THE INSTRUCTOR

Practising HEMA since 2011, I’ve been a member of De Taille et d’Estoc (France) for several years before moving to Lyon and starting Lyon AMHE (France) in late 2016.

I mostly practise wrestling, dagger, longsword, and Viking-age combat.

I am the President and Chief Instructor at Lyon AMHE, and a member of the french HEMA federation board.

To contact him : martin.lavenant@gmail.com

TOPIC PRESENTATION

Viking-age in HEMA is difficult to work on, due to the lack of direct primary sources. We use archaeological items, contemporary written secondary sources, iconography, etc.

The focus of this workshop was to get a first glimpse at the mindset and skillset of a « Viking » nordic. In both solo and group situations, and with a wide array of oppositions.

Main focus is set on the use of the round shield, and several weapons are added to the mix (axes/spears/swords/seaxes).

Part fun, part experimental archaeology, part debuking !

THE WORKSHOP

In different versions : Le Mans Viking weekend – March 2014 / Chateau-du-Loir Viking weekend – March 2015 / THEMA Shields – December 2015 / HEMAC Dijon – May 2015, 2017 / AMHE IDF – Autumn 2017

After a dynamic warm-up, attendees work by pairs in a « follow the leader » exercise-type to get to work with the shield and begin to understand its characterstics. Various set-ups are possible and there is a progression from footwork and stance to practical situations with the full weapon setup.

Then practitioners group up in several small squads in order to experiment group tactics and historical situations. A number of exercises are possible from farm-raiding to VIP extraction or vendetta assassination.

It is also possible to explore situations where projectiles are used (javelins, stones, arrows).

At least 1h30 is needed, and a number of shields and weapons can be provided by instructor(s). This workshop was presented to groups of 20 to 45 people, in different situations (small/big venue, lots or lack of gear, etc).

I have presented it with Alain Migotti and Laure Bornier from De Taille et d’Estoc in 2014 and 2015, and the content has always been in evolution and revamped from time to time.

THE FINAL WORD

The workshop is evolutive and subject to changes, make sure to take contact and discuss the terms !

Standard booklet to be issued, and critic/discussion/advice strongly welcomed !

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