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The Macdonald Academy of Arms: History
The Macdonald Academy of Arms is established in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is solely dedicated to teaching most forms of Western swordsmanship and European martial arts. The Academy follows in the traditions of historical Edinburgh fencing academies, such as those of Sir William Hope, a Scots fencing master who taught in the city from the late 17th to the early 18th centuries, and the Royal Academy of Exercises, which flourished in Edinburgh under the famous fencing masters John Xavier Angelo and George Roland from c. 1763 to 1870. Today, instruction at the first professional European Academy of Arms to have been established in Edinburgh in 200 years is given by Maestro Paul Macdonald, a swordmaker, Master-at-Arms and a founder of the International Masters-at-Arms Federation. The impetus of the Academy's approach is that of martial swordsmanship. It is not derived from or aspiring to any sporting, theatrical, or re-enactment approach. Whilst maintaining respect towards other sword-related disciplines, the emphasis of the Academy's teachings is that of training individuals by the same methods and according to the true intent and approach as required of swordsmen from centuries past. That same approach bears great relevance in modern society, as it not only develops practical martial ability, but takes us on a path of understanding, essentially of ourselves but also of others, the benefits of which are as directly applicable today as they were in yesteryear.
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