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A question that arises on a fairly regular basis is about what “counts as” historical fencing: how old does something have to be to consider it HEMA?Sometimes people give answers such as “before WW2”, or “at least a hundred years ago”, or even …
How old does something have to be to consider it HEMA?Read More
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 …
Maksim and Ben fencing with foils in the cloisters at the University of Glasgow. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2013.The terms modern fencing, classical fencing, and historical fencing can all be used to refer to different types of fencing or different …
Modern fencing, classical fencing, and historical fencingRead More
I have bought a couple of antique swords from Richard Wales at Bygone Blades, an antique dealer in Scotland, and have only the best things to say about his knowledge, helpfulness, and the ease of doing business with him. …
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 …
More thoughts about tricks and systems (in real life too!)Read More
Keith Farrell teaching dussack at a seminar. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2018.Warming up before training is something we should all do, to prepare for the lesson and to avoid injuries. Although this is usually common knowledge, information about HOW …
Stuart Beattie and Keith Farrell sparring with singlesticks at FightCamp 2018. Photo by Jonathan Spouge, 2018 (edited by Keith Farrell).Many HEMA clubs have a very tight budget when starting out. This can make it quite difficult to get a club off …
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 …
Keith Farrell cutting with a sharp longsword. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2017.Test cutting with sharp swords is a valuable exercise for HEMA practitioners. However, as with any exercise or skill, there must be development and progression in the …
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 …
The experience of running a full-time HEMA school in GlasgowRead More
Jack and Alex performing an exercise during a lesson at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2018.From time to time, clubs may have the opportunity to do some community outreach and give some HEMA demonstrations for the public. This is a great …
Keith Farrell cutting with a sharp longsword. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2017.Sometimes there is a question about technique and its importance, compared with other elements of fighting, martial arts, and/or sports. Often some people will suggest …
Ben and Marc performing an exercise during a lesson at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2018.Back in September, Kaja Sadowski posted quite an interesting question to Facebook for discussion by her friends and colleagues:Honest question …
Keith practising armoured combat in the snow. Photo by Reinis Rinka, 2012.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 12th August 2011. It has been edited and improved for posting here.I used to be involved with a historical …
The "Mutieren" technique, shown in the Goliath manuscript: MS Germ.Quart.2020, folio 17v.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 13th January 2017. It has been edited and improved for posting here.Following on from my …
The Superior Fencing shin guards. Image from the Superior Fencing website.I recently had the opportunity to test and review the Superior Fencing padded shin guards. They are very protective, although the standard size were a bit too large for me. …
The "Mutieren" technique, shown in the Goliath manuscript: MS Germ.Quart.2020, folio 17v.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 6th January 2017. It has been edited and improved for posting here.One of the common problems …
The Superior Fencing forearm guards and padded elbow protectors. Image from the Superior Fencing website.I recently had the opportunity to test and review the Superior Fencing forearm and padded elbow guards. They are very protective, and are not …
Review of the Superior Fencing forearm & padded elbow guardsRead More
Roland and James performing an exercise during a lesson at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2017.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 20th May 2016. It has been edited and improved for posting here.Can good fencing …
The Superior Fencing leather mask overlay pro. Image from the Superior Fencing website.I have been using the Superior Fencing leather mask overlay pro for a while for both drilling and sparring. I like it a lot, and it has already protected my …
Review of the Superior Fencing leather mask overlay proRead More
