Historical European Martial Arts are dedicated to the reconstruction of European combat techniques developed and recorded in writing by fencing masters between the 13th and 17th centuries. The term HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) refers to a living discipline that combines historical research with sporting training. Historical fencing encompasses techniques from the High Middle Ages to the early modern period: fencing with the long sword, wrestling, and the use of daggers and polearms. Unlike Olympic fencing or stage combat, the focus is not on entertainment but on the source-based reconstruction of functional combat methods. Bow-making and historical archery are also practised as complementary disciplines in many HEMA groups.
What to expect in this article
- Key takeaways
- Introduction: What are Historical Martial Arts (HEMA)?
- Historical overview: From fencing manuals to modern training
- Historical fencing: Schools and traditions
- The German school of sword fighting
- The Italian tradition: the Bolognese style and the long sword according to Fiore
- Bow-making: From the wooden bow to the historical longbow
- Historical archery as a complement to sword fighting
- Training today: from basic techniques to free sparring
- Equipment in HEMA: Between tradition and modern safety
- Health, fitness and mental benefits
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions about bow-making, sword fighting and HEMA
- Is HEMA dangerous and how high is the risk of injury?
- At what age can you start sword fighting or archery?
- How much does equipment for HEMA and bow-making cost?
- Can I practise HEMA just as a ‘history buff’ without any ambitions to compete in tournaments?
- What do I need for my first taster session?
Reading time approx. 8 mins.
Key takeaways
- HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts and encompasses genuine historical martial arts involving swords, daggers, wrestling and archery – it is not role-play, exhibition fighting or LARP.
- Modern bow-making (wooden bows, longbows, recurve bows) and historical sword fighting (longsword, side-handled sword) are scientifically reconstructed based on original sources from the 13th to the 17th centuries.
- Training today takes place in a safe and sporting manner: with 1600N fencing masks, blunt weapon simulators and clear rules.
- Clubs offer taster sessions, seminars and beginners’ courses – ideal for anyone with an interest in history and martial arts.
Introduction: What are historical martial arts (HEMA)?
Historical European Martial Arts are dedicated to the reconstruction of European combat techniques developed and recorded in writing by fencing masters between the 13th and 17th centuries. The term HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) refers to a living discipline that combines historical research with sporting training. Historical fencing encompasses techniques from the High Middle Ages to the early modern period: fencing with the long sword, wrestling, and the use of daggers and polearms. Unlike Olympic fencing or stage combat, the focus is not on entertainment but on the source-based reconstruction of functional combat methods. Bow-making and historical archery are also practised as complementary disciplines in many HEMA groups.
Historical overview: From fencing manuals to modern training
Writings on the art of European fencing date back a long way. Early Latin military manuals such as Vegetius’s *Epitoma rei militaris* (4th/5th century) described general combat and training principles of the Roman army, but were not yet specific fencing manuals in the later sense. The actual tradition of European fencing manuals did not begin until centuries later:
- Around 1300: Manuscript I.33 is produced as the oldest surviving European fencing manual – focusing on the sword and buckler, with detailed illustrations of guard positions.
- 14th century: Johannes Liechtenauer composes his mnemonic verses (the ‘Zettel’), which lay the foundations for the German tradition of sword fighting; the earliest surviving copy with commentary is found in the Nuremberg Hausbuch HS 3227a from 1389.
- c. 1409: Fiore dei Liberi writes *Fior di Battaglia* – a key source on the long sword, dagger, wrestling, spear and mounted combat.
- 1570: Joachim Meyer publishes his comprehensive fencing manual on the long sword, dussack, rapier, dagger and polearms.
- From the 1980s/1990s onwards: HEMA is revived as a modern movement; today, there are clubs, tournaments and research groups worldwide.
In total, over 150 independent fencing manuscripts from the Middle Ages and the early modern period have survived, as well as numerous printed fencing manuals – amounting to well over 200 sources that HEMA researchers continue to analyse to this day. Historical systems in HEMA are broadly divided into striking, thrusting and grappling.
