Historical Martial Arts Society members gather for a group photo before the tournament begins.

Oglethorpe’s Historical Martial Arts Society (HMA) recently held its first tournament of the year.

“HMA is a student organization that is devoted to the practice of European martial arts, mainly armored combat, and ‘jolly cooperation’,” explains the society’s co-founder Mason Peterson ’17. 

Peterson and Alex Mixson ’17 stumbled upon their shared interest in Historical Martial Arts, leading them to co-found the society.

“HMA was first established at Oglethorpe, humorously, when [we] realized we both had done sword fighting in high school,” said Peterson. “He’d done armored combat and I had done kendo and fencing. We drew a crowd and realized that many others like ourselves were interested in the sport, leading to our founding of the club almost four years ago.”

Since its beginnings, HMA has fit right in at the castle-like Oglethorpe campus and has welcomed a diverse group of students into their society.

Accessibility is key to HMA’s senior members, who abstained from the first tournament in order to encourage their novice members to take part in the sword fighting combat. Peterson encourages all who are interested to try their hand at the Historical Martial Arts.

“What I love most about HMA is the passion it brings out in our members; whether it is for sport, history, or socializing, members are passionate. It has led to some of my closest friendships and many moments of camaraderie and fun.”

Joshua Amrita smiles through his protective mask after winning his round of the tournament.