The truth, the half-truth & nothing like the truth
I GREW up surrounded by castles and history. As a small child, my parents took me to visit these majestic ruins and I as I got older, I’d often head off on my bike to explore them with friends. We’d whack each other earnestly with just about anything we could get our hands on that, at least in our childish imaginings, resembled a sword, mace or spear.
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Hello HEMA Goodbye disposable income
New students coming into Historical European Martial Arts are often conscious of the cost of taking up what appears to be, at face value, an expensive hobby. Let’s face it - for most would-be participants, there’s a big fat kit list staring you right in the face from the word go.
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I fight like a girl? Tell that to my sword
It’s late on a Wednesday night, and I’ve just finished training. I’m changing my shoes, putting my equipment back in my bag, winding down from an intense session, engaging in small talk. Around me, people chatter excitedly. About their new weapons, about historical manuscripts, or the new Star Wars film–no topic is really off limits. It’s a good atmosphere, a healthy one, a happy one.
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Do You Do Full-Contact?" - Not Unless I Want to Maim or Kill You.
Talhoffer I once had an interesting inquiry from a potential student who was looking for lessons in medieval swordsmanship. It began like this: I’m interested in coming along. Just one question - do you do fencing or full-contact?” A little perplexed, I replied: “I teach medieval fencing, we bout, but I’m not sure what you mean by ‘full-contact’.” Within minutes, another message hit my inbox. “Where you come away with bruises and shit.
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