Daria Izdebska and Keith Farrell fencing with the longsword. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2017.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 6th May 2016. It has been edited and improved for posting here.In martial arts, broadly …
Review of the Superior Fencing gorget
The Superior Fencing gorget. Image from the Superior Fencing website.I have had the opportunity to look at and test the gorget by Superior Fencing. In short, I think it is a pretty good piece of equipment, and worth the investment. …
Some thoughts about the afterblow
Alex and James performing an exercise during a lesson at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2018.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 14th October 2016. It has been edited and improved for posting here.The afterblow …
Review of the Superior Fencing leather padded fencing gloves
The Superior Fencing leather padded fencing gloves. Image from the Superior Fencing website.I have been using the Superior Fencing leather padded fencing gloves in drilling for a while now, and I find them to be very comfortable and good for the …
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Using lighter swords in training
Ben and Marc performing an exercise during a lesson at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2018.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 25th March 2016. It has been edited and improved for posting here.I often hear the …
Review of the Superior Fencing padded knee protectors
The Superior Fencing padded knee protectors. Image from the Superior Fencing website.I recently had the opportunity to test and review the Superior Fencing padded knee protectors. They are protective, comfortable, and sit well on the Superior …
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Review of the Superior Fencing 800N HEMA trousers
The Superior Fencing HEMA trousers. Image from the Superior Fencing website.The Superior Fencing 800N HEMA trousers[1] are a comfortable set of protections for your legs, groin and abdomen. They look good while being very functional. …
Training for the future
Keith and his brother Colin fencing with longswords during a demonstration at Glasgow University. Photo by Rene Bauer, 2012.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 18th September 2016. It has been edited and improved for posting …
Review of the Superior Fencing HEMA bag
The Superior Fencing bag. Image from the Superior Fencing website.The Superior Fencing HEMA bag is a well-designed piece of equipment. I have seen and handled several attempts at sword bags over the years, and I think this is the best …
Attacking the hands in sparring
Sparring Gloves and an Albion Meyer. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2015.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 28th August 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here.Every so often, I find a discussion (online and in …
Feinting with the longsword, according to Ringeck
James and Matthew performing an exercise during a lesson at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2017.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 18th September 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here.A common …
How to become a good HEMA instructor
Mark Wilkie and Keith Farrell fencing on the banks of Loch Lomond. Photo by Daria Izdebska, 2012.A question I am asked quite regularly is how to become a good (or better) HEMA instructor? Of course, everyone’s situation is a bit different, but …
The development of historical technique in modern HEMA tournaments
Keith Farrell and Robert Schwartz fencing with the longsword at Edgebana. Photo by Thomas Naylor, 2015.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 15th May 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here.One of the …
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Thomas Page and Timothy Buck
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 22nd July 2016. It has been edited and improved for posting here.While searching for something else, I came across an interesting small article about broadsword author Thomas Page, …
The problem of attribute fencing
Keith Farrell and Federico Malagutti fencing with longswords, December 2013.This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 21st February 2014. It has been edited and improved for posting here.This article will attempt to define and …
A chronology of the books by D.A. Kinsley (version 3)
D.A. Kinsley is a researcher and author who has been of tremendous service to the HEMA community. His area of interest is that of first-hand accounts of British military engagements and civilian encounters during the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th …
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Footwork and handwork for longsword
Keith Farrell and Jacopo Penso fencing with longswords at TaurHEMAchia 2017. Photo by Andrea Boschetti, 2017.Footwork is undoubtedly one of the most important skills to develop for any martial art, and HEMA longsword is no exception.I have …
Some thoughts about tricks and systems in HEMA
Singlestick play at Liverpool HEMA. Photo by Keith Farrell, 2018.I believe that there is a difference between a system and a bag of tricks, where historical martial arts are concerned. Both are effective, and both are important to have in your …
Approaching the study of Viking sword and shield
Many people are interested in the practice of Viking sword and shield, and expect that other HEMA clubs will share their interest in this system. It can result in surprise and confusion when other people and clubs then have very little interest in …
How to begin working with a HEMA source
Folio 29rfrom the Goliath manuscript. Image from the Wiktenauer.HEMA is an activity that relies on sources; but what does working with a HEMA source involve? Although it may seem obvious to people who have involved in HEMA for a while, it is not …