Getting Started with HEMA

What Is HEMA? A Complete Introduction

By HILT Official · Feb 20, 2026 · 10 min read

Historical European Martial Arts explained: what it is, where it comes from, and why thousands of people are picking up longswords.

Swords Never Really Went Away Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA for short) is the study and practice of fighting systems that were used across Europe from roughly the 13th to 17th centuries. We're talking longsword, rapier, sword and buckler, messer, dagger, pollaxe, and dozens of other weapons that were documented in period manuscripts called Fechtbücher (fight books). These aren't invented martial arts. Real fencing masters wrote detailed manuals on how to fight with these weapons. Guys like Johannes Liechtenauer, Fiore dei Liberi, Joachim Meyer, and George Silver left behind hundreds…

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How to Start a HEMA Club From Scratch A practical, step-by-step guide to founding a HEMA study group, from finding a venue to getting your first 10 members.
Your First HEMA Gear: A Buying Guide What to buy, what to skip, and how to avoid spending €2,000 before your first tournament.
Finding a HEMA Club Near You: A Beginner's Guide How to find Historical European Martial Arts clubs and study groups in your area, what to expect at your first visit, and how to evaluate if a club is right for you.

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