WHAT IS HEMA?
HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts
Specifically, HEMA is the study and practice of individual weapons combat as it was taught and practiced in the Medieval and Renaissance periods all over Europe. New manuscripts and treatises are being found every year. These are studied and the instructions then applied for use with modern equipment and safety considerations.
HEMA sporting events are held worldwide and sword fencing is fast becoming a largely recognized sport. There are many groups that practice HEMA all over the world. HEMA's diversity and scope of period is broad and covers weapon and fighting styles from hand-to-hand grappling, to sword play, to polearms and great shields.
HEMA attracts a broad spectrum of people for many reasons. For the competitor, the aspect of individual competition is a great draw. For the historian, the Fechtbucher - or fight-books, were written and methods developed all throughout history. For the intellectual, HEMA has the challenges of trans-national, trans-lingual, and even trans-temporal study, of the Fechtbucher. For the geek, well, it's sword fighting - if you gotta ask, you don't get it. For the martial artist, the discipline and exercise it takes to excel in HEMA takes dedication and heart. Here at Steel Ring Academy, we allow our members to explore and study any and all the aspects of HEMA as they wish. We give a framework and guidelines in which a person can grow.
Steel Ring Academy recognizes several "tracks" in HEMA practice. We see these tracks as equally important to the growth of HEMA as a hobby and interest in the community. These tracks are often identified as:
Sport Track or Feder-Fechter - the appeal to competitive swordplay in arenas of tournaments and conquest.
Traditional Track or Ernst-Fechter - the appeal to the connection to history and actual people of the past, and learning the same techniques and methods to use swords.
Enthusiast Track or Schimpf-Fechter - the appeal to spend time and energy learning things that bring people together in camaraderie.
To perpetuate and encourage all three tracks, we deliberately plan classes and activities that will benefit each of the three tracks in equal measure. We ensure fun, fit, and edifying experiences and keep things fresh.
Sport Track or Feder-Fechter - the appeal to competitive swordplay in arenas of tournaments and conquest.
Traditional Track or Ernst-Fechter - the appeal to the connection to history and actual people of the past, and learning the same techniques and methods to use swords.
Enthusiast Track or Schimpf-Fechter - the appeal to spend time and energy learning things that bring people together in camaraderie.
To perpetuate and encourage all three tracks, we deliberately plan classes and activities that will benefit each of the three tracks in equal measure. We ensure fun, fit, and edifying experiences and keep things fresh.
