This post is about one-to-one training whereby a 'master' provides stimulus to a 'student' so that the student can perform various...

Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 introduced the key concept in rapier, and showed the hierarchy of actions that stem from a stringer on the inside. ...

As I started to write part 5 (the hierarchy of actions for the outside stringer), I realised I could put the entire list of actions in a...

In part 2 I showed that, when fencer B is stringered on the inside line, they counter this by disengaging and attacking to the outside...

In part 2 , you saw that, for the fencer who has gained a stringer on the inside, they are expecting their opponent to disengage. If you...

In part 1 , I explained that Capo Ferro's rapier is largely based upon stringering. In fact, it is based on just two scenarios:...

This series of posts is based on Ridolfo Capo Ferro da Cagli (1610). My aim is to make this practical and to aid in the teaching of...

This has been developed for an 8 week beginners course on longsword that I am teaching. It is designed to introduce a beginner to the...

One of the hardest things to do as a new HEMA practitioner is to understand when to use the techniques you've learned. You spend time in...

This week I taught a lesson on double hits, which saw a big improvement in the quality of fencing from the students. Whether this is long...

I recently wrote an article about tempo: Using tempo/timing to fence better (hema101.com). This article is a continuation of that. I...

Fencing has often been compared to chess, and in fact I've included a copy-paste of what Microsoft Co-pilot AI has to say on the subject...

See Part 1 where I introduce the attacks and guards. Firstly, a bit of guidance on parrying: There are two ways to parry with the...

Single sword (Spada Sola), or the sword in one hand, is the foundational weapon in the Bolognese tradition (well, it can be debated that...

"Containing some useful observations on the time thrust; the most advantageous manner of attacking an adversary, either out of measure,...

Make sure you read part 1. In part 2 of his smallsword manual, McArthur provides a further 20 lessons on more advanced concepts,...

To learn the basics of smallsword, I'm going to use: The Army and Navy Gentleman’s Companion or A New and Complete Treatise on the Theory...

The lateral strike is made usually with a thumb grip, i.e. with thumb on the flat of the blade. It is made from the right shoulder, and...

The Zornhau is described as a 'peasant's strike', and in Meyer is described as a diagonal Oberhau from the right to the left ear of the...

Joachim Meyer called them the 'Master strikes' and this is how they are mostly known in modern parlance. However, in the LL glosses they...