Historical European Martial Arts Enthusiast
HEMA Equipment, Experiences, and Opinions
Over the past year, I have been working my way through Joachim Meyer’s system. While I started with the longsword, I have been finding new insights in his other weapon systems. I always like to try and use training tools that approximate the source material, so I ordered a Meyer Rapier from Kvetun Armoury. https://kvetun-armoury.com/side-sword/meyers-rapier.html. … Continue reading Kvetun Armoury Meyer Rapier Review
Other than a decidedly HEMA-themed band name, what is the “scheitelhau effect”? This is a term we have been using in our club to describe instances where techniques are dependent on reaction to threat and/or fear of injury that would come from fighting with sharp swords. The phrase comes from our experience with scheitelhau, the… Continue reading The Scheitelhau Effect
My club has been using the 37 inch Hanwei practical rapier for years. I have read reviews on other sites that state the sword is too floppy or dangerous due to either breakage or the nail head. I personally own one of these swords and have been on the giving and receiving end of full… Continue reading Hanwei Practical Rapier 37 Inch Review
HEMA is not for the faint of heart. We are practicing an art where we try to hit one another with steel bars at full speed while following the advice of people that died hundreds of years ago. Effective safety gear not only extends our ability to practice the art, it also allows our practice… Continue reading My Protective Equipment for HEMA
Smallswords are intriguing as a system, but I have not been a fan of most of the lower-cost training swords on the market because they tend to use epee blades. I understand that epee blades are a light, safe, and economical way to produce a smallsword, but I don’t like the look of them. They… Continue reading Impressions of the Castille Complete Economy Small Sword
Low Cost Scottish Targe: Front and Back Fun little project if you want to make your own Scottish Targe for low cost and low effort. If you happen to have an old belt and some fabric (like an old sheet) you can sacrifice to the cause, you can make this for less than $12. If… Continue reading DIY Low Cost Targe for HEMA
Getting started in Messer is my most read article to date and where much of my current passion lies within HEMA. While you can practice Messer with a good wooden stick, I find that my enjoyment and appreciation for a system greatly improves with a good steel trainer. Long story short, I love the VB… Continue reading Messer Sword by Viktor Berbekucz
Given the pandemic, many people are unable to attend their normal HEMA classes. Space and ceiling height constraints make practicing longsword at home challenging. My ceiling has its fair share of battle wounds from previous home sessions when times were better. My ceilings (and wife) have very much appreciated my investment in the Indoor Longsword… Continue reading Indoor Longsword Trainer VB Style, V1 from Purpleheart Armoury
My opponent and I circle, just out of measure. We adopt various counter guards based on what we see in each other's posture and perceived intent. The moment comes, and my opponent launches a thrust to my mask. I was waiting for this, I can see it coming, but my body can’t move as fast… Continue reading Strategies for the Middle-Aged Fencer
If you are interested in trying out fokos techniques from the book “Hungarian Hussar Sabre and Fokos Fencing” by Russ Mitchell, you will need a Fokos! There are options available for sale on the internet (such as this one https://www.woodenswords.com/Hungarian_Axe_Fokos_p/vb.fokos.9.htm), but I wanted to try and create one myself. I was able to do so… Continue reading DIY Fokos
