Keith Farrell teaching dussack at a seminar. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2018.I have been thinking about what I want from my HEMA practice and teaching, and I have set myself some new goals for 2020. This year just past has been a …
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 …
Film Review: I Can, I Will, I Did
Film poster, from imdb.comI was flying to teach at Longpoint recently, and while on the plane, I watched a film called I Can, I Will, I Did. It spoke to me on a rather deep level, sufficiently for me to want to write a quick review of it, to …
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 …
Honesty in martial arts
Keith Farrell demonstrating some concepts during private tuition at an event. Photo by Valeria Viola, 2018.I believe that honesty is incredibly important in the pursuit of martial arts. Of course, honesty is an important characteristic in real …
More thoughts about tricks and systems (in real life too!)
Keith Farrell and Daniel Montoro sparring with dussacks. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2018.The discussion about tricks and systems in HEMA seems to be recurring quite regularly at the moment. I recently saw something while reading an article about …
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My goals for 2019
Keith Farrell and Thomas Sylvester sparring with singlesticks. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2018.Since the new year is upon us, I’d like to set myself some goals for 2019. I could do that quietly and privately, but I want to try and give myself a …
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 …
“If you frighten easily…” and bravery in martial arts
Bravery is an integral part of fencing with the longsword, with Liechtenauer’s Zettel saying explicitly that “if you frighten easily, you will never learn to fight.” Although this may seem like fairly obvious advice (yet it may also seem counter …
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The value of HEMA in the modern world
What is the value of HEMA in the modern world? Why is it worth spending so much time (and so much money) in the pursuit of this activity? Why do we undertake such physical and mental exertion to do what we do? Why not just go to the pub directly and …
Doing it right, or just doing it
Mark Wilkie and Keith Farrell fencing on the banks of Loch Lomond. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2012.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 …
Argue with me if you like, but please argue well
It occurs almost every time I post a blog article: someone disagrees with me and wants to argue with me. That's fine, I really don't mind when this happens. Disagreement that leads to discussion can be one of the things that drives forward our …
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 …
Buying gear on a tight budget
I was brought up as a stereotypical Scotsman, making many purchasing decisions with my wallet-brain. This meant I almost always went for the cheapest option, and didn't even consider more expensive options. However, this also meant that I ended up …
When an advanced student moves on
For some years now, I have been mulling over the decision I made about six years ago to take a break from karate in order to study historical fencing in more depth. I didn't have the time or the finances to study both disciplines at the same time, so …