Historical medieval combat combines a demanding athletic programme with close-range weapon work. For athletes governed by the International Medieval Combat…
A team captain in historical medieval combat is more than a loud voice at the edge of the arena. The role links fighters, coaches, judges and the national…
Historical European Martial Arts, usually shortened to HEMA, is a broad field rather than a single sport with one worldwide governing body. Clubs may study…
A compact training space can support strength, conditioning, footwork and controlled partner drills. The key is choosing equipment that develops several skills…
Armored fighters ask their bodies to absorb impacts that can be sudden, awkward or cumulative. Wearing a helmet, breastplate, gauntlets and leg protection also…
Battles at short range in historical medieval combat reward judgement as much as athleticism. When there is little room to create an angle, an exchange can…
A helmet can look complete while its internal padding does little for impact absorption when a fighter receives a glancing blow, falls backwards or collides…
Training with a sword, spear, polearm or shield can place repeated pressure and shear across the palm. Sweat makes skin soften, while hard training weapons or…
The mace is often portrayed as a simple club with a metal head, yet its development reflects changing armour, military organisation and ideas about close…
A well-aligned sword edge transfers force through the intended cutting line instead of allowing the blade to slap, twist or glance away. In historical medieval…