click to visit the ROM website  click to visit the Discovery website

AEMMA on Discovery Channel in conjunction with the
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

January 9 & 14, 2001

A piece filmed at the Royal Ontario Museum for the program entitled "Hidden Treasures" on @discovery.ca, the Discovery Channel focuses on the work of David Cvet and Brian McIlmoyle and their work and effort in the reconstruction of European medieval fighting techniques. The objectives AEMMA are reviewed, along with the historical content that makes up a large portion of the work at AEMMA. Illustrated is the arming of oneself in 14c armour and a number of unscripted fighting demonstrations. AEMMA wishes to thank the ROM and the Discovery Channel for their interest and support.

Segmented videos are provided below for reference and viewing. The video file sizes range from 5.5MB - 9.5MB. The files will require QuickTime and are compatible with most Windows and Mac systems.

No. Segment Description Video
1 Intro to David Cvet & Brian McIlmoyle: Positioning of the meaning of fighting knights as they relate to historical evidence and reconstruction efforts by AEMMA. Julian Siggers, Director for Programming, ROM introduces David and Brian and the initial concepts of medieval fighting. click to view the video

(5.0MB)
2 Transport back in time: Julian describes a pair of "typical" 21st guys, with "real jobs" who put on armour and fight in a 14th century style. Julian presents the fact that AEMMA was created 3 years ago, and which does not do re-enactment. Through training, the probability of injury is reduced in the revived historical martial arts form with respect to the "true fight". click to view the video

(6.5MB)
3 Fundament fight concepts: Avoidance of being directly struck with the sword by parrying with the sword, rather than take the hit on the armoured body. A description of a possible medieval battle, complete with mounted knights and foot soldiers. click to view the video

(9.7MB)
4 Who were the knights?: Knights were often part of the nobility class, and therefore, were able to afford such sophisticated armour. A demonstration of dressing-up in armour in this segment, along with an explaination of wearing a gorget, which is a later period component. click to view the video

(8.7MB)
5 More on 14c armourr: Closer examination of 14c armour, in terms of weight and vision restrictions. A discussion on some concepts of battle engagements, redirecting the force of the opponent, and the duration of typical engagements. Engagements were typically short and deadly. click to view the video

(9.4MB)
6 Motivation of the knight: A discussion on the original motivations of the knight, which often were less than noble. The motivation of AEMMA is the affection for history and fitness. The mental state during an engagement is singular and focused. click to view the video

(9.1MB)
7 Conflict and survival: The participation in this martial art involves physical conflict during an engagement, which raises the survival instinct which has been suppressed in modern society. The medieval martial art is an enjoyable activity which offers physical fitness as a side benefit. click to view the video

(3.4MB)

 
Entered: January 10, 2001