What is a Modern European Martial Arts Master?

Is creating contemporary masters in Historical European Martial Arts worthwhile? I believe it is - both creating them and maintaining the master designation itself.

Historical Context

Historically, martial arts mastery emerged through diverse pathways: trade guilds, private instruction, and licensed schools all produced masters. These practitioners documented their knowledge through treatises and developed formal student progressions leading to recognized expertise.

Recognition varied considerably. Some master titles held national standing while others existed only within specific institutions or schools. Recognition between institutions was neither required nor particularly common - a master in one system might be unknown to another.

The Modern Revival

Contemporary HEMA represents a revival spanning roughly 30-40 years, growing earnestly over the past decade. This movement originated in informal study groups examining historical manuals while incorporating modern fencing and other martial traditions.

When I established Academie Duello after teaching through clubs for a decade, I drew from competitive experience, source interpretation, and cross-training in multiple disciplines. Over thousands of students and continued testing, the school developed a modern expression and revival of an ancient art.

But this raised a question: if we’re reviving historical systems, can we also claim the titles those systems used?

Defining Modern Mastery

Rather than focusing on identity - “I am a master” - I think we should emphasize the master’s function: people who are able to fully convey our art to others and thus make more masters.

A true master demonstrates comprehensive knowledge across five domains:

Body mechanics and physical execution - Can they perform the art at a high level?

Tactical and strategic understanding - Do they understand when and why to use techniques, not just how?

Decision-making and training methodology - Can they structure effective learning progressions?

Pedagogical and theoretical frameworks - Do they understand how people learn and how to teach different types of students?

Scientific understanding - Can they analyze and evolve the art through systematic study?

Why It Matters

Schools pursuing this path should maintain rigorous standards and clearly define what mastery means within their specific context.

The title is not a trophy. It’s a description of service to the art and its community - a commitment to preserving knowledge, developing practitioners, and advancing the discipline for future generations.

We need masters because arts need stewards. Without people dedicated to deep understanding and transmission of knowledge, skills fragment and fade. Modern HEMA has an opportunity to build sustainable institutions that preserve and advance these traditions. That requires people willing to commit to mastery, and communities willing to recognize and support them.