When I first stepped into the Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) world five years ago, I had no idea how transformative this journey would be. I remember fumbling with a poorly fitted gambeson and a blunt feder that felt more like a crowbar than a sword. That initial struggle taught me what every beginner eventually learns: having the right gear and training approach isn't just about performance—it's about safety, historical accuracy, and pure enjoyment. What fascinates me about HEMA is how it bridges centuries-old combat techniques with modern athleticism, creating a unique sport that's both intellectually stimulating and physically demanding. The recent winning streaks of teams like Emilio Aguinaldo College (3-1) and University of Perpetual Help-Dalta (3-1) in collegiate tournaments demonstrate how rapidly this sport is growing, particularly among younger practitioners who appreciate its blend of history and competition.
Finding proper HEMA gear can feel overwhelming initially, but I've developed strong preferences through trial and error. For beginners, I always recommend starting with a 350N fencing mask—this isn't an area to cut corners. The first time I took a direct hit to an ill-fitting mask was terrifying enough to make me invest in proper head protection immediately. Your jacket should be at least 350N rated synthetic material, with SPES being my personal favorite brand for their balance of mobility and protection. I made the mistake of buying a cheap 200N jacket early on and ended up with bruises that lasted weeks. For weapons, I suggest starting with a feder rather than a sharp replica—they're designed specifically for sparring with more flexible tips. The difference between a $150 feder and a $80 one is astronomical in terms of handling and safety. My first quality feder from Regenyei completely changed my understanding of proper technique execution.
What many newcomers don't realize is that HEMA gear has evolved significantly in just the past decade. When I began training, we had maybe three reliable manufacturers worldwide; now there are over twenty established brands producing historically accurate yet modernly safe equipment. The global HEMA equipment market has grown approximately 47% in the past three years alone, with annual sales reaching an estimated $12.7 million in 2022. This explosion in availability means beginners today have access to gear that would have been considered professional-level just a few years ago. I particularly love seeing companies like Black Armoury creating gear that's both functional and historically detailed—their 15th-century inspired brigandines are works of art you can actually spar in.
Training methodology is where I see most beginners struggle, including myself when I started. The biggest mistake I made was treating HEMA like weightlifting—going too hard, too fast. What works better, in my experience, is focusing on footwork and distance management before even thinking about complex techniques. I spend at least 40% of my practice time just on footwork drills, and my competitive performance improved dramatically once I adopted this approach. The success of training programs at institutions like Emilio Aguinaldo College isn't accidental—they emphasize foundational movements before advanced techniques, creating fencers who understand distance and timing intuitively. I've visited several university clubs and noticed the most successful ones typically dedicate their first three months almost exclusively to basic positioning and movement patterns.
What excites me about HEMA's current state is how academic research and practical training are converging. When I study 15th-century German longsword manuscripts now, I can immediately apply those concepts in sparring sessions. This direct connection between historical text and physical practice is something no other martial art offers to the same degree. The competitive scene's growth, evidenced by teams like University of Perpetual Help-Dalta maintaining impressive 3-1 records, shows how standardized the sport has become while retaining its historical roots. Personally, I believe the sweet spot for beginner training frequency is three 90-minute sessions weekly—enough to build muscle memory without causing burnout. When I increased from two to three weekly sessions, my technique improved faster than at any other point in my HEMA journey.
Safety culture in HEMA has been my biggest relief watching the sport evolve. Early in my training, I witnessed several preventable injuries because people treated protective gear as optional. Now, the community has developed clear safety standards that maintain historical authenticity while preventing unnecessary risk. I always tell new practitioners to budget at least $600 for their initial gear—skimping on protection simply isn't worth the hospital bills. The fact that collegiate teams can maintain consistent training and competition schedules, like those 3-1 winning streaks we're seeing, demonstrates how far safety equipment has come. My own gear investment has probably reached $2,000 over the years, but every quality piece has paid for itself in prevented injuries.
The social aspect of HEMA often gets overlooked in beginner guides, but it's been the most rewarding part for me. Unlike many sports where you're constantly competing against teammates, the HEMA community thrives on collective improvement. I've traveled to tournaments where competitors who fought fiercely will spend hours afterward discussing techniques and historical sources. This culture of shared growth creates an environment where beginners can feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. The success of university programs proves this model works—when fencers support each other's development, everyone improves faster. Some of my most valuable technical insights came from opponents who noticed flaws in my form during matches and offered suggestions afterward.
Looking back at my progression, the most significant leaps always came when I balanced equipment upgrades with technical refinement. Buying better gear without improving technique creates dependency, while technical training without proper protection leads to injury. The current competitive scene, with teams maintaining those solid 3-1 records, shows what's possible when both elements receive equal attention. If I were starting today, I'd follow the approach that finally worked for me: invest in quality foundational gear, find a study group that focuses on historical sources, and compete early even if you're not ready. That first tournament I entered with only six months of training was humbling but taught me more than six months of solo practice. HEMA's beauty lies in this constant interplay between past and present, between individual practice and community growth—a journey I'm grateful to share with every new practitioner who picks up a feder for the first time.