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

Last week I helped teach a class on grappling. Essentially, this is when you and your opponent are too close to anything but start wrestling. You can shove their sword away, deliver a strike with your pommel, or swing your blade around for, what's known in our club as, The Bee Sting. When I'm in grappling range, it usually means I've misjudged things. I've made a poor choice, I'm too close, and now things are getting ugly. It's anxiety inducing. What I learned this week, is t