Inspired by BJJ Girl Problems we made our own list of HEMA women’s problems. Then we enlisted the help of some of the most talented Esfinges artists to help and illustrate. Read and see if you can sympathise!

1. People saying “Oh, now I’m scared!” when they hear what you do. Because I’m going to to attack you with a sword in the next minute?

2. Hair. Everywhere. No matter how tight your braid is before,it’s going to get loose and then there is hair in your mask, obstructing your view, in your mouth, stuck in the velcro…basically everywhere. And there is always one guy in the club, whose hair is longer and prettier than yours.

Picture by Leonie O’Moore.

3. Never being able to have beautiful nails. “Good hands” means: no bruised or broken fingers. Manicures are a waste of money. Better buy more swords!

4. Guys sparring with you like you’re made of glass.

5. Big boobs. They are simply in the way for two handed weapon systems. The crappy plastic chest protectors make it worse.

By Michela D’Orlando

 

6. Leaving your make-up on for a training session: Running mascara anybody? Consider facial tattoos.

 

8. Looking awesome in full sparring gear. Looking not so good after taking it off. More like a wet cat, that’s lost half its volume.

Drawing by Emilia Cecylia Skirmuntt, coloured by Urszula Michalska

9  . One more “helpful” dude suggesting a women’s competition should be held in bikinis. Thanks dudebro, but your entertainment isn’t the main goal here.

Picture by Urszula Michalska

10. Bruises. Also everywhere. Acquaintances keep asking if you are “alright”, because you look like a domestic violence victim. Miniskirts and shorts are so much less fun if you look like a leopard in them.

Picture by Urszula Michalska

11. Guys sparring with you with the ‘can’t lose to a girl!’ attitude and really crushing you with all the power they have. And you starting to fear for your life.

12. Being the shortest person in your club, and always fighting “mountains”.

Picture by Leonie O’Moore

13. People calling you a “swordsman”. No need to change sex to do this.

Picture by Urszula Michalska

15. Being an unusually tall woman, and being referred to as “he”, as soon as you’ve got full gear on.