FAC Toronto Open House

I attended the Fighting Arts Collective Toronto Open house recently.
FAC is an amazing collective of various fighting arts, from Western Martial arts, Archery, Wing Chun, Jeet Kun Do, Systema, even some Circus Arts. I look forward to seeing this every year, as there is always so many interesting and amazing demonstrations. If you are looking for something wonderfully different and interesting to do in Toronto, I highly recommend you check them out. They are all amazing people who train with high levels of dedication, respect and love for what they do, it is inspiring to watch!

Beau's Free Scholler Test

Recently my boyfriend Beau underwent his Free Scholler test at AEMMA for which he had trained for 6 months. You must demonstrate proficency in all weapons described in Fiore's treatise(s).

Aaron acted as his Zugadore, or his second.
In the first part of the test you must be able to demonstrate and fully explain each technique.
In the second part of the test you must fight all of the current free scholars, with whatever weapon they chose, until they were satisfied. Beau passed with flying colours, I am so proud :)
He was too tuckered to take part in the tournament afterwards, but his Zugadore Aaron went on to win a well fought victory! They stayed until the wee hours to celebrate. Here are some shots from the day.

AEMMA Spring Pas D' Armes

I had the pleasure of attending the AEMMA Spring Pas D'Armes at FAC Toronto. It is a Full armor combat tournament, hosted by the Academy of European Medival Martial Arts. It was a wonderful event, seeing combatants from Ottawa, Muskoka, and Toronto. They were dressed in "full harness" which means a full suit of armor. No easy feat to fight with an additional 60-75 lbs! They had their choice to fight in pole axe, spear, Longsword, Dagger and combinations thereof. It was an thrilling event to watch. Each combatant was accompanied by their squire, in some cases, fathers and sons. It was so sweet to watch the sons help their dads dress in their armor.  I marvel at the Fighting Arts Collective and the wonderful community of sportsmanship and respect they have built. They train with dedication, study the history, the manuscripts of old, and study the Art. They are truly scholars and Gentlemen. Heads up Ladies, Knights in armor do indeed still exist!
I have photographed several AEMMA events, and find capturing the flashes of steel and quick moving bodies an interesting challenge. This last shoot was by far my favorite, here are some photos, I hope you enjoy!