Historical European martial arts

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== Historical European Martial Arts ==

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) refers to the martial arts of Europe, primarily those practiced during the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and early modern periods. These martial arts are reconstructed from historical sources, including fencing manuals, treatises, and other historical documents.

History

The practice of HEMA involves the study and application of combat techniques from various periods in European history. The earliest known manuals date back to the 14th century, with notable works such as the Fechtbuch by Johannes Liechtenauer. These manuals cover a range of weapons and techniques, including longsword, rapier, sword and buckler, polearms, and wrestling.

Key Figures

Several historical figures are central to the study of HEMA. These include:

• Johannes Liechtenauer - A 14th-century German fencing master whose teachings form the basis of the German school of swordsmanship.
• Fiore dei Liberi - An Italian master who wrote the Fior di Battaglia (The Flower of Battle), a comprehensive martial arts manual.
• George Silver - An Englishman who wrote Paradoxes of Defence and Brief Instructions Upon My Paradoxes of Defence, advocating for the use of traditional English martial arts.

Weapons and Techniques

HEMA encompasses a wide range of weapons and techniques, including:

• Longsword - A versatile, two-handed sword used in both offensive and defensive techniques.
• Rapier - A slender, sharply pointed sword used primarily for thrusting attacks.
• Sword and Buckler - A combination of a single-handed sword and a small shield.
• Polearms - Long-handled weapons such as spears, halberds, and poleaxes.
• Wrestling - Unarmed combat techniques that were often integrated with weapon-based training.

Modern Practice

Today, HEMA is practiced by enthusiasts around the world. Organizations such as the HEMA Alliance and the Academy of Historical Arts provide resources and support for practitioners. Modern HEMA events include tournaments, workshops, and demonstrations, where participants can test their skills and learn from one another.

Related Pages

• Fencing
• Martial arts
• Medieval warfare
• Renaissance
• Combat sports