What are HEMA?

What are HEMA ?

To simplify it to the extreme, one could say that HEMA is about learning to fight with a medieval sword. But in reality, it's much more than that !

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is an exciting discipline that combines historical research with martial practice. The goal is to rediscover and practice the combat techniques used in Europe throughout the ages. To achieve this, practitioners delve into old documents such as combat treatises, military manuals, and even artworks from the period.

It is important to clarify that when we talk about "fighting" in the context of HEMA, we are not referring to a performance fight, artistic display, or a mere adrenaline rush. The goal is to learn to fight in a technical, clean, and effective manner, staying true to historical methods. Practitioners aim to understand and replicate the movements and combat strategies as they were genuinely used in the past when the lives of the fighters were at stake.

Although the image of the medieval sword is often the first that comes to mind, HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) is not limited to this period or this weapon. In fact, they cover a wide range of combat styles, from Roman techniques to Renaissance martial arts, including the combat methods of the Vikings or the knights of the Middle Ages. And it's not just about war: HEMA also focuses on techniques used in peaceful contexts, such as duels or tournaments.

Why this strange name ?

Let's admit it, HEMA isn't the most attractive or easiest name to remember, so when we have to explain it, we often refer to more accessible terms like "medieval fencing" or "sword fighting."

So, why choose this complex term? Mainly for its precision and comprehensiveness.

And every word matters. Let's break it down together:

• "Martial Arts" reminds us that these are indeed combat techniques, not just historical reenactments in period costumes.
• "Historical" emphasizes that these practices are rooted in the past, based on period documents.
• And "European"? This is to distinguish them from the more widely known Asian martial arts.

Despite its apparent complexity, this acronym has become the reference term within the community of practitioners and researchers. It reflects the desire to create a distinct identity for these historical martial practices, while situating them in a European context and differentiating them from other forms of martial arts or historical reenactment.

Since when have people been practicing HEMA ?

Although HEMA focuses on ancient combat techniques, its modern sporting practice is relatively recent. The rise of HEMA mainly dates back to the 1980s and 1990s, when historians, martial artists, and history enthusiasts began to take a closer interest in the study and practice of old European combat systems.

This movement has been greatly fueled by the community of medieval reenactors, known for their attention to detail in reproducing costumes, camps, and lifestyles of the past. Many of them, dissatisfied with the spectacular but unrealistic combat choreographies, have extended their quest for authenticity to the combat techniques they presented to the public. Thus, they came to ask themselves this crucial question: "How did people really fight back then?"

This renewed interest has also been fueled by the rediscovery and translation of numerous medieval and Renaissance combat treatises. These texts, often accompanied by detailed illustrations, have provided a valuable window into the combat techniques of the time.

The end of the 20th century saw the emergence of several organizations dedicated to the study and practice of HEMA, which played a crucial role in the development of this discipline.

Global Practice and Organization

HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) are primarily practiced in Europe and North America, but their popularity is gradually spreading to other parts of the world. The practice is supported by national federations in several countries, including France, England, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Germany.

An international federation was established in 2014 to structure the discipline on a global scale. These organizations play a crucial role in facilitating access to the discipline, organizing competitions, and supporting the training of instructors.

Surprisingly, recent years have seen a remarkable rise of HEMA in Asia, particularly in China. This unexpected phenomenon demonstrates the universal appeal of these historical martial arts, transcending cultural boundaries.

How to Practice HEMA

Whether you are drawn to the historical aspect, fascinated by combat techniques, or simply looking for a unique physical activity, HEMA has something to offer you. Here is a guide to help you dive into this exciting world. Whether you are a curious novice or an experienced practitioner, several options are available to you:

Join a club or association:

Obviously, the best way to progress and meet other enthusiasts is to join a club or sports association. These organizations provide an ideal environment for learning and improving, fostering the exchange of knowledge and regular practice. Thanks to the rise of HEMA, most major cities now have at least one club, making access to the discipline much easier. Regular training in a club not only allows you to acquire basic techniques but also to practice safely and consistently.Heater shieldperformed under the supervision of experienced instructors.

Participate in workshops or gatherings:

In addition to regular training sessions, there are major national and international events that offer workshops on various aspects of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). These gatherings, such as FightCamp in the United Kingdom or HEMAC in Dijon, France, allow practitioners from around the world to enrich their practice and knowledge. It is an opportunity to attend workshops with renowned experts, participate in tournaments, and meet the international HEMA community.