Historical Fencing: Schools and Traditions
In historical fencing, there were various ‘schools’ with their own principles and masterpieces. The German, Italian and Spanish traditions from the 14th to the 17th centuries form the core of modern HEMA sword fighting. These schools developed systematic teaching methods, their own terminology and specialisations in weaponry – ranging from the longsword and the side-sword to the rapier, daggers and polearms. Modern HEMA clubs usually choose one or more of these traditions as the basis for their training programmes. Below is a closer look at the German and Italian schools.
The German school of sword fighting
The German school is based on the teachings of Johannes Liechtenauer, whose verses were transcribed and annotated in the 15th and 16th centuries in fencing manuals such as the aforementioned Nuremberg Hausbuch HS 3227a. Liechtenauer’s tradition continues to dominate German fencing to this day. The focus is on the longsword, supplemented by the dagger, wrestling, the knife and polearms. In HEMA, wrestling is regarded as the foundation of fencing – particularly in close combat.
Key concepts include:
- The Five Master Cuts (Zornhau, Zwerchhau, Scheitelhau, etc.).
- Vor und Nach – seizing and maintaining the initiative in combat.
- ‘Indes’ – reacting instinctively upon weapon contact.
Modern HEMA groups interpret these sources, analyse the text and apply the techniques in drills, partner exercises and free sparring.
Italian tradition: the Bolognese style and the longsword according to Fiore
Alongside Germany, Italy forms a second major pillar of historical fencing. The Bolognese style is regarded as particularly elegant and dance-like: it emphasises grace and fluidity of movement in combat, often using a one-handed side-sword as a civilian weapon for duels in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Fiore dei Liberi wrote his work *Fior di Battaglia* around 1409 – a key source for the long sword, dagger, wrestling and mounted combat. Long sword techniques are still taught in many HEMA clubs today based on Fiore’s teachings. Training in the Bolognese style and according to Fiore prioritises technical precision and tactics – almost like a game of chess with swords. The Italian fencing traditions later evolved into rapier and épée fencing, thus forming a bridge to the modern sport.
Bow-making: From the wooden bow to the historical longbow
Bow-making is a cornerstone of the craftsmanship involved in historical martial arts and fosters an understanding of materials as well as body awareness. Historical archery requires knowledge of both bow-making and shooting technique in equal measure. The shape and material of the bow significantly influence its performance – a bow stores elastic energy and transfers it to the arrow when the string is released.
Commonly used types of wood:
| Type of wood | Property |
|---|---|
| Yew | A classic choice for the English longbow, elastic |
| Ash | Tough and readily available |
| Black locust | Very hard, durable |
| Hickory | High tensile strength, ideal for the bow’s riser |
The basic designs are the English longbow (14th/15th century), the Central European flatbow and recurve bows of Ottoman and Hungarian design. The construction stages include: cutting the blank to size, shaping the limbs, tiller work, crafting the grip, cutting the string notches and finally oiling the bow. Beginners start under supervision with lighter draw weights – safety is the top priority.
Historical archery as a complement to sword fighting
Archery was an integral part of European martial arts. As a complement to sword fighting and wrestling, it trains coordination, focus and a sense of distance. The English longbowmen at Crécy (1346) and Agincourt (1415) impressively demonstrate the significance of the bow in medieval warfare: in both battles, the mounted archers decided the outcome against numerically superior French knightly armies. Training combines shooting technique (stance, anchor point, release) with historical background knowledge on types of arrows and the difference between war and hunting arrows. Many HEMA groups offer archery courses, bow-making workshops or special training days.
Training today: from basic techniques to free combat
The long sword is the best-known discipline within the HEMA community. Modern HEMA training methods combine historical research with athletic training. Typical training components include cuts, thrusts and distance control – HEMA training thus combines technique, source interpretation and free sparring into a single whole.
A typical session in the hall:
- Warm-up: mobility exercises, footwork, basics.
- Technique: Stance, simple cuts and thrusts, safe handling of training weapons.
