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 …
Is technique important?
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 …
Is your art really “a killing art”?
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 …
Does HEMA have a place in historical re-enactment?
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 …
Making Mutieren work in sparring
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 …
Review of the Superior Fencing padded shin guards
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. …
Learning to apply difficult techniques in sparring
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 …
Review of the Superior Fencing forearm & padded elbow guards
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 …
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Good fencing, bad fencing, and incorrect fencing
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 …
Review of the Superior Fencing leather mask overlay pro
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 …
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Learning how to learn from play
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 …