Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)

I started fencing with the German Longsword in July after spectating the LongPoint tournament, and it has been a lot of fun. Last week, the New York Times published an article and video about HEMA and the LongPoint tournament. It's spread to the #1 Reddit video spot, was on Digg, MTV, etc. Even the Myth Busters mentioned it on their facebook. So I figured I would try to spread the good word about 14th century European martial arts, and how knights and medieval European combat actually was fought (hint: what you see in the movies is not accurate at all).

Click here to find a HEMA club near you!

HEMA Alliance

Wiktenauer is the largest online source for translated documents for learning HEMA, and lots else.

The great thing about HEMA, is that if you don't have a club near you, there are enough source documents that you can start your own club from nothing. Want to learn German Longsword? No problem. Want to learn Messer? Sure. Rapier? No problem. Arming Sword and Buckler? Of course. Staff? Yeah.

I saw a documentary a few years ago called Reclaiming the Blade, which towards the end highlighted some groups that study and spar with these historically-accurate and realistic techniques. It's awesome, and eye-opening.

I saw that video earlier in the week. It was fun to watch, I'd like to see more!

If anyone is interested in HEMA/Western martial arts, and has a school nearby, I definitely recommend looking into it. Lots of fun, and a great work-out. Just before my daughter's birth a couple years ago, I treated myself to a couple months of sword training at Academie Duello, their intro classes for rapier fencing, and longsword (think hand-and-a-half/bastard) (with some side sword (think shortsword), quarterstaff, and a lot of grappling). It was something I'd always wanted to do, in addition to being a regular work-out (longsword was more demanding than rapier). I loved longsword, and one day I'd like to continue.

Naturally, you may expect me to attack with Capo Ferro.

That's pretty cool, but I'm going to have to put my money on the Historical Horde of Horse Archers when it comes down to it.

I would like to learn more about this. Any recommended resources?

E2A: I did do a google search, but what I see is a number of different organizations and I'm curious if there's a generally accepted one I should look at for more info.

Wembley wrote:

I would like to learn more about this. Any recommended resources?

E2A: I did do a google search, but what I see is a number of different organizations and I'm curious if there's a generally accepted one I should look at for more info.

ARMA
http://www.thehaca.com

http://hemaalliance.com/

And if you are looking for a club, here is a global list: http://hemaalliance.com/?page_id=686

I will make compile a list of recommended resources (such as a link to the original 14th century manuals that we use) either tonight or tomorrow and put them in the original post.

maverickz wrote:
Wembley wrote:

I would like to learn more about this. Any recommended resources?

E2A: I did do a google search, but what I see is a number of different organizations and I'm curious if there's a generally accepted one I should look at for more info.

ARMA
http://www.thehaca.com

From talking with people, ARMA isn't that great of an organization (apparently, the head of ARMA is "My way or the highway" and is not pushing forward with more recent research done on techniques). But that's just what I've heard, so take it with a grain of salt.

KrazyTacoFO wrote:
maverickz wrote:
Wembley wrote:

I would like to learn more about this. Any recommended resources?

E2A: I did do a google search, but what I see is a number of different organizations and I'm curious if there's a generally accepted one I should look at for more info.

ARMA
http://www.thehaca.com

From talking with people, ARMA isn't that great of an organization (apparently, the head of ARMA is "My way or the highway" and is not pushing forward with more recent research done on techniques). But that's just what I've heard, so take it with a grain of salt.

I'm not expert in the subject honestly, so that's entirely possible. It's the one everyone I knew talked about when I ran around the martial arts forums. I personally prefer the Dog Brothers myself.

http://dogbrothers.com/

maverickz wrote:
KrazyTacoFO wrote:
maverickz wrote:
Wembley wrote:

I would like to learn more about this. Any recommended resources?

E2A: I did do a google search, but what I see is a number of different organizations and I'm curious if there's a generally accepted one I should look at for more info.

ARMA
http://www.thehaca.com

From talking with people, ARMA isn't that great of an organization (apparently, the head of ARMA is "My way or the highway" and is not pushing forward with more recent research done on techniques). But that's just what I've heard, so take it with a grain of salt.

I'm not expert in the subject honestly, so that's entirely possible. It's the one everyone I knew talked about when I ran around the martial arts forums. I personally prefer the Dog Brothers myself.
http://dogbrothers.com/

Yeah, it used to be really the only show in town when it came to HEMA, until like 5 years ago (I think?). There was a lot of the senior people in the organization leave because of the main leader of the group. But I don't know much about it, I just like swords.

In addition to the German Longsword, there are various other weapon systems that practitioners of HEMA study and fight with.

German Longsword: IMAGE(http://cdn3.volusion.com/jkxpn.sognc/v/vspfiles/photos/Ensifer-3.jpg?1401942550)

Dussack: IMAGE(http://www.universe-report.com/akademie2/garde/images/FILE0541a_1.jpg)

Messer: IMAGE(http://www.woodenswords.com//v/vspfiles/photos/ENSIFER-MESSER-2T.jpg)

Arming Sword and Buckler: IMAGE(http://chivalricfighting.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/i33.jpg?w=330&h=248)

Rapier: IMAGE(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzHj8OuYlv_kcPeYwI-3QM8uAdqgpKDqWonNgupcr-82sjYIinqA)

Military Sabers from various countries/time periods (This one is 17th century Polish): IMAGE(http://s9.postimage.org/vbl4pqcvj/Baker_Saber_TR_full2.png)

Ringen: IMAGE(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWbFKfsMF3HODc8vSAEaoFc5lWyYCKuxDdWF55cGPie9Sg9hwV)

Single Stick: IMAGE(http://www.nycsteampunk.com/bartitsu/manlyartsday/2011/manlyArts2011Singlestick7.jpg)

And there are a lot more weapon systems (e.g. Rapier and Dagger, Rapier and Cloak, Dagger, Backsword, Staff, Spear, etc...) that are practiced. Find what your interested in, and learn.

