Historical European Martial Arts
 Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) are the study of the various martial arts from around Europe. Although in many instances HEMA involves studying the sword it can also involve a variety of other weapons such as polearms, daggers and knives, unarmed work and much more.
The combative systems used all across Europe throughout history are the focus of HEMA, ranging from the oldest known historical texts in existence (MS I.33, also known as the Tower Fechtbuch, a sword and buckler manuscript dating from the late thirteenth century) through to the brutally pragmatic techniques taught to soldiers in the Second World War.
Martial Artists who study HEMA work directly from period texts and train as though they are preparing to face an encounter with live weapons. An important aspect of training (especially when using swords) is the use of rebated (blunt) weapons with historically accurate dimensions, construction, weight and balance. This is then coupled with modern protective masks and safety equipment ensuring training is both informative, enjoyable and safe.
There are many different aspects to HEMA, including sporting pursuits and tournaments, regular dedicated martial training, events that take place around the year allowing you to meet students of different disciplines and instructors from around the globe, and much more.
The past few decades have seen our knowledge of Historical European Martial Arts increase at a rapid pace thanks to the tireless efforts of many HEMA pioneers coupled with increased access to museums and libraries, and their vast collections. There has never been a better time to get involved in the study of HEMA.
|
|