Use self-learning resources:

Finally, to complement club practice or for those who do not have access to a local facility, there are numerous learning resources available. From specialized books to DVDs, and the many videos available on YouTube, these resources allow for a deeper exploration of certain aspects of the practice. They are particularly useful for delving into specific techniques or for discovering the history and context of Historical European Martial Arts.

What does a HEMA class look like ?

Just like traditional martial arts, a HEMA class must find the right balance between theory, technique, and practice. Much like in a karate dojo or a modern fencing salle, you will find both the rigorous learning of techniques and their application in combat situations.

Warm-Up & Strengthening:

In a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) class, the session invariably begins with a crucial phase of warm-up and physical preparation. This step aims to ready the body for the specific demands of the practice. It starts with a general warm-up, engaging the entire body, and then focuses on the joints that are particularly stressed in HEMA, such as the wrists, shoulders, and knees. This is followed by a series of muscle-strengthening exercises, specifically targeting the legs to ensure a stable base, as well as core exercises to strengthen the torso. This meticulous preparation not only prevents injuries but also significantly enhances the quality of the training.Heater shieldtion of the martial techniques that will follow.

Technical Study:

The technical study phase is the core of a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) course, where the focus is on the quality and precision of martial movements. This crucial step often relies on the analysis of ancient manuscripts, thereby providing a historical foundation for the movements being studied. The primary objective is to deeply understand the mechanics of each technique, its tactical advantages, and the combat situations in which it proves most effective. To achieve this, practitioners perform the movements slowly, meticulously breaking down each sequence. This methodical approach not only helps to assimilate the nuances of each technique but also to develop proper motor skills and reflexes.

Implementation:

This step marks the transition between theoretical understanding and exHeater shieldtheir practice of movements. Practitioners, usually organized in pairs, begin to exeHeater shieldperform the movements at a moderate speed, gradually approaching the conditions of a real fight. This approach allows the techniques studied to be integrated into a more dynamic context, while maintaining sufficient control to ensure sHeater shieldThe partners alternate roles, taking turns to practice the various learned sequences, which promotes a complete assimilation of offensive and defensive movements. This paired training method not only enhances technical mastery but also develops reflexes and the ability to read the opponent's intentions, crucial skills in the practice of historical martial arts.

Sparring:

The HEMA session typically culminates with a sparring phase, or free combat, which represents the pinnacle of the training. This final stage offers practitioners the opportunity to apply all the techniques and strategies they have learned in a context that closely resembles a real confrontation. Sparring can take various forms, ranging from completely free combat to more structured exercises. To enrich the experience and stimulate martial creativity, instructors often introduce specific challenges or constraints. For example, fighters may be required to incorporate a particular technique studied during the session, adopt a deliberately offensive posture by consistently taking the initiative, or, conversely, focus on a defensive approach. These variations in sparring not only enhance practitioners' technical skills but also develop their tactical adaptability and deep understanding of historical combat dynamics.

Current Issues and Perspectives

HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) are constantly evolving, transitioning from an academic research activity to a recognized sport. However, this young discipline is still in the midst of finding its identity.

There is a debate about the very nature of HEMA: Is it a combat sport? A martial art? Experimental archaeology ?

This diversity of perspectives reflects the richness and complexity of HEMA, but also presents challenges in terms of cohesion and communication.

Unlike disciplines such as saber Laser tag or béhourd (medieval armored combat), which have received significant media coverage in recent years, HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) remain somewhat in the background and have not yet gained widespread public recognition.

Far from being a drawback, this actually offers valuable freedom to HEMA practitioners and clubs. This situation allows us to explore and shape HEMA according to our own visions and interests, rather than confining ourselves to a too precise and potentially limiting definition and image.

Indeed, one could say that there are as many HEMAs as there are HEMA clubs. Each group, each instructor, and each practitioner brings their own interpretation, style, and approach to the discipline. This diversity is a major strength of HEMA, allowing for a wealth of experiences and learning opportunities that are not always found in more "formalized" disciplines.

In conclusion, HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) occupies a unique position at the intersection of history, sport, martial art, and academic research. Although challenges remain in terms of definition and structuring, the youth and openness of the discipline offer a unique freedom and potential. This diversity and flexibility allow HEMA to adapt to the interests and needs of each practitioner, while preserving its essence as a living exploration of European martial history. Whether the future sees HEMA develop as a recognized sport, remain a niche practice, or find a unique balance between these different aspects, it is certain that the discipline will continue to fascinate and attract those who seek to explore European history in a lively, engaging, and deeply personal way.