HEMA Instructor Nick Thomas

HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) is the practice of historical European close quarter combat as a martial art. The styles of western swordsmanship have been extensively documented since the Fourteenth century by masters across many European nations. The Academy of Historical Fencing operates two clubs, in Caerleon, South Wales, and Bristol, United Kingdom.

The aim of the clubs is to study, research and practice historical fighting forms and use them in a competitive manner. The schools study Longsword (two handed), Rapier and Companion weapons, sabre/backsword, and sword and buckler.  Primary sources are Joachim Meyer (1570), Capo Ferro (1610) and the Rowarth Sabre/broadsword manual of 1798/1824.