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Historical European Martial Arts

PostPosted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:45 am
by Joe
Introduction to HEMA


Alfred Hutton FSA (10 March 1839 – 18 December 1910) was a Victorian officer of the King's Dragoon Guards, writer, antiquarian and swordsman. He originated the first English revival of historical fencing, together with his colleagues...


Books by Alfred Hutton on Sabre Techniques, these can also be found in hard-copy.
These books contain many drawings with the explanations.
http://www.thearma.org/pdf/OldSwordPlay.pdf
http://www.skynet.ie/~nvl/cfi/resources ... -steel.pdf

Another good introduction with many drawings also:
http://users.wpi.edu/~jforgeng/Forgeng_ ... Combat.pdf

Sparring demonstration


Spear techniques, staying on point.


There are clubs that teach broad sword techniques in my area, so I am sure many people would have access in their local area.

Re: Historical European Martial Arts

PostPosted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 10:10 am
by Joe
Joachim Meÿer (ca. 1537–1571) was a self described Freifechter (literally, Free Fencer) living in the then Free Imperial City of Strasbourg in the 16th century and the author of a fechtbuch Gründtliche Beschreibung der Kunst des Fechtens (in English, Thorough Descriptions of the Art of Fencing) first published in 1570.


I couldn't find a PDF for Meyer's book, Art of Combat, but there are some images available from it online. There is a translation available for sale, but I could not find a free copy.

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More images from the book available here:
http://www.thearma.org/pdf/JoachimMeyer.htm

Re: Historical European Martial Arts

PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 9:12 am
by Joe
It is quite difficult to determine the different positions/guards from the book, this video demonstrates the guards found in Meyer's book. The principles of the longsword techniques can be used with other weapons.

These guards can also be found in the 'Introduction by Forgeng' I posted at the top.
http://users.wpi.edu/~jforgeng/Forgeng_ ... Combat.pdf



On a side-note, it is very clear to me that our ancestors were not brutes, as they are portrayed today. They were constantly adapting, and over the course of time these techniques were lost.

Re: Historical European Martial Arts

PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 3:42 am
by Joe
These techniques have been reconstructed from the writings of the masters. This exercise will teach you to handle your weapon.
From Hutton's book (http://www.skynet.ie/~nvl/cfi/resources ... -steel.pdf)
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Here is a video demonstrating the above cuts.


A short sword can be very expensive, and the steel used is often for display rather than utility. A good quality machete will be made out of a very high-quality and durable steel, and has greater power. The principles are the same, the guards and the attacks.

I would recommend a spear, you will want a side arm such as a dagger. But a spear will overcome most other weapons, especially if you are familiar with how it should be used. A spear puts you in control, even against someone with a machete very quickly.

I think connecting with the Martial Arts of your own ancestors is more empowering than learning combat from an alien culture.

Re: Historical European Martial Arts

PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:53 am
by Nayto
I did this briefly some years back. Unfortunately there wasn't enough interest for the classes to continue. It was a lot of fun though and it felt good to be doing European martial arts.

Re: Historical European Martial Arts

PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 2:54 am
by Joe
What martial arts do you do Nayto?
I would probably learn systema if I was going to learn a martial art. And I am thinking about it.
Europeans have probably and naturally been developing these systems for a long time ...and so I would prefer a martial art that has been stripped of it's asian decorations.

I made this thread after seeing NicoChristians collection, I realized I am ill-prepared and so I hope others realize that they should be prepared and familiar with these concepts.

Re: Historical European Martial Arts

PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 12:41 pm
by Nayto
I don't do any martial arts at the moment, but if I did I would just find a reputable MMA school. I used to do MMA and it is very effective at teaching someone how to fight in a short time.

I'd most like to do some military and firearms training though.