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Charter

Internal Regulations – Via Bruxellensis

Article 1 – Code of Good Practice


1a. The club is dedicated to the practice of Historical European Martial Arts, a discipline involving the study of historical sources of combat techniques to practice them in a modern context.


1b. This is a martial art. The purpose of practice is not to become stronger or better than another person, but to become a stronger and better version of oneself. Our only enemy is ourselves; fellow participants are our friends and practice partners.


1c. There is no obligation to attend all classes regularly; I attend and practice according to my availability and abilities. However, it is well-established that progressing faster and better is correlated with greater personal investment in practice.


1d. I am responsible for my own progress in practice. It is a self-development art; therefore, I should not hesitate to ask other practitioners for advice and tips to improve. Other practitioners must allow me my space to concentrate on what I am doing. If I have any doubts or questions, I must ask; other members will be there to share their experiences and knowledge kindly, regardless of their level.


1e. My responsibility as a more experienced person is to perform my part of the exercise correctly and precisely. There is always something to improve, even if it’s just basic strikes, footwork, dynamics, trajectory, timing, etc. If I keep my focus on personal improvement, I will never be bored during class, regardless of the exercise. I only intervene with my partner if they explicitly ask a question or for advice, respecting their space and learning process.


1f. To the instructor’s discretion, certain persons can be in a position to give unsolicited advice. In doing so, they should be mindful of the other person’s own progression and make sure the comments do not put any pressure on them.


1g. I must also adapt the intensity, in strength and speed, to my practice partner’s abilities. I should provide conditions that allow them to succeed approximately 70 to 80% of the time. Too easy and they learn nothing; too difficult and they learn nothing. I adapt through my actions primarily.


1h. I can make an unsolicited remark if it concerns a situation that could, in the short or long term, pose a risk to someone’s physical integrity or health.


1i. Throughout my practice, my priority is safety, both for others and myself. This includes the intensity and control of my strikes, precision in targeting, maintaining good bodily structure to protect joints and tendons, etc.


1j. Outside of classes, there are numerous events to practice further. Some will be posted in class or announced during class. These will also be regularly updated in the Events section of the website. I am responsible for regularly checking these.


1k. The class starts at a specific time and ends at a specific time. During this time interval, I dedicate myself to the practice of HEMA.


1l. When the class starts, my required practice items (protective equipment, simulators, drinks, etc.) are within reach so I don’t waste time during class fetching them.


1m. The club is the sum of all its members. The club needs the contribution of all its members to make it a success for everyone each year.


1n. When I practice, I am fully in control of myself; I am not impaired by the use of psychotropic substances, including alcohol. Additionally, the use of performance-enhancing substances will not aid in martial progress and is prohibited, as it poses a danger to myself and practice partners.


1o. For safety reasons, both mine and others’, I do not wear jewelry, watches, necklaces, earrings, etc., during class.


1p. Although I handle a weapon simulator (wooden, plastic, steel, etc.), I treat my tool with the same respect and caution as if it were a real weapon designed to injure or kill. I do not rest myself on the blade tip on the ground or my foot, nor do I carry the simulator in a way that could strike someone else nearby. I remain vigilant about the use and handling of my equipment. I do not drop my sword on the ground.


1q. This respect extends to all my equipment, equipment provided to me, and the premises.


1r. When an exercise explanation is given, I pay full attention to what is explained and demonstrated; the majority of the exercise information is in the demonstrated movements, more than in the spoken words. During these moments, I do not engage in discussions with others, as this would deprive several people, including myself, of the exercise information being provided.


1s. Except for safety or health reasons, I remain physically and mentally present during class. I remain active physically (not sitting down) and mentally (remaining attentive and focused); this is part of improving my martial discipline. Even if I may never end up in a fight, I prepare nonetheless, and in combat, there is no room for inattention or rest. If I need to rest, most of the time, calmly walking while taking time to breathe will be more beneficial and effective for my body than sitting down.


1t. I salute at the beginning of class. I salute at the end of class (or when leaving early). I also salute my practice partner at the beginning of a two-person practice session, to signify that I will do my best while respecting the person in front of me. I salute my practice partner at the end of a twoperson practice session to thank them for dedicating their time and energy to me.


1u. If I feel that something is not right, whether regarding myself, another practitioner, or the class, I express my concerns and/or fears to the club officials as soon as possible.


1v. I extend to newcomers the kindness and assistance I received when I first joined the club. The spirit of welcome, support, and sharing is a recognized strength of our club.


1w. I use appropriate equipment for practicing HEMA, respecting safety needs. If I am not completely certain about equipment, I inquire with club officials and/or seniors. Ideally, before purchasing rather than after.


1x. Historical sources are THE source of our practice. It may happen that someone, including instructors, explains something that diverges from the source. I should not hesitate to mention this; we all occasionally misinterpret or misremember. By regularly immersing myself in the sources, I improve my practice of HEMA and avoid falling into the pitfalls of “modernizing” practice.


1y. When I represent the club in an event (medieval market, workshop, convention…) I display that I am a member of Via Bruxellensis so the public knows I am knowledgeable in HEMA. Therefore, I wear a club distinction (t-shirt, patch, sweat-shirt…).

Article 2

The non-profit organization commits to providing HEMA classes according to the schedule associated with this regulation. This schedule may be modified at any time by decision of the administrators and effective members.

Article 3

Classes are held in one of the rooms of the Notre Dame des Champs school, at 143 Avenue Edith Cavell, Uccle.

Article 4 – Membership Fee

4a. Upon first participation in a class, the learner agrees to share some personal information (Name, first name, email address, postal address) to allow the association to cover this participant. This data may be used for membership registration or official communication with the participant later on but will never be used for tracking or commercial purposes, in accordance with current GDPR regulations.


4b. The annual membership fee established by the association is only mandatory if the member uses equipment (protective gear, weapon simulators) and facilities (Notre Dame des Champs). If the member has other assisting roles in the association, they may remain a member without paying the fee.


4c. Administrators will manage members and ensure payment of the membership fee on time. Instructors are encouraged to check with their students for non-payment and remind them to proceed as soon as possible. If a member participates in a class outside of their trial sessions without paying the fee, an administrator or instructor will privately address this. Any subsequent attendance without fee payment will result in immediate exclusion from the activity until the fee is paid.

Article 5

Instructors are reimbursed for their participation in classes based on the number of class sessions taught.

Article 6 – Communication

6a. The means of communication used by the association are:

  • A Facebook group for announcements regarding classes, equipment sales, free exchange between members
  • A Discord server reserved for effective members and administrators for logistical and operational discussions
  • A Discord server for all members to communicate about classes, events, equipment purchases, and other open topics
  • Emails reserved for administrators
  • A website to communicate publicly about the association’s operation and membership modalities.

6b. Currently, there is no code of conduct for social media; participants in discussions are expected to use kind language, respect for all, constructive engagement, freedom of opinions as long as they do not directly harm individuals, communities, or groups. Cordiality is encouraged but not mandatory.

6c. Administrators also moderate communication channels. In case of non-compliance with the rules
of Article 6b, administrators will inform involved members of their error to prevent recurrence.
Sanctions may be applied for repeat offenses.

6d. Any proposal or suggestion is always welcome. All members are encouraged to communicate their ideas or proposals to their instructors or admins, which will then be reviewed by the administrators.