- Partner drills: slow, controlled exercises with clearly defined roles.
- Sparring: controlled free combat under the supervision of experienced coaches.
HEMA tournaments in long sword and side sword take place regularly. Throughout the year, there are also HEMA events and seminars – for example in Cologne, where the HEMA Cologne project was founded in 2020. There, the Cologne Fencing School regularly organises open training sessions for those interested in HEMA, focusing on a wide variety of weapons ranging from rings to daggers and rapiers to long swords. The Stahlakademie in Leipzig has also been offering seminars for HEMA enthusiasts for many years. You can find the latest dates for such events on social media and club websites.
Equipment in HEMA: Between tradition and modern safety
Realistic and safe sword fighting is not possible without the right equipment. Special protective gear is used for free sparring, and training is always carried out using modern protective masks and blunt weapon simulators.
Weapons and simulators:
- The feather is the standard for longsword training.
- Nylon simulators are cheaper and require less maintenance – ideal for beginners.
- Plastic or aluminium trainers for knives and daggers.
Protective equipment:
- The fencing mask with 1600N certification (Level 2 according to EN 13567) is the standard for free sparring in HEMA; masks rated at 350N are usually only suitable for basic training without full contact intensity.
- HEMA jackets are made from puncture-resistant fabric.
- Heavy ‘Hummer’-type gloves are essential.
- Forearm guards, as well as groin protection or chest protection.
Consult your coach before making a purchase, as requirements vary depending on the HEMA school and tournament rules. Quality and fit are more important than appearance. Many clubs offer equipment for hire, so you won’t need to buy your own for a few weeks.
Health, fitness and mental benefits
Historical martial arts provide a holistic, full-body workout and are suitable for many age groups. Sword fighting, wrestling and archery improve stamina, strength, flexibility and coordination. Mental aspects such as concentration, tactical thinking and stress relief enrich everyday life far beyond the sport itself. Mixed groups – women, men, young people and adults – benefit from one another and learn about different approaches. In practice, the focus is on treating training partners with respect, not on aggression or violence. Start slowly, take your warm-up seriously and ensure you allow sufficient time for recovery.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about bow-making, sword fighting and HEMA
Is HEMA dangerous and how high is the risk of injury?
HEMA is a full-contact sport, but modern protective equipment (mask, jacket, gloves) and clear rules minimise the risk considerably. The most common injuries are minor bruises. More serious incidents are rare provided safety protocols are consistently followed. Beginners are gradually introduced to free sparring – the pace and intensity are adapted to their level of experience. Above all, every fencer learns one thing: control.
At what age can you start sword fighting or archery?
Many clubs offer groups for children aged around 8 to 10 and teenagers aged 12 to 14. Children learn the basics in a playful way using light, padded weapons. Adults can join at any time. Ask the relevant club directly about age limits and dates for a trial session – often a quick online search is all it takes.
How much does equipment for HEMA and bow-making cost?
The basic equipment for sword fighting (mask, jacket, gloves, training sword) costs in the mid three-figure euro range, depending on the quality. Many clubs provide equipment for hire, so you don’t need to buy anything before joining. Materials for a simple wooden bow are cheaper, but you should factor in the cost of tools and expert guidance. You can get further information directly from the club.
Can I practise HEMA simply as a ‘history buff’ with no ambitions to compete in tournaments?
Absolutely. HEMA is explicitly aimed at those with an interest in history who prefer studying historical sources, reconstructing techniques and moderate training. Many groups offer research evenings, translation projects on the writings of fencing masters or technique workshops – with absolutely no focus on competition. When you first make contact, let the coach know your goals so they can choose suitable content. The discipline thrives on the diversity of its members and their interests.
What do I need for my first trial session?
To get started, all you need is sportswear, indoor trainers and something to drink. Equipment is usually provided. It’s a good idea to book in advance so that the coach can set aside time and reserve equipment. Be open about any health restrictions so that exercises can be adapted if necessary. Get in touch with your local club and take the first step – you’ll soon discover why this practice inspires so many people.
