the Nations tournaments, it just seems like something that TRF could benefit from greatly. It'd be something new, historically-oriented, and would probably help bring in crowds. I know the first thing that would pop into Terre's mind would probably be "liability issues", but the established and reputable groups- ARMA, AEMMA, most of the HEMA Alliance affiliates, etc.- have their own insurance and would demonstrate with the same level of safety at the faire as they do at conventions and such. Having trained with HEMA groups before, trust me, safety is a MAJOR thing for them.
So, does this sound like something that would work well out at TRF?
Speaking as someone who has been going to TRF for 20+ years, I would love to watch this. Especially if it were historically accurate. I would even be willing to pay admission for such an event.
However, unless they include mobility scooter jousting, I will not participate.
I hope Terre gives it due consideration.
I would welcome the return of the battle mound. I remember watching the armored warriors go at each other on the battle mound in the late 80's early 90's time frame.
Keeper might be on to something.........mobility scooter jousting. Pick your favorite Knight and cheer for his steed!!
I can't like this enough!!
I MISS the battle mound and the chess matches! It was one of the things that I made it a point to watch in the early days. And if you set it up like the joust where it's more of a stage and fenced off rather than out in the open lanes (though that was pretty awesome to watch in the lanes) it might make some of the idiots that come out from randomly walking into the fray.
We welcome the opportunity to audition, and showcase new talent, and would gladly accept any promotional materials you might have on your group. Different elements of TRF change from time to time and I think that's what makes coming to faire exciting. Both the battle mound, chess and the Maypole are some of the things I always hear about. Maybe it's time for another sword fighting group!
I am unable to do HEMA anymore due to the legs, and I was in an AEMMA affiliated branch up north when I was (they're mostly in Canada and Europe), but I'll ask around and see if I can get some folks with groups in Texas in touch with you. ARMA is based in Houston, and I know they've been out there before, so I can check with them. They would love the exposure and it would be a good draw for patrons as well, methinks :D
is there ARMA, AEMMA, most of the HEMA Alliance affiliates in north Texas DFW area?
Pretty sure HEMA Alliance has some affiliates up there, and I know ARMA has a Dallas branch at least run by John Crane, but AEMMA is mostly Canada, Europe and some affiliates up in the NE US and California. They have an affiliate program open to new groups, but as of the last time I checked there were non down here.
Edit: Did some digging- ARMA DFW has a website here- http://www.armadfw.org/ (http://www.armadfw.org/) and also has a branch in Denton, the Meyer Frei Fechter Guild (HEMA Alliance) has groups in Central and North Texas (contact: emwentzel@tx.rr.com), Accademia del Leone is just north of the DFW metroplex (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1504914743100636/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1504914743100636/)), and for those in the Houston area, there's Texas Armizare up here in the Woodlands (https://www.facebook.com/TexasArmizare (https://www.facebook.com/TexasArmizare)), Sword to Sword in North Houston (http://swordtosword.com (http://swordtosword.com)), and of course ARMA (thearma.org). For Austinites, there's ARMA Austin and a Meyer Frei Fechter Guild group out in Johnson City.
Hope that helps!
Updated previous comment with links