What is HEMA? A Beginner’s Guide to Historical European Martial Arts

Yes, Sword Fighting is Still Alive—and It’s Serious, Scholarly, and Global

HEMA, short for Historical European Martial Arts, is a modern revival of medieval and Renaissance combat systems practiced by knights, duelists, and foot soldiers centuries ago. But make no mistake—this isn’t cosplay or movie choreography. HEMA is a serious, research-driven martial art that brings ancient techniques back to life through rigorous study and hands-on practice.

Whether you’re drawn to the elegant precision of the rapier or the brutal efficiency of the longsword, HEMA opens a gateway into Europe’s forgotten martial past—blending history, athleticism, and scholarship into one fascinating discipline.

Let’s break down what HEMA really is and how you can become a part of it.

What is HEMA?

HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts. It refers to the study and practice of martial traditions from Europe, spanning roughly from the 1300s to the 1800s. This includes everything from German longsword techniques to Portuguese stick fighting, Italian rapier duels, and even Scottish broadsword combat.

While it’s sometimes loosely grouped under the term Western Martial Arts (WMA), HEMA distinguishes itself by focusing on authentic historical sources and reconstruction. It’s both academic and practical—participants read, interpret, and physically apply techniques from centuries-old manuals.

Historical Roots and the Modern Revival of HEMA

The foundations of HEMA come directly from medieval and Renaissance combat manuals known as Fechtbücher (German for “fighting books”). These texts were written by historical masters-at-arms such as:

• Johannes Liechtenauer – a key figure in German longsword traditions.
• Fiore dei Liberi – an Italian fencing master who authored Fior di Battaglia, a comprehensive guide to grappling, longsword, dagger, and more.

Other systems include:

• Sword and buckler (small shield)
• Staff weapons, such as spears and halberds
• Wrestling techniques (Ringen)

In recent decades, the digital age has played a huge role in reviving HEMA. Scans, translations, and scholarly discussions have exploded online, making these ancient sources accessible to people worldwide. Global collaboration via forums and digital archives has fueled a renaissance of martial scholarship and practice.

What HEMA Is Not

HEMA often gets mistaken for other activities, but here’s what it isn’t:

• ❌ Stage combat: Unlike choreographed swordplay used in theater or film, HEMA is about actual martial effectiveness.
• ❌ Cosplay or reenactment: While some practitioners wear historical clothing, the focus is on functional combat, not acting out history.
• ❌ Olympic fencing: Sport fencing is a modern evolution with strict rules and different techniques. HEMA uses a wider array of weapons and styles based on historical sources.

✅ What sets HEMA apart is its dedication to combat reconstruction—rebuilding real martial systems based on written evidence and applying them through sparring, drills, and tournaments.

The Role of Manuals and Research in HEMA

At the core of HEMA is research. Fighters don’t just swing swords—they study centuries-old texts, often written in archaic languages, and interpret them using a mix of biomechanics, pedagogy, and experimentation.

A few key examples:

• Combining written technique descriptions with modern movement analysis.
• Testing techniques safely with partners in controlled environments.
• Publishing open-source translations for community use.

The go-to resource for these manuals is Wiktenauer, a massive, collaborative online archive of historical martial texts and translations. It’s where many HEMA students begin their journey of martial scholarship.

Weapons and Techniques Practiced in HEMA

HEMA encompasses a wide range of weapons, each with its own lineage and combat theory. Here are some commonly studied arms:

• Longsword: Perhaps the most iconic and widely practiced weapon in HEMA. Techniques cover strikes, thrusts, grapples, and disarms.
• Rapier: The dueling sword of the Renaissance—fast, thrusting-based, and often paired with off-hand weapons like a dagger or cloak.
• Sidesword and saber: Transitional swords used in both civilian defense and military contexts.
• Sword and buckler: A nimble combination of a short sword and small shield.
• Daggers: Used for close combat and grappling scenarios.
• Polearms: Spears, halberds, and staffs—versatile and deadly battlefield weapons.
• Ringen: Grappling techniques that blend with swordplay for throws, locks, and counters.

Modern HEMA practice uses feders (blunt training swords), along with full protective gear: fencing masks, padded jackets, heavy gloves, and shin protection.

Modern HEMA Practice

HEMA training is far from chaotic sword-swinging. Clubs typically offer structured curricula, including:

• Solo drills for footwork and weapon handling.
• Partner drills to work through techniques from manuals.
• Sparring sessions with protective gear to test skill and timing.
• Video review and discussions to analyze movements and improve precision.

Safety is paramount, and reputable schools prioritize protective gear and controlled sparring. Many clubs also hold internal exams or rank systems based on skill progression.

Tournaments like Longpoint in the U.S. or Swordfish in Sweden offer competitive venues to test skills under pressure.

The Global HEMA Community

HEMA is a global movement. Clubs are active across:

• North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
• Europe: UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and beyond
• Asia: Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and India

Online spaces like Discord servers, YouTube channels, and Reddit forums foster a collaborative learning culture. Many instructors freely share lesson videos, interpretations, and training plans. The openness of the community is one of HEMA’s most unique strengths.

How to Start Practicing HEMA

Want to try it yourself? Here’s how to start:

Find a club near you
Use websites like HEMA Alliance or HEMA Club Finder to locate a group. Most welcome beginners and offer loaner gear.

Beginner gear checklist

• Fencing mask (350N+ recommended)
• Padded gloves
• Basic training sword (usually a feder or nylon waster)
• Groin/chest protection

Costs
Beginner kits range from $150–$300 depending on quality. Many clubs offer trial classes or rental gear to ease the initial investment.

Tips for newcomers

• Be patient—HEMA has a steep learning curve.
• Read and study as much as you practice.
• Respect your training partners.
• Always wear proper safety gear.

HEMA: Where History, Combat, and Scholarship Meet

HEMA offers a unique blend of historical inquiry, martial discipline, and physical challenge. It’s not about dressing like a knight or acting out movie scenes—it’s about bringing forgotten martial arts back to life with integrity and precision.

If you’re curious, don’t wait. Check out Wiktenauer, watch the documentary Back to the Source, and visit a local club. You might just find a lifelong passion—along with a few bruises earned in honest combat.

References / Further Reading

📚 Wikipedia: Historical European Martial Arts
📖 Wiktenauer Manuals Archive
🎥 Back to the Source – HEMA Documentary
🎥 NYT Feature on Longpoint

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