------ Original Message ------
Received: Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:00:56 PM EDT
From: "rapierlynx" <DomhnallmF@...>
To: SCA-Rapier@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SCA-Rapier] The Great Big Global HEMA Census



I ran across this on Swordforum.com, and thought it might be of interest
to this group.

If SCA practices were included, it would really swell the numbers, and
help establish that there is a marketplace for the gear we need.

On the other hand, how would more competition affect the small
businesses we depend on, like Gypsy Peddler, James the Just, Darkwood,
etc.?

So, it seems to me some discussion might be in order before going
forward with this.

Domhnall
East


Hi!

My name is Roger Norling and I run a Hema resource site that you may
already be familiar with; Hroarr.com.

I am researching how many members each club has and would like to ask
for your help in providing some short information. The email is sent to
roughly 250-300 clubs all over the world and I have already received
replies from quite a few.

The reasons behind this survey are an attempt at building stronger
arguments when discussing with manufacturers of protective gear, media
and other martial arts groups. There are no commercial ties behind this
email. Only a wish to make the Hema community stronger.

Hopefully, we can interest companies like Allstar, Leon Paul and
Negrini in designing fencing masks that suit our needs and companies
like Brine to create gloves specifically for Hema.

So, I would like to ask if you would be willing to provide this info?
The results will of course be made public to all clubs that are
interested in participating.

The questions are as follows:

1. How many chapters does your club have? In other words, how many
locations do you teach at?

2. How many members does your club or your chapters have? (Please only
count members who have paid for membership!)

3. How many classes do you teach per week?

4. What classes do you teach? (longsword, messer, sword&buckler,
rapier, spear, pole arms etc)

That's it!

I know that it can be difficult to count paying members, if you have
another payment plan; single classes or monthly fees etc, but please try
to come up with a reasonable number of how many are involved in your
club. We don't need exact figures, but a good estimate.

If you decide that you do not wish to participate in this survey, then
I would be immensely grateful if you would let me know, so I can remove
you from the survey and this emailing list!

I have also been asked to introduce myself a little, so here goes: I
am a member of Gothenburg Historical Fencing School in Sweden, although
I am writing this email in no relation to my club, but rather as a
personal initiative. I am quite passionate about Hema and try to
contribute to the community in any way that I can.

The Hroarr site is run on a non-profit basis, and is an attempt at
helping the Hema community to grow and evolve. It has no direct relation
to this survey, other than the fact that I am responsible for both. Very
soon the Hroarr site will see substantial improvements that I hope will
be of great use to the Hema community.

I am looking forward to hearing from you all!

Thanks and have a nice day!
Roger
___________________________________________

Hroarr.com - Resources for Historical European Martial Arts

www.hroarr.com / www.hroarr.se

contact: grimnir@...
___________________________________________