Hema

HEMA is the acronym for "Historical European Martial Arts" and is also known as traditional fencing, ancient fencing or historical fencing. This martial art is based on the methods of combat with edged weapons used in Europe in ancient times, which gradually fell into disuse with the arrival of new combat techniques and firearms. HEMA is especially popular in historical reenactments.

Different HEMA Schools

There are various HEMA schools, each specialized in the use of different weapons and techniques:

• German School: In this school weapons such as daggers, long knives (messer and dussak), spears and halberds, two-handed or one and a half hand swords (schwert) are used.
• French School: Focuses on the European foil and sprat.
• Italian School: Its practitioners specialize in the foil, the dagger, short and long swords, spears and halberds, as well as the rapier.
• Spanish School: Here the use of swords, spears and halberds stand out, often accompanied by a buckler.

Different Types of Historical Fencing and Medieval Combat

Historical fencing is subdivided into several categories and approaches:

• Traditional Fencing: Based on the study of historical combat techniques through ancient documents.
• Historical Fencing: Focused on traditional combat techniques from a specific historical period, such as historical fencing of the Renaissance.
• Light Combat: Known as light contact, it is practiced with polypropylene or metal weapons without edge or point, guaranteeing the safety of the practitioners.
• Full Contact Combat: Also called full contact, it is carried out with weapons similar to those of light combat, but a more precise technique is sought. Participants usually wear protective armor.

Protections and Weapons for HEMA

Safety is essential in HEMA, and various protections and weapons suitable for combat are used:

• Fencing masks
• Shells
• Padded gloves
• Elbow and knee protectors
• Fencing pants and jackets
• Leg and arm protectors
• Gorgets
• Sparring or light contact swords (flexible in the last third of the blade)
• Metal swords for full contact

Curious Questions about HEMA

1. What is the key difference between traditional fencing and historical fencing?
Traditional fencing focuses on the study of historical combat techniques, while historical fencing focuses on techniques from a specific historical period.

2. What type of protections are used at HEMA to ensure the safety of practitioners?
Common protections include fencing masks, padded gloves, and protective armor.

3. What is the historical origin of HEMA?
HEMA is based on ancient European combat methods dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

4. What are the main weapons used in the German HEMA School?
The German School uses weapons such as daggers, long knives, spears, halberds and two-handed swords.

5. What is "full contact combat" in HEMA?
It is a modality in which techniques are practiced precisely with polypropylene or metal weapons, and the participants wear armor due to the intensity of the blows.

6. What is the importance of HEMA in historical reconstructions?
HEMA plays a crucial role in authentically and accurately recreating the combat techniques of bygone eras in historical events.