Welcome to MACS: The Medieval Armed Combat Society of South Africa

MACS grew out of the founders' shared interest for swords and historically accurate swordplay. The Society devotes itself to teaching and researching historical European fighting styles as valid, effective martial arts, relying on the translation and interpretation of period manuscripts within a combative training syllabus.

Originally devoted solely to the study of German longsword manuscripts from the 14th to the 16th Century, the Society has now diversified into teaching the allied disciplines of messer, sword and buckler, and dagger, as well as into 16th and 17th century rapier play.

The Society has been in existence since 2001, and is now split between Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa. Overseas travel has enabled the instructors and students to broaden their base and test their interpretations, and the Society maintains close contact with overseas groups.

The Society bases a large portion of its more advanced syllabus on testing its interpretations in combat, and makes use of both padded and steel weapons in free play. All levels of experience are catered for, but class sizes are limited.