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 thought-through design I have seen so far. …
Attacking the hands in sparring
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 person, in roughly equal quantities) where people debate the merits …
Feinting with the longsword, according to Ringeck
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 18th September 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here.A common action in modern Olympic fencing is that of feinting: making it look like you intend to do one thing, when in …
How to become a good HEMA instructor
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 here is a simple set of guidelines for becoming a better instructor. I’m afraid this is quite blunt in …
The development of historical technique in modern HEMA tournaments
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 criticisms that is often levelled at modern HEMA tournaments is that the fighting seen in the bouts does not look …
The development of historical technique in modern HEMA tournamentsRead More
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
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 explore the concept of attribute fencing, and why relying on this style of …
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 …
A chronology of the books by D.A. Kinsley (version 3)Read More
Footwork and handwork for longsword
Footwork is undoubtedly one of the most important skills to develop for any martial art, and HEMA longsword is no exception.I have the impression that people often become quite caught up with trying to integrate their footwork into their …
Some thoughts about tricks and systems in HEMA
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 …
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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. …