Historical european martial arts

The Internet's Premier Resource Renaissance Martial Arts curricula. Pursuing the study of European fighting arts, swordplay, swordsmanship, and historical self-defence teachings.

Two illustrations of anti-armour techniques for the Armour Expansion of Audatia, the medieval swordfighting card game. With permission from Growl Partnership Oy.

Renewed interest in historical European martial arts has turned swordfighting with blunted medieval weapons into a niche organized sport with annual competitions.

Upper shoulder guard buckler

Dreaming of reenacting your favorite historical European martial arts? With the right equipment, you can hone your skills and master the art of HEMA! Choose from a selection of fencing feders, gear up with a mask, and get ready to face your opponent! Prepare for drills by heading over to the Clothing and Gear menus now!

“This is what’s happening: I’m going to hit this guy.” Listening to Tanya Smith talk about her longsword fighting strategy is like hearing a battle-scarred general talk tactics. But looking at her, it’s kind of hard to picture how she executes it. She’s five foot two and, in her own words, has “stubby little arms” […]

Hema KDF Longsword

The MS I.33 is a German fencing manual dating to the 1320s.[1] It currently rests in the holdings of the Royal Armouries at Leeds, United Kingdom. The I.33 is earliest extant treatise on Medieval martial arts, and it appears to have been devised by a secular priest, possibly the "Lutegerus" (or Liutger) mentioned in the text.[2] It was the work of three scribes and potentially as many as 17 illustrators.[3]

Duelists

Hutton - Parry Prime for Saber, Historical European Martial Arts, HEMA

Persian Archery and Swordsmanship, a book on the historic martial arts of Iran, by Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani

Medieval Combat, A 15th C Illustrated Manual of Sword Fighting and Close Quarter Combat Hans Talhoffer