MISSION

Women of the Word / Women of the Sword is a unique all-female group where women and older girls are encouraged to walk with God, and live according to the principles given in the Holy Bible.  The dual goals of this group are to develop the spiritual aspect of each participant through understanding and obedience to Biblical principles, and to develop the mental and physical aspects of each participant through intensive and balanced swordsmanship training.

OVERVIEW

In essence, “Women of the Word” means that we are a group of women who search the Scriptures of the Holy Bible for guidance in living our lives.  We believe that God, our Creator, has revealed His very heart and desire for us in the Holy Bible, and that by careful study of the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, we can know how best to live our lives.  We teach women how to do in-depth study of the Holy Bible.  We encourage one another to put into practice what is learned from that study.  We allow one another to speak into our lives, encouraging us to be obedient to the Lord in every way.  We pray for each other, and uphold one another in friendship and sisterhood.

“Women of the Sword” indicates that we have an interest in making the fantasy worlds of book and film, where the swordswomen are our heroines, into somewhat of a reality in our lives.  As much as it is true that there is very little “real-life” application for being able to stand and fight with a sword today (made obvious by the fact that it is illegal in most places to wear or carry a sword for that purpose, and so none of us do it regularly); it is just as true that the physical and mental development and growth that comes as a result of realistic and dedicated training with the blade has a life-long beneficial effect on many aspects of our daily “real” life. 

Both study of the Word and study of the sword work together to instill poise, self-control, self-confidence, balance, strength, endurance, “street smarts” and many other desirable personal traits in us. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU JOIN US

You can expect to develop deep, life-long friendships with the other members of this group as a natural result of the time spent together working towards a common goal. You will be encouraged to live according to the Word of God in every way.  You will be both encouraged and challenged spiritually, physically and mentally. 

You will learn to use bladed weapons of all kinds, in all ranges and on all terrains.  Your cardio conditioning will be raised.  Your reflexes and coordination will improve.  You will sweat; you will get dirty; you might even cry because of the challenges you are facing. You will learn to rely on one another and work as a team, as well as develop yourself as an individual.  You will learn how to walk closer to God as you go through the challenges in your life. 

In preparation for contact training with weapons, you will research and design a complete set of body armor, and the group will work together to construct this armor by hand for each member.  Each participant will be encouraged to design a personal insignia and motto or life verse for branding their personal armor, weapons, gear, etc. with.  You will occasionally do public demonstrations in armor as your skills develop.

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

Do not expect your weapons training to be easy.  Mastery of the blade takes several years of hard and dedicated practice.  You must persevere through the difficult and awkward beginning stages in order to reach your goal.  Do not expect to get more out of this group than you have put into it, either in friendships, your study of God’s Word or your training with the sword.  It is just that simple.

WHO MAY JOIN WOMEN OF THE WORD / WOMEN OF THE SWORD?

Only females may be a part of Women of the Word / Women of the Sword (sorry, guys!)  Adult women and girls age 12 and over are invited to join.  Although the foundation of this group is from a non-denominational Christian perspective, it is not necessary to be a Christian to be accepted into this group.  Women of all faiths (or of no faith at all) are invited and welcome to become a part of this group. 

HOW DO I JOIN WOMEN OF THE WORD / WOMEN OF THE SWORD?

Women of the Word / Women of the Sword is a special membership group offered by Heartland School of Eskrima and Self-Defense.  Simply become a student of Heartland School, and then request to become a member of this special group.  You will pay the regular rates as a school student, and be able to participate in this group at no additional charge. 

Please send an email to kristine@heartlandeskrimaschool.com if you have any additional questions or for an enrollment application.  See the Membership and Fees page for an explanation of all student fees.