As a geek with significant sword experience in video games, I feel it is my duty to inform you that dual wielding is superior.

cheeba wrote:

As a geek with significant sword experience in video games, I feel it is my duty to inform you that dual wielding is superior.

IMAGE(http://hemamisfits.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sans-titre.jpg?w=300&h=246)

Is he wielding a towel?

I should have added: but seriously, the sword-fighting is cool as hell. Thanks for sharing the vid.

Gravey wrote:

Naturally, you may expect me to attack with Capo Ferro.

I find that Thibault cancels out Capo Ferro, don't you?

European martial arts you say?

IMAGE(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr02/2013/2/11/22/anigif_enhanced-buzz-23506-1360638936-4.gif)

IMAGE(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr03/2013/2/11/22/anigif_enhanced-buzz-12677-1360641166-2.gif)

Looks like there is one really close to where I live.

http://www.triangleswordguild.com/Ab...

Hmm. Might have to give them a try.

Now I want to see a HEMA sparring match versus something like a kendo practitioner.

So, I've been involved in HEMA/WMA for 3 years now.

You can see my club's two head instructors in that NYT video.

KrazyTacoFO wrote:
maverickz wrote:
KrazyTacoFO wrote:
maverickz wrote:
Wembley wrote:

I would like to learn more about this. Any recommended resources?

E2A: I did do a google search, but what I see is a number of different organizations and I'm curious if there's a generally accepted one I should look at for more info.

ARMA
http://www.thehaca.com

From talking with people, ARMA isn't that great of an organization (apparently, the head of ARMA is "My way or the highway" and is not pushing forward with more recent research done on techniques). But that's just what I've heard, so take it with a grain of salt.

I'm not expert in the subject honestly, so that's entirely possible. It's the one everyone I knew talked about when I ran around the martial arts forums. I personally prefer the Dog Brothers myself.
http://dogbrothers.com/

Yeah, it used to be really the only show in town when it came to HEMA, until like 5 years ago (I think?). There was a lot of the senior people in the organization leave because of the main leader of the group. But I don't know much about it, I just like swords. :)

Yes, many of the senior ARMA guys left to found HEMAA.

There is HEMAC in Europe (HEMA coalition)

And a HEMA Canada in the works.

Videos?!!! Everyone likes videos.

I do most of my club's videography. This is the finals from our tournament last year.

AND KrazyTaco, if you have some free time in November, you could always take a trip up to lovely Calgary, Alberta, Canada for what is currently the largest HEMA (longpoint style/excluding SCA) tournament in our country.

http://forgewma.com/anvil-2014/

https://www.facebook.com/events/456696634471196/

http://cateransociety.wordpress.com/

These guys are right in town. Totally forgot about them, too. An ex of mine was friends with the dude who runs it, and if I recall, he's pretty serious about it.

For those who are on the fence ...

FP Swordfighting

HantaXP wrote:

AND KrazyTaco, if you have some free time in November, you could always take a trip up to lovely Calgary, Alberta, Canada for what is currently the largest HEMA (longpoint style/excluding SCA) tournament in our country.

http://forgewma.com/anvil-2014/

https://www.facebook.com/events/456696634471196/

I probably won't be able to take off in November, but I will definitely be going to lots of tournaments next year and beyond. Jake Norwood is my colleague that got me to finally try out HEMA, and is one of the guys that started it here in D.C. (and is the main person in the NYT video).

KrazyTacoFO wrote:

I probably won't be able to take off in November, but I will definitely be going to lots of tournaments next year and beyond. Jake Norwood is my colleague that got me to finally try out HEMA, and is one of the guys that started it here in D.C. (and is the main person in the NYT video).

Yes he is well known. Cool, good to know other Goodjers are into this. Maybe a "Sword and Tickle" sometime...

HantaXP wrote:
KrazyTacoFO wrote:

I probably won't be able to take off in November, but I will definitely be going to lots of tournaments next year and beyond. Jake Norwood is my colleague that got me to finally try out HEMA, and is one of the guys that started it here in D.C. (and is the main person in the NYT video).

Yes he is well known. Cool, good to know other Goodjers are into this. Maybe a "Sword and Tickle" sometime...

A Sword and Tickle will definitely be safer than Beers and Blades.

cheeba wrote:

Is he wielding a towel?

I should have added: but seriously, the sword-fighting is cool as hell. Thanks for sharing the vid.

He's fighting with a Rapier and Cloak, against a Rapier and Dagger.

That video is of course a dramatization of a fight.

Paleocon wrote:

Looks like there is one really close to where I live.

http://www.triangleswordguild.com/Ab...

Hmm. Might have to give them a try.

Oh snap I also looked that site up when this thread popped

KrazyTacoFO wrote:

Jake Norwood is my colleague that got me to finally try out HEMA

Author of Riddle of Steel, I presume? Still have my book and love that RPG (actually it's the spiritual attributes I love most ).

Gravey wrote:
KrazyTacoFO wrote:

Jake Norwood is my colleague that got me to finally try out HEMA

Author of Riddle of Steel, I presume? Still have my book and love that RPG (actually it's the spiritual attributes I love most ).

That is him, I had no idea he wrote an RPG. I'll have to bring it up when I see him.

Here are some cool videos:

This one demos armored fighting techniques (unarmored combat techniques are usually studied):

Highlight footage of the Virginia Academy of Fencing's performance at the Longpoint 2014 tournament for Historical European Martial Arts.