Alex and Marc performing an exercise during a lesson at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2018.One of the most powerful things in the world today is a strong, enduring soundbite. A “soundbite” is a short phrase that can be repeated again …
The importance of supporting your small local business (and your club)
Stuart Beattie and Keith Farrell sparring with singlesticks in front of the Academy of Historical Arts shop at FightCamp 2018. Photo by Jonathan Spouge, 2018 (edited by Keith Farrell).Any small and local business can thrive when given the …
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An observation about the value of information
Keith Farrell finding time to edit a book between teaching lessons at an event. Photo by Valeria Viola, 2018.It may sound like I am stating the obvious when I say that the value of information is different to different people, and for different …
Turning hobbies into paid work
Keith Farrell finding time to edit a book between teaching lessons at an event. Photo by Valeria Viola, 2018.I recently read quite an interesting article about the trap of turning hobbies into hustles. As someone who has turned several hobbies …
The experience of running a full-time HEMA school in Glasgow
Keith and Jamie sparring with singlesticks at the Vanguard Centre. Photo by Jonathan Spouge, 2018 (edited by Keith Farrell).Although I’m currently based in Liverpool, I am responsible for all the paperwork and business admin for a full-time …
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How I keep fit while working from home
I am often asked how I manage to keep fit while working from home. I am also often asked what I do to train myself to do HEMA better. It is the same answer to both of these questions! Hopefully by sharing my thoughts and approach, it will help other …
Some thoughts on corporate sponsorship for the development of the HEMA community
Recently there was a Facebook discussion about corporate sponsorship for individuals in the HEMA community, which was quite an interesting topic. James Conlon posted the following question:"Inside the world of Longsword Fighting" by The New York …
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Book Review: Sport and Physical Education in the Middle Ages
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 4th March 2016. It has been modified for reposting here.A while ago, I bought what promised to be a fascinating book with great relevance to the study of historical fencing: Sport and …
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Your organisation on Facebook: do you need a page or a group?
Most people who run a club or community of some description realise that they really should have some kind of presence on Facebook. But what kind of presence? Is it a “page” you need, or a “group”? What is the difference? …
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Doing it right, or just doing it
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on the 1st of January 2016. It has been modified a little for reposting here.One of the ideas that causes problems for a lot of people across the world is the idea that whatever you want to do …
5 business lessons from studying longsword
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 27th March 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here.For the last several years I have been running my own business. For a few more years, I have been learning Liechtenauer’s …
Good and bad things about flying
I do a lot of travelling for my work. HEMA events happen in many different countries, and often the only practical way to reach them is to fly. I used to hate flying, with a passion, but I have come to terms with it over the last few years, and now …
Review of Lambert & Lambert Antiques
I recently bought an antique sword from Lambert & Lambert Antiques, and have been delighted with every part of the process. …