Statement of Purpose
Hilt & Helm Pittsburgh Fencing Club is a Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) club based in Pittsburgh, PA. Our purpose is to reconstruct historical European fencing traditions through a combination of scholarly pursuit and martial training, primarily focusing on the German traditions of fencing.
Our primary reference materials are the collected and translated manuals of the 14th to 16th century fencing masters of the Liechtenauer tradition. This includes such masters as Sigmund ain Ringeck, Pseudo Peter von Danzig and Joachim Meyer.
Through experimentation and collaboration with our members and like-minded groups, we test hypotheses about how historical techniques were used, allowing us to train combat skills based on historical practices outside of a traditional “classroom” environment.
Participation at Hilt & Helm is a privilege; not a right.
Along with this privilege come expectations of behavior by all parties, including study partners, guests, volunteers, and organizers. These expectations extend beyond club activities at the school to tournaments in other cities and any events where the club is present or hosting (both at private residences and public spaces). Social media accounts and posts by Hilt & Helm are included in the code of conduct and behavioral expectations of all members. Hilt & Helm reserves the right to monitor it's multimedia accounts, videos, photos, posts and remove comments and language that are inflammatory. (This includes, but is not limited to inciting heated political discussions, religious discussions and all discriminatory remarks designed to negatively impact the club, members, or others who are engaged. Remarks should be relevant to fencing and the subject matter in the media).
Hilt & Helm may periodically update "Statements of Purpose and Code of Conduct", "Risk Management Policies", and "Release and Waiver of Liability". This is typically to reflect necessary changes or response to requirements under law, and as lessees of the school. Members will be asked to review and sign updated materials when ever they are provided. Members may ask questions and seek clarification from the officers/ owners of the club before accepting and signing and updated policy materials.
Code of Conduct
1.RESPECT
Everything begins here. HEMA is a shared activity that should raise us all up together. Respect can be taken to include many things, including conducting ourselves professionally with others, both in and out of the group. Partners should not be disparaging or discriminating towards our peers, regardless of age, race or country of origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, gender (and how members present gender including trans & non-binary members), disability or physical ability, experience level, and subject knowledge. We should conduct ourselves appropriately before, during, and after training and conduct ourselves appropriately on social media wherever our behavior may be seen as representing the group. Hilt & Helm is a inclusive Fencing Club that embraces and welcomes everyone interested in the subject of fencing. Everyone should feel included and safe to engage in training and competing.
Complaints of behavior that is discriminatory or creates a hostile environment will be investigated and addressed by officials/ owners of Hilt & Helm - Pittsburgh Fencing Club. Members may be asked to stop engaging in said discriminatory behaviors or assume the risk of being expelled from the club.
We should strive to be proper stewards of our equipment, our club members and the individuals we meet from other clubs, and the locations in which we train or compete.
2. SAFETY
Swords were originally made to hurt and kill, and the Art we practice was designed to be fatal. We, on the other hand, want to train in a safe environment. Through proper equipment and attitude, we can work to minimize risks. Understand that injuries can and may happen, but by moderating fencing intensity based on the skill, personality, and protective equipment of our partners we can be proactive about injuries.
Partners are expected to exercise control of their actions and demeanor at all times and to exercise good judgment when training to appropriately account for the age, size, and experience level of their opponents.
3. SPORTSMANSHIP and COMMUNICATION.
Good sportsmanship is expected from members at all times. We strive to be gracious in victory and learn something from our defeats. While swordsmanship is not without its serious side, we believe that as a group it should be approached with an attitude of enthusiasm, openness, and a sense of fun. There is no room in our club for animosity, agendas, grudges, feelings of superiority, or any other attitude which undermines the enjoyment of the sport and martial art for your partners.
Likewise, there is nothing wrong with appropriately channeled competitive spirit and desire for excellence. Many fencers work hard both in group sessions and during their own time to achieve a high degree of fitness and skill. A passion to excel is a wonderful thing so long as it isn’t at the expense of your peers.
