Our values

Prudentia

Prudence & wisdom

We embrace personal judgement and wisdom. This is the foundation that guides us in pursuit of all other values. Wisdom means making informed decisions with the virtues as a guide. Included in this concept are also intelligence and knowledge.

Iustitia

Justice & honesty

Being honest, righteous and truthful are foundational for proper behaviour in play, competition and life in general. Justice also means respect and compassion for others. 

Fortitudo

Strength, courage & discipline

Strength relates to the old adage of a sound mind in a sound body. This is naturally important for fencers, and within this concept, we include physical strength and good health, but also competence, discipline, courage, and valour.

Martial excellence

It is self-evident that the goal of the guild is to promote martial excellence and provide a path for the martial artist to follow. Fostering and promoting martial excellence is therefore at the core of our values, and we are committed to creating an environment that encourages growth, skill development, and a deep appreciation for the art of historical fencing.

We understand the importance of setting clear goals and milestones for guild members. Through our structured ranking system, we provide a roadmap for progression, allowing individuals to track their journey and witness their own improvement over time. By striving for higher ranks, our members are constantly motivated to push their limits, explore the Art of fencing, and expand their knowledge of historical European martial arts.

Credibility and legitimacy are important to us. Our guild ensures that rank advancements are based on objective criteria rooted in demonstrated skill and proficiency. This approach establishes a standard of excellence. By maintaining a high level of credibility, we not only honour the traditions of historical fencing but also contribute to the wider recognition and appreciation of these fencing arts.

The Chivalric path

Throughout the fencing sources, there are many references to chivalry and chivalric ideals. They are part of a martial culture that is aimed at guiding those who train for combat towards a moral path. We see these ideals as a practical approach to life and training even today. This entails embracing hardships and challenges as a means to become stronger, better and more useful to others. Resilience and determination are key elements for both fencer development and for being a dependable individual for society, friends and family.

By striving to embody chivalric virtues of fairness, justice, truth, and integrity–both on and off the training ground–we naturally seek to cultivate individual responsibility. With this comes a deep sense of respect for our opponents, emphasizing the importance of treating others with dignity and fairness, in life and in our martial exploration.

Each guild member is expected to strive to embody these ideals, including values associated with learning how to fence, as promoted in the original sources and historical guild bylaws. The guild places a significant portion of responsibility on the members in the pursuit of their own development. We do not expect perfection–as we understand that no man is perfect–but for our members to approach their own shortcomings with humility and make it a note of honour to strive towards bettering themselves.