Having trained with swords and other medieval arms in a stage combat context since the age of fifteen while performing in fight shows throughout the New England Renaissance Festival circuit, James Hester encountered early pioneers of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and began studying the works of medieval and Renaissance masters.

His path then led him to academia and education, working at the Higgins Armory and other museums before journeying to England to complete an MA in Medieval Studies. He subsequently joined the Royal Armouries Museum, where he progressed over five years to become Curator of Tower Collections at the Tower of London. In 2015, James was awarded the Arms & Armour Heritage Trust Studentship to pursue a PhD focusing on late medieval martial arts at the University of Southampton, which he successfully completed in 2018.

Alongside his academic pursuits, James has undertaken in-depth study and practice of diverse traditions, including Wudang Taijiquan and Internal Arts, Zen, European and Asian Philosophy, the Ars Memoriae, and meditation. These explorations have enriched his personal practice and broadened it from the pursuit of an interest into a comprehensive way of living.

In this episode, James and host Gabriele Culot discuss his studies, focusing especially on his research into historical damage to antique weapons and armour, and what the signs of battles from the past can teach modern HEMA practitioners.

Find James' writing and work on his Patreon:   / museumcercamon