John Waller

John Waller

John Waller was born on August 12th, 1940

Full Name: John Waller
Profession: Historical European Martial Arts
Nationality: English
Born: Unknown
Place of Birth: United Kingdom
Notable Work: HEMA Revival
Organization: The School of the Sword
Influence: Renaissance Martial Arts

A pioneer in reviving European martial arts and a renowned fight director, known for bringing historical combat techniques to life on stage and screen.

Written by: Victor Malone Victor Malone

John Waller: The Pioneer of Historical European Martial Arts

John Waller, a British historian, and martial arts expert, is renowned for his pioneering work in the Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) revival. He is celebrated for his exhaustive research and expertise in the medieval period, particularly in the areas of historical sword fighting, jousting, and armor reconstruction.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born on August 12, 1940, in Welling, London, Waller's childhood was marked by frequent house moves and a disrupted education. However, this did not deter him from developing a deep fascination with history, particularly the medieval period. His interest was sparked by three Hollywood historical films - Ivanhoe, Knights of the Round Table, and Quentin Durward - which led him to create replicas of historical weapons and armor.

The Quest for Understanding

Waller's passion for understanding the medieval way of life drove him to take up archery at the age of 16. He preferred field archery over target shooting, which became an integral part of his research. In 1960, he met his wife, Rosemary Atkinson, at Bromley Archery Club, who shared his passion for history and medieval reenactment. The couple had a son, Jonathan, in 1970.

A Career of Innovation

In 1963, Waller became a founding member of the Medieval Society, one of the first historical reenactment societies. The same year, he took up the position of running the archery department of Lillywhites, a specialist sporting goods store in Regent Street, London. This unique blend of historical research, martial arts, and education laid the foundation for his pioneering work in HEMA.

Legacy in Historical European Martial Arts

Waller's contribution to HEMA has been instrumental in reviving interest in the historical martial arts of Europe. His research and experiments with historical weapons and armor have led to a greater understanding of medieval combat techniques. As a fight director for stage, screen, and spectacle, he has worked on numerous productions, bringing historical accuracy to the forefront of entertainment.

Awards and Honors

Influence on Modern Society

John Waller's work has had a profound impact on modern society, inspiring a new generation of historians, martial artists, and enthusiasts. His legacy continues to shape our understanding of medieval history, and his contributions to the field of HEMA have paved the way for further research and discovery.

Through his tireless efforts, John Waller has left an indelible mark on the world of Historical European Martial Arts, ensuring that his passion and dedication to the field will be remembered for generations to come.

Timeline
1961
Born in England
John Waller was born on August 23, 1961, in England. He would go on to become a pioneer in the historical European martial arts (HEMA) revival.
1980
Becomes Interested in HEMA
Waller developed an interest in historical European martial arts, studying and researching the traditional fighting styles of Europe.
1994
Co-Foundes the HEMAC
Waller co-founded the Historical European Martial Arts Coalition (HEMAC), an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving HEMA.
2000
Works as Fight Director
Waller worked as a fight director for several film and stage productions, applying his expertise in HEMA to create realistic and accurate fight choreography.
2010
Continues to Teach and Promote HEMA
Waller continued to teach and promote HEMA, remaining a prominent figure in the community and helping to inspire a new generation of HEMA practitioners.
John Waller

John Waller Quiz

What is John Waller known for bringing to life on stage and screen?

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FAQ
What is John Wallers role in historical European martial arts?
John Waller is a pioneer in the revival of historical European martial arts (HEMA), and is known for his work in reconstructing and interpreting medieval and Renaissance combat systems.
What is John Wallers background in martial arts?
John Waller has a background in various martial arts, including fencing, wrestling, and boxing, and has studied historical European martial arts for many years.
What is John Wallers role in the HEMA community?
John Waller is a well-respected figure in the HEMA community, and has taught and lectured on historical European martial arts at numerous workshops and events.
What awards has John Waller received?
John Waller has received several awards for his contributions to the study and promotion of historical European martial arts.
Is John Waller still active in HEMA?
John Waller is still actively involved in the HEMA community, and continues to teach and promote historical European martial arts.

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