Alberta School Offers Unique Perspective on Martial Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 1, 2009 -- For_Immediate_Release:
Alberta, Canada (Free-Press-Release.com) April 1, 2009

When most people when they hear the words “Martial Arts” they think of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. They imagine people in white uniforms lined up, bare-footed, and bowing to an instructor speaking in an Asian language. Yet, there is one school that is completely different. With a more relaxed atmosphere, wearing colourful T-shirts and comfortable shoes, The Academy of European Swordsmanship follows traditional fighting arts that can be documented going back as far as 1300.

1

Alberta School Offers Unique Perspective on Martial Arts

Welcome visit Our WebSite:

http://www.the-aes.org

When speaking with Johanus Haidner, the head instructor for the school, he explains that the term “martial arts” has been used in Europe for hundreds of years to describe what he teaches. “It really is an English term, and it means the “arts of Mars”, the God of War.” So we ask him if learning martial arts teaches you to fight in war. “Well, not anymore, since modern warfare is now almost entirely technology based. But at one time it really did give you an edge, back in the Middle-Ages and Renaissance, when people fought with swords, spears, knives, and such. Today we study this for purposes of self defence, fitness and fun.”

The AES is Canada’s oldest established Western Martial Arts school, originally started in 1994. The head chapter is in Edmonton and just three years ago another was opened in Calgary. Students 13 and up are welcome, and have come from all kinds of backgrounds, from clerks to professionals, housewives, school students (of course), and family members taking classes together. “It’s great fun!” espouses Davyd, one of the students, “It’s something I make sure to attend every Tuesday, and is on my high priority list.”

Every Tuesday evening starting at 7pm you will find several people, men and women, learning the techniques of Europe’s knights and noble soldiers at 9210-118 Avenue. Watching a class is almost like watching a piece of history. Most classes concentrate on sword training, but one can also see knife defence, learning to use staff weapons, and the practical aspects of unarmed combat. Many students and observers are often surprised to see how often a sword fight between two trained people ends up coming to hand-to-hand fighting. “A swordsman traditionally meant a martial artist who was trained in complete combat, from fighting without a weapon to mastering the most difficult of all weapons, the sword. A real warrior had to be able to defend himself in all situations, whether he had a weapon or not.” And that is the perspective that this school teaches. While they do participate in outside tournaments and have their own tournament each year, it is not the emphasis of the art. “The tournaments are for fun and show.” Explains Johanus, “It’s great to test your skills against other people in a formal situation, but we all know that it isn’t exactly like real combat – too many artifices and rules for safety.” He smiles, “But everyone enjoys these and they’re great to show others what we do!”

When speaking of the fitness aspects of the martial art, Mr. Haidner states, “I think it’s the most complete exercise you can find. Our bodies are designed for this. We are the most efficient fighting creatures on the planet, and there is nothing than gets us into better shape than using our full bodies in this manner. This especially becomes evident once you start sparring with the weapons. I guarantee you will notice the difference between doing this and any other workout! And this is likely to be more fun!” he laughs.

The Academy of European Swordsmanship
Traditional Western Martial Arts
Self Defence and Weapons Training
780-966-6022
www.the-aes.org

Contact:
Edmonton:
Johanus Haidner
johanus@the-aes.org
(780) 966-6022
http://www.the-aes.org

Calgary:
Mark Winkelman
fretwork6@yahoo.com
(403) 262-0759

More information can be found online at http://www.the-aes.org

combat training     knight     martial art     self defence     sword fighting     swordsmanship     weapon training     wma