Please stand by as we update the website with info for the 2024 event.
For questions or site issues, please email the WMAW Registrar at wmaw.registrar@gmail.com.
Hands-On Study of Historical Western Martial Arts
WMAW is for anyone interested in Western fighting styles — from the Medieval to Early Modern American. Whether you are a long-time historical fencer, a newcomer just getting your feet wet, an Asian martial artist curious about the methods of your western counterparts, or a fight choreographer who’d like to add a layer of historical accuracy to your staged violence, we guarantee that this event has something for you.
Quality
We offer both in-depth and focused classes taught by an international instructor comprised of martial artists and researchers who have help set the Gold Standard for the western arts community.
Variety
We work carefully to bring the right mix of returning instructors and new faces; introductory classes and cutting edge research. The Workshop’s schedule is also carefully planned in a series of class tracks organized by both time period and skill level, so students can get an introductory sampling of a variety of disciplines, or study certain topics progressively throughout the weekend.
Hospitality and Fellowship
When you come to WMAW you are guests. On Saturday we host our traditional feast for our guests, built around a good ol’ fashioned Wisconsin Pig Roast with a few entertainment surprises to make the evening memorable.
Location
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the beautiful DeKoven Center is a former walled college built in the neo-gothic style that in many ways steals the show from all of us. The instructors and many attendees are able to stay onsite, and Taylor Hall is open 24 hours, so the exchange of knowledge (or telling of tall tales!) can go on as late as your tired bodies allow.
Affordability
Our pledge to our guests is to work hard to keep tuition costs both affordable and transparent. One flat fee includes all of your classes and meals (besides Saturday’s feast) for the event.
But most of all, remember that you make this event possible.
You are not just attendees; you are our guests. We are here to answer any questions, and provide whatever assistance we can to make this WMAW the stuff of fond memories.
So make your plans to attend WMAW for four days of classes, presentations, demonstrations, sparring, and some of the finest providers of Western martial arts supplies in the world. If you’re a returning friend, we can’t wait to see you again. If this will be your first year, then we can’t wait to meet you!
– The Western Martial Arts Workshop Planning Committee