Sports & Fitness
HEMA
Longsword drills from centuries-old manuals, then real sparring in protective gear
Clubs reconstruct longsword, sabre and rapier fighting from surviving medieval and Renaissance manuals, then spar in protective gear. The swords are heavier than in Olympic fencing, often two-handed, and good technique means protecting yourself, not just landing first. Clubs lend wooden or nylon swords for the first months; a mask and gloves are the first things you buy.
First stepAttend a beginner session at a HEMA club, and learn the basic stance and the first guard with a loaner nylon longsword.
Barriers
Cost to start
Under $50
Going deep → $300–2k
Alone or with people
Anyone will do
Effort
Demanding
Without a teacher?
Best with a class
One session takes
1–2 hours
Where
A venue
Why people take it up