HEMA FAQ
Are the swords real?
Yes, HEMA uses a variety of real steel swords which have been augmented for safety. Steel training and competition swords used in HEMA are made from carbon steel with blunted edges and rounded or rolled points, and are designed to flex when used to thrust. Some training weapons are made from wood or synthetic materials but are balanced to behave as an actual weapon. Students are encouraged to treat all weapons, training or otherwise, with a healthy respect for safety. You are still swinging a length of steel, wood, or hard plastic at another person. Without the proper amount of control, this can result in injury.
How much do the swords weigh?
Despite what popular culture and clunky sword replicas would have you believe, most swords weigh between 2.5 to 4 pounds with the exception of great swords which usually come in between 5 to 8 lbs.
Who can take classes?
Learning the sword can be done by young and old alike. There are many paths to take in the study of HEMA. It’s not just weapon training and fighting but history, art, body mechanics, philosophy, psychology, and sportsmanship. It is a sport that can be practiced by almost anyone at any fitness level and can be excelled at by women and men alike. We generally do not offer classes for children under 12.
What sources are we learning from?
The weapon systems DEMAS uses are based heavily from 15th century treatises written by Fiore Di Liberi and Fillipo Vadi, both Italian weapons masters. Other manuals include those authored by Joseph Swetnam, Achille Marozzo, and Camillo Agrippa. Students are encouraged to study the source material to deepen their understanding of the art which resources will be provided.
Where do I buy a sword and equipment?
HEMA is one of the fasted growing martial arts in the world and as such, there are an increasing number of vendors and marketplaces (primarily online) in which to purchase swords and other equipment. Like any sport or martial art, there is the initial expense of equipment. For beginners, all that is usually needed is a fencing mask, protective gloves and a training sword which are usually available to borrow for a time from the sword club or school. For regular classes, no special clothing (such as a Gi or uniform) is required. Only if the student chooses to engage in sparring or competitive fighting is additional safety gear and equipment required.