Western Martial Arts (WMA) is a term that refers to any structured fighting system that has historical roots in Europe. Many of these combat systems have fallen out of practice over time, while others have evolved into modern sports such as boxing and fencing. Unlike their Eastern counterparts, which maintained a strong historical tradition (passing knowledge directly from one person to the next), some WMA have not been actively practiced for hundreds of years.

Luckily, many of these combat systems were recorded in manuscripts which still survive to this day. From these documents, WMA researchers and practitioners have been able to recreate many of these martial arts and are slowly beginning the process of reintroducing them into modern society.

Formed in 2001, the Ottawa Medieval Sword Guild is a company of Men at Arms specializing in fourteenth century armoured combat, and dedicated to the development and restoration of traditional western martial arts. Originally formed as a branch of the Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts (AEMMA), the Guild still maintains ties with AEMMA and shares a common vision.

The Guild is a part of a growing community dedicated to researching, interpreting, practicing and passing on the fighting arts of the medieval warrior. Its main focus is Flos Duellatorum, the martial system presented in the manuscript of the same name written in 1410 by Master Fiore dei Liberi. In addition, the Guild draws upon other historical sources as appropriate to develop its skills in grappling, dagger, sword, spear, poleaxe, archery, and horsemanship.

The OMSG feels that in order to explore fully all aspects of Flos Duellatorum, it is important to include armoured fighting as a crucial aspect of our training. Indeed, many sections of the manuscript deal specifically with fighting in armour, and studying armoured combat, both in practise as well as in full-contact free play, is essential to gaining as full an understanding of the manuscript as possible.

In keeping with the ideal of fourteenth-century men-at-arms, Guild members enjoy partaking in authentic medieval combat and actively seek out tournaments and opportunities to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. The guild also enjoys participating in educational shows for schools and at various public events.