Society for Historical Martial Arts

The Society for Historical Martial Arts (SHMA) is an organization dedicated to researching, practicing, and preserving historical combat techniques from various periods and cultures. Members typically study ancient, medieval, or renaissance martial arts through sources like manuals, artworks, and archaeological finds, then train in or reenact these methods safely. The goal is to understand how people fought and defended themselves in the past, using authentic techniques. SHMA provides a community for enthusiasts, promotes scholarly study, and fosters responsible martial arts practice rooted in historical accuracy.