General HEMA Questions
What is HEMA?
HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts, the study and practice of historical European fighting systems based on surviving manuals, treatises, and fencing traditions. At MyTHS, HEMA includes weapons like longsword, rapier, saber, sword and buckler, and dagger, trained through research, drills, sparring, and modern safety equipment.
Is HEMA safe?
HEMA is a martial art, so safety matters, but MyTHS uses controlled instruction, progressive training, protective equipment, and clear rules to help students train responsibly. Beginners start with fundamentals before moving into more advanced drills or sparring.
Do I need to be an athlete to start?
Not at all! While HEMA is a great physical workout that builds core strength, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance, we welcome people of all fitness levels. Our training is designed to scale with your abilities, starting with basic footwork and moving toward more demanding techniques as you progress.
How is HEMA different from Olympic Fencing?
While Olympic fencing is a modern sport focused on speed and linear movement with specific scoring rules, HEMA seeks to reconstruct the actual mechanics, geometry, and tactical "why" of historical combat. HEMA incorporates a wider variety of weapons and movements, ranging from longswords to wrestling and grappling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Local Training & Logistics
Where do you offer classes in the Maryland area?
MyTHS provides training in the Bel Air and Forest Hill areas of Harford County, Maryland. We also serve the broader Harford County region, including neighbors in Delaware and the Baltimore area.
How much does it cost?
We offer several memberships for various different prices.
https://myths.tidyhq.com/public/membership_levels
First Night is Free
Drop-in Membership: $15 a night
Monthly Membership: $60 a month and $50 for additional memberships
Six Month Membership: $315. Please contact us at mythshema@gmail.com for a current price list and to schedule your first introduction class.
Is there a specific age limit for training?
We focus on adult classes and training, but have been known to take on physically and mentally mature teens. Please contact us to discuss which class is best suited for your age group.
Do I need to own my own gear before my first visit?
No! For your first visit, you don't need to buy anything. Just bring comfortable athletic wear and a water bottle. We will provide the necessary equipment for you to try out the movements and experience the sport firsthand.
Weapon & Tradition Specifics
What weapons do you teach?
We offer comprehensive instruction in Longsword, Rapier & Dagger, Saber, and Sword & Buckler. Each weapon has its own distinct history, geometry, and unique training progression.
What are the specific traditions for Rapier and Dagger?
Our Rapier program is diverse! We teach Spanish Rapier based on the masters Rada and Thibault, Italian Rapier based on Capo Ferro, and French Rapier based on Henry Saint Didier, allowing students to experience the different "flavors" of Renaissance fencing.
What sources do you use for Longsword training?
We primarily focus on two major traditions: the German tradition (specifically the work of Joachim Meyer) and the Italian tradition (based on Fiore dei Liberi). This allows our students to see how the "Art of the Sword" evolved across different cultures and centuries.
Can I learn multiple weapons?
Absolutely! Many of our students enjoy exploring multiple disciplines. Our curriculum is structured so that you can progress in one weapon while exploring others, or move between them as your interests evolve.
How is HEMA different from MMA or Karate?
While MMA and Karate are modern martial arts, HEMA is a historical reconstruction. While we focus on historical combat, we focus almost exclusively on armed/melee combat and training.
Getting Started
What happens during an "Intro Class"?
During your first session, you'll meet our instructors, get a brief orientation of the facility, and participate in a guided session. We'll demonstrate techniques, show you some basic footwork, and let you try out some movements in a safe, supportive environment.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for a full range of motion (like a t-shirt and shorts or joggers). You should also wear closed-toe athletic shoes with good grip. Please avoid boots, sandals, or jeans.
How do I contact you to book a session?
You can reach out to us anytime at mythshema@gmail.com. Let us know if you're interested in an intro class, and we'll get you scheduled with a member of our team!
Community
Do you compete in tournaments?
Yes, MyTHS members participate in HEMA tournaments across the United States, and the club also hosts local tournaments and competitive events. Competition is not required, but students who want to test their skills can train toward tournament fencing.Can MyTHS do demonstrations at festivals or community events?
Yes, MyTHS participates in public demonstrations and local events, including Renaissance festivals, fairy festivals, community programs, and historical fencing demonstrations. If you are interested in having MyTHS at an event, please contact us through the website.