HEMA – History and Development

The History and Development of HEMA

HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) is more than just swinging swords. It is a revival of centuries-old martial traditions, reconstructed from historical treatises. If you’ve ever wondered how medieval knights, Renaissance duelists, or 17th-century fencers fought, HEMA is the answer. But how did we go from dusty manuscripts to full-speed combat with steel feders? Let’s break it down.

The Roots of HEMA: Forgotten but Never Lost

HEMA traces its origins to the combat systems used in Europe from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Unlike modern sport fencing, which prioritizes speed and point-scoring, historical fencing focuses on practical martial effectiveness. The first detailed records of European martial arts appear in 14th-century treatises, such as Johannes Liechtenauer’s Zettel, which formed the foundation of the German longsword tradition.

As firearms replaced swords in warfare, these combat systems faded. However, they never disappeared entirely. Military academies still taught saber and smallsword techniques well into the 19th century. But by the 20th century, the knowledge of medieval and Renaissance martial arts had become obscure, confined to museum collections and private archives.

The Modern HEMA Renaissance

Everything changed in the late 20th century. A handful of dedicated researchers, historians, and martial artists began reconstructing forgotten fighting techniques. They translated and analyzed old manuals, cross-referencing different sources to revive lost styles. By the early 2000s, HEMA had grown into a global movement, with clubs and tournaments appearing across Europe and North America.

Today, HEMA practitioners study various weapons, from longswords and rapiers to pollaxes and dusacks. Training focuses on both historical accuracy and practical application, blending rigorous academic research with full-contact sparring. The sport has even developed a thriving competitive scene, with major tournaments like Swordfish in Sweden and the Longpoint event in the United States attracting top fighters from around the world.

The Rise of the Feder: Evolution of a Training Weapon

If you’ve ever watched a HEMA duel, you’ve seen the feder in action. The feder is a specialized training longsword, designed to allow for full-speed sparring while minimizing injury risk. Unlike historical longswords, feders have thinner, more flexible blades and distinctive widened ricassos, known as schilts, which help control binds and protect the fingers.

Historical Origins and Different Traditions

Historically, feders appeared in the 16th century, when German fencing schools (Fechtschulen) used them for competition and training. The use of feders varied among different traditions. The Liechtenauer tradition, which emphasized structured techniques and powerful cuts, often used feders with moderate flexibility and balanced weight distribution. On the other hand, Joachim Meyer, a 16th-century fencing master, preferred feders with more pronounced schilts and slightly wider blades, making them more suited for his highly dynamic and visually distinctive style of fencing. Meyer’s feders were designed for training structured plays and engaging in public competitions, where controlled strikes and binding actions were emphasized.

Types of Feders and Their Differences

Modern feders have evolved into several distinct styles, designed for different aspects of HEMA training and competition. Some of the most notable types include:

• Light Training Faders – These feders are relatively flexible and lightweight, making them ideal for beginners who are still developing control and precision. They typically feature medium-length blades and moderate schilts.
• Tournament Feders – Built for heavy sparring, these feders have stiffer blades and reinforced edges to withstand the rigors of competition. They often feature pronounced schilts for added finger protection and better control during binds.
• Longer Feders – Some schools prefer longer feders, which more closely mimic historical longswords. These provide additional reach and force but require greater control to use effectively.
• Custom Feders – Many experienced practitioners commission custom-feders tailored to their personal fighting style. These may have specific blade stiffness, weight distribution, or handle length to optimize performance.

Variations in Feder Design

The schilt is one of the most distinctive features of the feder. It serves both as a protective element and a functional aid in controlling binds. Different manufacturers and traditions have developed various schilt designs, including:

• Small and Compact Schilt – Found in earlier feder designs, this schilt provides some hand protection but does not dominate the blade’s structure. It allows for smoother transitions between cuts and thrusts.
• Large and Wide Schilt – Often seen in Meyer-style feders, this design offers maximum hand protection and facilitates strong, controlled binds. However, it can make the weapon slightly front-heavy.
• Rounded Schilt – Some modern feders feature a rounded schilt for a balance between protection and maneuverability.
• Flared Schilt – This design enhances the stability of the blade in the bind and provides additional security for the fingers.

At Timeblade Guild, we provide a range of feders designed for different skill levels and training needs, ensuring that every practitioner finds the perfect fit for their style.

Protective Gear: Keeping Fighters Safe in Full-Contact Combat

HEMA isn’t just about the swords. Without proper protective gear, full-speed sparring would be far too dangerous. Unlike Olympic fencing, which uses light mesh masks and thin jackets, HEMA practitioners need robust equipment to absorb impact from steel weapons.

A standard HEMA kit includes:

– Fencing Mask – Reinforced to withstand strong hits, often with back-of-head protection to prevent concussions.
– Gorget – A neck protector that shields against thrusts and accidental blows.
– Padded Jacket – Thick protective jackets with additional padding in high-risk areas like the shoulders and arms.
– Gloves – Sturdy gloves that protect the hands while maintaining dexterity.
– Plastron and Chest Protectors – Extra layers to reduce the force of strikes.
– Leg Protection – Knee and shin guards, often combined with padded trousers.

The evolution of HEMA gear has mirrored the growth of the sport. Early practitioners relied on repurposed kendo and lacrosse equipment, but as HEMA expanded, manufacturers developed specialized gear tailored to historical fencing. Today, fighters can choose from a variety of equipment designed for different levels of protection and mobility. Timeblade Guild supplies the protective gear, ensuring that both beginners and experienced fighters train safely without compromising on authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Why HEMA Matters

HEMA is more than just an academic exercise. It’s a living tradition, a bridge between the past and the present. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of competition, the beauty of historical technique, or the camaraderie of training, HEMA offers something unique.

At Timeblade Guild, we are proud to support this community by providing high-quality feders and protective gear. Whether you’re stepping onto the tournament floor or refining your cuts in solo drills, the right equipment makes all the difference. The legacy of historical fencing is alive and well—now it’s your turn to be a part of it.