Posts about Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)
West Devon Swords is featured in the January/February edition of Oke Links magazine, the lifestyle/what’s on/general interest publication for the Okehampton area. Turn to page 13 for a sports feature on our HEMA activities. Keep reading for the article text. …
We’re in Oke Links magazine Read More »
Thurs 19th Dec. will be our last session of this year and this decade; it will also be our last session of Saviolo rapier/sidesword in this block.
Last session of the decade Read More »
…or at least that was the intention. Some of it looks like the treatise, some of it… not.
Note to self, when blocking with the off hand, be sure the thrust you’re blocking is actually a thrust and not a cut…
Our current Saviolo sidesword block continues as we get to grips with close measure cut and thrust with off hand parries.
And as we try to get everyone on the same page, we have two new members this session taking a remarkably mature approach to class and a first sparring experience.
Newcomers hands on with sidesword Read More »
We resume Thurs October 31st with a further block of Saviolo side sword/rapier for the 8-week run up to Christmas. If you’ve never tried historical swordplay before, this is an excellent opportunity for beginners and practitioners alike. …
Saviolo side sword for All Hallows Read More »
We’re winding up the current half term session of Fiore dagger. Last night we played a game we’ve named Dagger Defender, based on something we borrowed from the Italians: one defender, three assailants, two daggers and a Fiore response to a surprise attack. …
Blocks, locks and a few smoking disarms Read More »
The cheapest (practical) entry-level feder I know of in the UK, we picked up a pair of these about three years ago when we finally made the move from nylon wasters to steel.
There’s no question, the feel of steel over polypropylene makes a world of difference to your technique – steel doesn’t bounce or slide, it binds. Admittedly blunt feders behave far differently to a sharp, but that is still a world better than a poorly balanced nylon plank. …
Hands on – Hanwei Federschwert Read More »
The Kingston Arms Club Sport Feder is pitched as an affordable (i.e. ‘entry-level’) weapon for clubs, beginners and “even seasoned practitioners”. It fits the bill for a reasonably light, quick, safe sparring sword for HEMA longsword sparring at an entry-level price. …
Hands On – Kingston Arms Club Sport Federschwert Read More »
Our first session completed last night in our new venue at Okehampton College where there’s enough room to swing not one longsword but several. …
New term, new home Read More »
