WOMEN AS WARRIORS: GENDER AND HISTORY
Original Post: 3 Jun 2014 The views contained in this article are those of the author By Imogen Rhia Herrad Jeanne d’Arc is – perhaps – the most famous woman warrior in history, but she was emphatically not the only one. At all times and in all places women have taken part in the business of…
Read more.FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL
Original post: 20 May 2014 The views contained in this article are those of the author. By Nula Para Nada I play with swords. I love the way a sword feels in my hand: serious, balanced and dangerous; almost, when I train hard and often enough, like a part of me. I love the dance. Circle,…
Read more.HEMA BEYOND LIMITS
Original Post: 17 May 2014 The views in this article are those of the author. By Iole de Angelis I am fully aware of the issue that people may feel offended by the term “handicap” but be aware that the French government addresses sport issues related to disabled people as “handisport” and it is not my…
Read more.WOMEN FIGHTERS FROM HISTORY: LOUISE LABE
Original Post: 27 Apr 2014 Louise Labé: A rope maker’s daughter, she was the leading figure in the literary culture of mid-sixteenth century Lyon, a prolific writer and early feminist. Although her father was himself illiterate, he had Louise educated like her brothers in Classical and modern languages, and in fencing and equitation. Her half-brother…
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MEET THE PRESIDENTS – PART 2 OF 2
Original post: 13 Apr 2014 Four presidents, two continents, one HEMA. Interviews by Fran Terminiello Karin Verelst – First President of the Belgian HEMA Federation How did you first become involved in HEMA? I’ve always dreamt of being a warrior, even as a young girl. During my time at university, I’ve been wandering through…
Read more.MEET THE PRESIDENTS – PART 1 OF 2
Original Post: 13 Apr 2014 Four presidents, two continents, one HEMA. Interviews by Fran Terminiello Barbara Cheblowska – President of FEDER, Poland How did you first become involved in HEMA? My brother Szymon was one of the best reenactment tournament fighters in Poland. I admired his fighting and also wanted to participate but this…
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THE VIRGIN/DOMINATRIX BINARY CONUNDRUM OF MALE ACTIVITY SPHERES
Original Post: 10 Apr 2014 The views contained in this article are those of the author. By Kristen Argyle “Why don’t more women/girls do X?” I’m not a stranger to participating in activities that are perceived to be male-dominated. HEMA is just about the third or fourth one I’ve taken up in my lifetime, and was…
Read more.FIGHTING BACK FROM INJURY
Original Post: 30 Mar 2014 By Sarah Cosgrove Views contained in this post are the author’s. It can take a split second. You’re fine one moment, and the next you’re feeling pain, knowing that something has gone very wrong. It can take weeks, or months – a gradual strain that creeps up on you, and it’s…
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INSPIRATIONAL FENCERS: THERESA WENDLAND
Original Post: 28 Mar 2014 Photograph: AzulOx Photography Theresa has been practicing HEMA since 2007. She began her HEMA career training with the Chicago Swordplay Guild, then moved to Colorado in 2011 where she trains with the Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild. She currently live in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her favorite weapon is the longsword, but…
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SUCKING IT UP – PAIN, ATTITUDES AND INJURIES WITHIN HISTORICAL EUROPEAN MARTIAL ARTS
Original Post: 25 Mar 2014 By Julia Ström Picture models: Julia Yli-Hukka and Julia Ström The information and views in this post are those of the author. We are all used to pain; getting hit in the face, in the head, on the hands… The list could go on forever. For most of us its no big deal, some…
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