HEMA Defuniak Springs

04/12/2026

Doyle ISF Instructor certification on 03-28-26

01/09/2026

Irish Collar and Elbow Wrestling tournament in the Boston area on June 13th.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTOnzyckQKi/?igsh=MWw2emJrbWE5a2NhOA==

01/09/2026

Scottish Backhold Wrestling tournament in the Boston area on June 13th.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTQU7pdkcd3/?igsh=MXJheGp1dDBqOGo5Yg==

06/13/2025

The training bata's came in this week! These were made from white oak and crafted by my friend TheMad Clurichaun. I want to thank you once again for everything you have done, sir.

06/11/2025

For the last few years I have been training in Doyle Family Bataireacht (Irish Stick Fighting) under the guidance of Tom Moore of the O'Mordha Faction. This past January I received my Coaching certification and will begin teaching this family style and help keep alive an important part of Irish martial culture. With that being said I would like to introduce our Faction name and logo (designed by Tom himself). We are the Celtic Hounds Faction! Time to release the Hounds!

04/25/2025

04/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16UkVKoMbY/

04/07/2025

04/07/2025

Tanera camans, Scotland’s leading Shinty manufacturer. Tanera Camans are the perfect choice for Shinty players of all ability.

04/07/2025

Today is 705 years since the sealing of the Declaration of Arbroath. That was a letter from the Barons of Scotland to the Pope, setting out all the reasons that Scotland should stay Scotland and Edward II of England should back off and be happy with what he already had.

It's thought to have been written by Bernard of Linton, the Abbot of Arbroath, and has become known as one of the defining moments in Scottish History.

As well as declaring all the reasons Scotland should remain independent and outlining all of the atrocities committed against them, the letter explains why Robert the Bruce is considered their rightful King instead of his predecessor John Balliol who was still alive and well.

It's the very fact that Robert stood up for his country when it needed him and claims that if he ever acted differently, then the community of Scotland would depose him in the same way they considered Balliol unfit to rule.

The most iconic quote translates as, "As long as a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be subjected to English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself"

However, one of the most interesting parts to me comes near the end, somewhere between bribery and blackmail, which also seems like a massive gamble. The letter explains how much the Scots wanted to go on Crusade to fight for the Church, but couldn't because they were tied up fighting their neighbours.

Not only that, but if the Pope didn't act, any further deaths that could have been avoided would surely be laid at his door by God. A bold move, but it worked and suddenly the Pope was referring to Robert as King and encouraging Edward to make peace.

That wouldn't actually happen until 1328, but without the Declaration of Arbroath laying the foundations, maybe it wouldn't have happened at all!

04/07/2025

This terrifyingly beautiful piece of weaponry is the Great Sword of Dunvegan, an important relic to Clan MacLeod, kept safe in the belly of Dunvegan Castle.

It's over 500 years old, probably from the late 15th century and made for the Uilleam Dubh, otherwise known as William 'Long Sword' MacLeod.

William was the 7th Chief of the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, leading the clan from his home on Skye, but travelling far and wide. He led raids in Orkney, attended councils in Islay and eventually died in Mull.

That happened during a rebellion in the Hebrides, as Angus Og MacDonald fought his father John for the position of Lord Of The Isles. William's clan fought for John while the MacLeods of Lewis followed Angus, with skirmishes taking place across the Hebrides.

Sadly, even with the Great Sword Of Dunvegan in his hands, William was killed during the Battle of Bloody Bay, the climax of the conflict which saw Angus Og victorious. William's body was taken to Iona, the last of the MacLeod chiefs to be buried at the abbey there.

His son Alasdair Crotach would build St Clements Church on Harris, starting a new traditional burial place for this important island clan. That's where I'm headed today, where I'll see his effigy, depicted holding this historic sword!