Over the last two decades, Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) has grown from a niche pursuit into a widespread discipline with practitioners across the world. What began as an academic and experimental revival of historical combat manuals has steadily influenced both competitive combat sports and the world of medieval and early modern reenactment. For many reenactors, HEMA offers more than historical insight; it provides a structured, rigorous way to engage with the physical realities of past warfare.
What is HEMA?
HEMA refers to the study and practice of martial systems that were used across Europe between the 14th and 18th centuries. These include longsword fencing, sword and buckler, polearms, grappling, and even later styles involving sabres and smallswords. The discipline relies heavily on surviving historical treatises, particularly German and Italian manuals from masters like Johannes Liechtenauer, Fiore dei Liberi, and later Joachim Meyer.
Unlike stage combat or choreographed fighting, HEMA seeks to reconstruct these techniques as they were intended for serious combat, often under competitive or sparring conditions.
HEMA’s Influence on Reenactment Culture
While historical reenactment has long prioritised the look and feel of the past, including accurate arms, armour, and clothing, its approach to combat has often been more theatrical than martial. This began to shift as more reenactment groups incorporated HEMA methodology to lend authenticity to battlefield displays.
HEMA has brought:
- Technical precision: Techniques drawn from period sources now inform how reenactors move, fight, and teach.
- Safer sparring standards: The widespread use of protective gear, blunt steel or synthetic weapons, and structured drills has improved the safety of full-contact engagement.
- Educational depth: Many reenactors now supplement their displays with live demonstrations of period-authentic martial techniques, often quoting the original manuals.
Points of Tension and Integration
Despite the overlap, HEMA and reenactment cultures do not always align seamlessly. Reenactors often prioritise visual spectacle and group cohesion, whereas HEMA practitioners lean toward individual skill development and tournament success. Differences in weapon handling, contact levels, and goals can cause friction.
However, a growing number of hybrid events and organisations are bridging that gap. Some medieval festivals now host both full-contact HEMA bouts and large-scale reenactment battles, drawing in wider audiences and deepening public engagement.
HEMA Weapons and Armour in Reenactment Contexts
| Weapon Type | Common HEMA Use | Reenactment Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Longsword | Sparring and drills | Choreographed duels or staged mass battles |
| Arming Sword | Sword and buckler training | Standard sidearm for 13th–15th century kits |
| Polearms | Staff or halberd combat | Battlefield line weapons in scripted clashes |
| Protective Gear | Modern HEMA jackets, masks | Often hidden beneath period-authentic clothing |
HEMA gear is not always period-authentic in appearance, but many reenactors now use it under costume to train more safely. There’s also been a surge in historically inspired fencing gear designed to suit both functions.
Community Growth and Crossover Events
HEMA’s increasing visibility through YouTube, academic publications, and international tournaments has encouraged crossover with reenactment. Groups such as the European Historical Combat Guild and the School of Historical Combat have held seminars within living history events. Likewise, seasoned reenactors are now studying fencing manuals to enrich their understanding of past warriors’ capabilities.
The Seven Swords takeaway
HEMA’s rise within the reenactment community reflects a broader shift toward physical accuracy in living history. By grounding theatrical display in technical reality, it adds weight to the stories reenactors tell. Though it may never fully replace traditional scripted combat or roleplay scenarios, HEMA continues to push reenactment toward a more dynamic and informed portrayal of historical warfare. The balance between spectacle and substance is evolving, and the result is a richer, more credible experience for practitioners and spectators alike.
