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 repertoire; the greatest skill, however, the greatest skill comes with …
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
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 the simplest process, and there are many things to consider at each …
The future of HEMA tournaments
Everyone has a different point of view on the future of HEMA tournaments and their role in the development of the community. There are regular posts on Facebook discussing how the tournament scene might develop as the community grows larger.I …
Making footwork lessons work for you
There are two broad kinds of footwork lessons: technical lessons and integration lessons. You need both of these types of lessons before your footwork will begin to work for you in sparring, and you also need to be training the right thing before it …
Initial thoughts about the proposed Offensive Weapons Bill 2018
Since October last year, Matt Easton and Keith Farrell have been working hard to mobilise the UK HEMA community to respond to the government consultation on the proposed Offensive Weapons Bill. Now that the wording of the proposed bill has become …
Initial thoughts about the proposed Offensive Weapons Bill 2018Read More
How Scottish is the broadsword method of Roworth and Angelo?
A common question in the study of broadsword sources is how Scottish is the method of Roworth and Angelo? How much of it is merely labelled as Scottish, but in fact comes from elsewhere? It is quite fascinating to trace the development of this method …
How Scottish is the broadsword method of Roworth and Angelo?Read More
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 …
Should I buy a Viktor Berbekucz feder?
Question: Is a Viktor Berbekucz feder worth buying?My verdict: Yes - it’s not bad, you can’t go too far wrong with it. …
HEMA – A Systematic Approach
This is a guest article by Nial Prince. The subject is one about which Nial has been writing quite often recently, in answer to people’s questions on Facebook. So that the ideas and points of view would be easier to find again in the future, with a …
Should I buy an Albion Meyer?
Question: Is an Albion Meyer worth buying?My verdict: Yes, if you live in North America; otherwise, unfortunately, probably not. …
What sabre system should you study?
If you have been intrigued by the idea of starting to fence with the sabre, then a common question is what sabre system to study? There are so many different systems that have been written about, so what sabre system is good for a beginner? …
Should I buy an Albion Liechtenauer?
Question: Is an Albion Liechtenauer worth buying?My verdict: Yes, definitely, if you live in North America; otherwise, unfortunately, probably not. …
Sparring and Fighting
This is a guest article by Duncan McEvoy. Duncan and I have had several discussions over the last year or so, on the topic of sparring and fighting, and how we think these elements fit into the ways that we each conceptualise HEMA and martial arts. …
Should I buy an Armour Class longsword?
Question: Is an Armour Class longsword worth buying?My verdict: Yes, if you buy a custom-made piece. …
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 …
Some thoughts on corporate sponsorship for the development of the HEMA communityRead More
Should I buy a Regenyei Armory feder?
Question: Is a Regenyei Armory feder worth buying?My verdict: Yes, do it. …
Should I have siderings on my feder?
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 13th November 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here."Should I have siderings on my feder?" is a common question that people ask when contemplating the purchase of a new …
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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Should I buy a Tinker Pearce longsword?
Question: Is a Tinker Pearce longsword worth buying?My verdict: Yes, if you are interested in using them for solo practice; unfortunately, for practice with other people, probably not. …