HEMA BLOG

Finding the right gift for someone who practises Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) can be challenging, especially if you are not part of the HEMA community yourself. Should you choose training equipment, a book, or something connected with the history of fencing? This FAQ answers common questions about gifts for HEMA practitioners, from beginners taking their first steps in historical fencing to experienced fencers, instructors and enthusiasts of historical martial arts. What is a good gift for someone who practises HEMA? A good gift for a HEMA practitioner depends on their interests, experience and training habits. Training equipment can be useful, but choosing the right size, model and level of

In this article: Meet the 15 HEMA practitioners, instructors, coaches, referees, organizers, and community leaders featured in HEMA MANUAL’s HEMA Perspectives chapter. Discover their different approaches to training, competition, equipment, coaching, clubs, and the future of Historical European Martial Arts. HEMA Is Built by People Historical European Martial Arts is often described through its weapons, historical sources, fencing traditions, and tournaments. But behind all of these elements are people. Practitioners make decisions about how they train, instructors decide how knowledge should be taught, competitors test their skills under pressure, organizers create events, and community leaders help shape the environment in which HEMA develops. This is the idea behind HEMA Perspectives,

In this article: Discover the role of historical treatises in Historical European Martial Arts, why they are the foundation of HEMA, and why reading them alone is not enough to learn fencing. Understand how historical sources, practical training, and interpretation work together in modern HEMA. Do You Need to Read Historical Treatises to Practice HEMA? One of the questions many beginners ask after discovering Historical European Martial Arts is whether they need to start reading historical fencing treatises immediately. After all, HEMA is based on surviving manuscripts written by historical fencing masters. If those texts are the foundation of the discipline, shouldn’t every practitioner begin there? The answer is both

In this article: Explore why Historical European Martial Arts cannot be defined as only a sport or only a martial art. Learn how historical research, physical training, competition, and community come together to shape modern HEMA. Is HEMA a Sport or a Martial Art? One of the most common questions asked by people discovering Historical European Martial Arts is whether HEMA should be considered a sport or a martial art. The answer is not as straightforward as many expect. Some people first encounter HEMA through tournament videos, where competitors fence under modern rules, wear protective equipment, and fight for medals. Others discover it through historical treatises, museums, or manuscripts describing

In this article: Discover the most common mistakes beginners make when starting Historical European Martial Arts, why they happen, and how a thoughtful approach to training, equipment, and learning can help you build strong foundations for long-term development. Every Beginner Faces the Same Challenges Starting Historical European Martial Arts is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Within a few days, many beginners find themselves surrounded by videos, equipment reviews, historical treatises, tournament footage, and countless opinions about the “right” way to train. With so much information available, it’s easy to believe that every decision is crucial from the very beginning. In reality, most newcomers experience the same uncertainties, ask

In this article: Learn what to expect during your first HEMA class, what happens before you pick up a sword, what equipment you need, and why your first training session is more about learning the fundamentals than sparring. Your First HEMA Class Is Probably Not What You Expect For many people, the decision to attend a first Historical European Martial Arts class comes with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Will everyone already know what they’re doing? Will you need expensive equipment? Will you be expected to spar with steel swords on your first day? Fortunately, the reality is much less intimidating than many beginners imagine. A well-run HEMA club

A Question Every Beginner Eventually Asks Sooner or later, every newcomer to Historical European Martial Arts asks the same question: Which weapon should I start with? The internet is full of opinions. Some people insist that longsword is the obvious choice. Others recommend rapier for its precision, sabre for its speed, or sword and buckler for its rich historical tradition. The truth is that there is no universal answer. Choosing your first HEMA weapon is not about finding the “best” weapon. It’s about finding the one that makes the most sense in your particular situation. Start With Your Club, Not Your Favourite Sword Many beginners discover HEMA through YouTube videos,