Name: Ewan Johnston

Course: Games Design and Production  

Year: 3rd Year

What made you choose to join RMAS?

I really do enjoy the idea of swords since I was a kid, learning how to be able to fight with them and what the time period was like made them even more interesting to me. Plus Blair, the lead instructor of the club, screaming SWORDS from across the hall definitely did help!

Do you have a favourite historical weapon or fighting style within HEMA and why does it appeal to you?

I like the systems by a man named Joachim Meyer. A man from the 16th century who tried to make a system that was based on German foundation but adapted systems from all over Europe into one sturdy fencing system. It is also very flashy and fun to use in combat.

Have you ever participated in an RMA (HEMA) and what was the most enjoyable part of the experience?

I have taken part in a couple of tournaments thanks to RMAS, my favourite thing about them was proving to myself that I am better than what I say I am, during one of the charity tournaments I participated with a weapon I taught myself and made it all the way into the quarter-finals!

If you could travel back in time and train with a legendary swordsman or martial artist, who would you choose and why?

I imagine this too often! But I would say I would like to travel back and meet Johannes Liechtenauer, the "Grandfather of Swordfighting" It would be interesting to see why he decided on how to fight with a sword and how to write it down. It would also be cool to see what things have evolved and what he left behind in the study.