Johannes Liechtenauer:
"If you wish to display art, go to the left and to the right with blows. And to go left [leading with] the right means that you have a great desire to fence."Terms and Conditions of Membership
As a participant in the knightly Art of Fencing and bound by the chivalrous and gentlemanly conduct that this Art demands, all we ask is that you show due respect and consideration to all your fellow members as you would expect shown to yourself and ask nothing of him, or her, as you would not be prepared to be asked.
Whilst practising the Art, all members are expected to refrain from inflicting unnecessary and/or intentional pain or injury to others and adhere to the instructions and cautions given by the instructors. Let it be known that it is the responsibility of the defendant to ensure that any strike put upon them is defended honestly and with intent; but at the same time the responsibility of the attacker to ensure that any strike they initiate is made with consideration and afore-thought to their opponents safety. Any injury sustained will be considered the fault of the recipient, and no inter-member legal action will apply concerning any activity associated within STMF and the Art. Accidents can happen and we enforce a policy of prevention rather than cure regarding such occurrences.
The instructors dictate all activities on going within the STMF. This includes the practice of disciplines other than Ringeck and the use of any practice weapon other than a shinai. If experienced members wish to sport a blunt steel weapon then please be aware that they do so only with the prior consent of the instructors and the prior signing of a ‘Total Disclaimer’ document.
STMF instructors reserve the right to expel, without prejudice or refund, any member deemed to be unsuitable or unable to fulfil the qualities necessary to practice the Art and receive the instruction thereof, or considered to be a danger to other members or themselves whilst practicing the Art.
If any member of STMF should have any reasons for concern we ask that these be aired openly with those parties involved. Should this prove to be impractical or impossible then we ask that these matters be brought before the instructors, where full confidence can be assured and matters dealt with in a manner appropriate to the cause of the problem.
All members are expected to attend every lesson unless bound by educational, personal or work related obligations. We ask that any lesson missed be regained by study and practice in the members' own time, so preventing the possibility of interruption with regards to the ongoing instruction and understanding of the Art by other members… in an ideal world!
STMF reserves the right to amend the facilities charge at one month notice either by verbal or written communication.
All members are expected to provide for themselves, within two months of membership registration, a pair of stout gloves and a shinai adapted for longsword, which are available from the society.
All new interested parties receive two weeks grace prior to the need for membership or facilities charges, at which time they are asked to commit to Society membership or leave.
Membership Form
Copies of the membership form can be downloaded here: STMF Membership form [PDF, 36 kB]