As sessions resume in Okehampton, some changes are required in the conduct and running of classes and freeplay. …
Guidance on the Practice of Fencing and HEMA In the COVID-19 EnvironmentRead More »
National Safeguarding Adults Week 2019 takes place 18-24 November.
Ann Craft Trust (ACT) is heading the annual awareness raising campaign which focuses on safeguarding issues across society. Each day will be focused on a different safeguarding adults at risk issue, culminating in two days about safeguarding adults in sport and activity. …
Following on from our post on Safe Conduct of Classes , and both posts on safety and protective equipment, with breakdown, here follows our guide to weapon safety. …
Following on from our post on Safe Conduct of Classes and our general post on safety and protective equipment, here follows our breakdown of which items to wear for training and sparring. …
You may be familiar with the all-white kit worn by sports fencers. Historical combat, however, demands greater protection against hits from heavier metal or nylon weapons.
HEMA clubs and competitions will each set their own standards for protective gear; the amount of protection worn in classes, and training sessions will also vary according to the intensity and the weapons used. …
Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is the serious study and live application of combat techniques from the early Medieval period, through the Renaissance, to the late Nineteenth century.
HEMA is not a fantasy activity like LARP (Live Action Role-playing), it is not historical re-enactment, nor is it choreographed stage fighting. It should be treated the same as other martial arts such as boxing, karate, ju-jitsu and the like. This means a constant and strict regard for the risk of injury, with appropriate steps (instruction, donning protective gear) to mitigate and minimise such risk. …
Studying historical combat techniques with heavy weapons is rewarding and fun, but, like most other martial arts, inherently risky. We all have proper jobs to go back to, families to look after, bills to pay; things that are difficult enough without the added burden of trips to A&E, bandages, splints, crutches and the long-lasting effects of concussion (genuinely no laughing matter). We are not 24/7 Medieval or Renaissance warriors. This is a hobby more than a lifestyle choice. …
by Robin Catling.
From Pirates of the Caribbean, to Star Wars and even Transformers, it seems every other movie poster features a character with a sword; there’s been a slew of TV and online ads featuring Olympic fencers in action, TV shows such as Arrow and the Musketeers keep the skill and the romance of the sword alive. It’s no wonder even the smallest children want to give it a try. …
Wear suitable clothing as for any kind of anaerobic sport. That means:
Think about bringing a towel, a change of clothes and even a drinks bottle.
The club reserves the right to turn away anyone dressed inappropriately for fencing.
