A pioneer in reviving European martial arts and a renowned fight director, known for bringing historical combat techniques to life on stage and screen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
86 Years Old
The 34th and 39th Governor of California, a lawyer and politician, is known for his progressive policies and environmental activism, particularly in reducing California's carbon footprint. He's a champion of climate change mitigation and social justice.
