Rule #1 of HEMA: Don't get hit. In one fight, my opponent thrusted their sword into my arm about five times before I figured out how to block it. The bruise from that fight went from my shoulder to my elbow. My body didn't sign up for sword fighting. I don't look like the average longsword wielder in my classes. I don't come across as white, male, tall, or athletic. My body is completely different, and my body is the one who takes the damage. When I get hit, it goes deeper b