Weapons of HEMA: Longsword
Introduction
The longsword is a two-handed, double-edged sword with a sharp tip for thrusting. Longswords were used as early as the 13th century and as late as the 17th century but reached their height in popularity around 1350 to 1550. It was prominent in Germany and Italy, and much of the surviving works describing their use originate from these two countries. These works are, in turn, interpreted by the HEMA community and form the body of HEMA longsword. [1]
Weapons of HEMA: Mounted Combat
Introduction
Mounted fighting (German: Roßfechten), especially in armor, was exceptionally important for any army since a well-trained and effective cavalry could be the deciding factor in a battle. Mounted combat was also present off the battlefield, for duels, jousting, and sport. Combat was also not limited to rider vs. infantry as several sources include techniques for fighting other riders, either with weapons, using the horse itself as a weapon, or even wrestling with other riders on horseback. Weapons used to fight from horseback included lances, swords, spears, maces, and hammers, among others.[1]
Weapons of HEMA: Polearms
Introduction
The polearm, in particular the spear, is one of the oldest weapons in existence. Its mastery was of paramount importance to the armies of Europe and, as such, it was a common topic in historical works. Common weapons in this category include the quarterstaff, spear, halberd, and poleaxe.
Weapons of HEMA: Grappling
Wrestling
Wrestling represents the biomechanical foundation of any weapon-based martial art. Details of its techniques or mentions of its importance are included in nearly every major manual studied by practitioners of HEMA. Historically wrestling was often done for sport or recreation as well as for self-defense. Ringen is the German art of wrestling which the masters argue precedes all other combative arts. It is a complete system and details how to grapple standing up, how to pin opponents on the ground, grapple with or without weapons, and in armor. [1]
Weapons of HEMA: Miscellaneous Weapons
Introduction
HEMA technically encompasses every historical weapon ever used in Europe. That includes the scythe, sickle, Nordic ax fighting, archery, jousting, mounted combat, and even siege techniques and equipment.
This introduction is not long enough to include all of them, but the article includes selections of Mair's “peasant weapons”, and Talhoffer’s long shield.
Weapons of HEMA: Sidesword
Introduction
The sidesword is a transitional weapon between the arming sword of the Middle Ages and the rapier of the Renaissance. It was, in essence, a cut-and-thrust arming sword with the addition of a complex hilt that protected the user’s hand. It was used either by itself or with something in the offhand, usually a dagger or shield. It could also be used with a cloak, gauntlet, or other defensive objects. [1]
Weapons of HEMA: Greatsword
Introduction
A greatsword is a large, double-edged weapon designed to be wielded with two hands. Greatswords stand among the largest two-handed swords ever committed to the battlefield. The Iberian/Spanish greatsword is called a montante, the German a Zweihänder, and the Italian a spadone. Greatswords usually weigh around four to eight pounds; however, the sword’s point of balance was engineered such that it could be used fluidly and gracefully.
Weapons of HEMA: Dagger
Introduction
Daggers and knives were universal tools in Europe; they were cheap to make and easy to use, especially in the close quarters of historical cities. Broadly speaking, three popular styles of dagger in medieval Europe were the baselard, the bollock, and the rondel. [1]
Weapons of HEMA: Rapier
Introduction
The rapier is thought to be the precursor to the modern fencing foil. It evolved from the arming sword to the side sword before changes in armor led to the blade becoming longer and thinner, prioritizing thrusting over cutting.[1] The long and thin rapiers were primarily civilian weapons, intended for self-defense and dueling. Rapiers built for war were also used, as this article from Arms & Armor showcases. However, the vast majority of available source material deals with the long and thin, thrust-oriented civilian rapier.
Weapons of HEMA: Singlestick and Dussack
Singlestick
A singlestick is a type of training saber. It is made of a medium-length rattan or hickory stick with either a synthetic or leather basket hilt to protect the hand. The goal is to provide an inexpensive training weapon for students learning to use one-handed weapons. The fighting style and guards are drawn from/inspired by various saber and backsword systems. It was used extensively by sailors in the navies of the world to train the use of the saber on a ship. Eventually, it became a sport in and of itself as the military use of the saber declined.[1]
Weapons of HEMA: Saber
Introduction
Sabers are prominently featured in many European cultures including French, German, Italian, Polish, and Russian. Saber size and weight depend on their specific construction and function.
Polish sabers feature a minimal knuckle guard. The curve of the sword enables it to wind around an opponent's guard and deliver devastating cuts. Richard Marsden has done definitive work on reconstructing and providing historical context to this system of saber fencing, which he has shared in his book, The Polish Saber.[1]
Weapons of HEMA: Messer
Introduction
The messer was very popular in Germany and was subdivided into two types to better differentiate between its various uses. Langes Messer ("long knife") was a one-handed, curved blade for civilian use. These were around 40” long and weighed about two to three pounds. [1] Kriegsmessers ("war knife") was made for professional soldiers and were very popular with German infantry. These could be wielded with one or two hands, were about sixty inches long, and weighed around three pounds.[2] [3]
Both types of messers had a spike protruding from the guard called a Nagel (nail), designed to protect the hand and fingers from a bound blade. Aside from the Nagel, other distinguishing characteristics included a distinctive hooked pommel and the full tang with pins securing the grip slabs to the tang.
Weapons of HEMA: Sword and Buckler
Introduction
‘Sword and buckler' is a term used to describe a system of fighting using a one-handed sword along with a small shield called a buckler. Arming swords, a type of one-handed sword commonly used in sword and buckler fighting. Arming swords are usually thirty-six to forty-two inches long and about two to three pounds. [1]
Weapons of HEMA: Steel, Synthetic, and Sharp Weapons
Training weapons
The weapons used in HEMA depend on the style and system under study. A club studying medieval German combat might use longwords, messers, spears, and daggers; a Renaissance club might use montante, saber, and singlestick.
Generally, there are three categories of training weapons: synthetic, steel, and sharps.
Armor of HEMA: Bloßfechten vs. Harnischfechten
Bloßfechten
The vast majority of historical manuals depict Bloßfechten (Bloss-Fetch-ten) or unarmored combat. The combatants wear the historical equivalent of street clothes. The lack of armor meant that cuts were used in addition to thrusts because swords could shear through clothes and sever bone. The lack of protection meant that sword wounds could be crippling or instantly fatal.[1]