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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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. …
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 …
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. …
Synthetic and steel, or a question of intensity
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 5th June 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here. When HEMA practitioners discuss protective gear, and for which kind of activity it is most suitable, someone usually says that …
Should I buy a Hanwei federschwert?
Question: Is a Hanwei federschwert worth buying? My verdict: No, definitely not. Just don’t. …
Buying your first feder from Regenyei Armory
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 17th April 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here. Many longsword practitioners choose to buy their first feder or training sword from Péter Regenyei at Regenyei Armory. …