What is Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)?
HEMA, which stands for Historical European Martial Arts, comprises martial arts that originated in Europe around the period of 1300 to 1800. Many have since died out and are now being revived. The primary historical "tool" associated with HEMA is the longsword, but the system also includes rapier, sword and buckler, rondel dagger, messer, ringen (grappling), saber, polearm, and even bayonet, among others.
Researchers in the 1980s began translating and reconstructing techniques from historical manuals, which were written and illustrated by European masters as early as the 1300s. These modern efforts have recreated centuries-old martial practices and contributed to the rapid growth of HEMA in the U.S., Europe, and around the world over the past few decades.
Modern HEMA continues to evolve as the community uncovers new historical materials, reinterprets existing ones, and modifies our practice of the martial art accordingly. With a little training, even newcomers to the sport can offer valuable new perspectives that alter our understanding or techniques. With decades of research and modern training creating a solid foundation, but new techniques still to be discovered or refined, it’s an exciting time to start HEMA!
If you're interested in having a better understanding of HEMA, we recommend checking visiting any of the clubs near your that are listed on our home page, or registering to attend SoCal Swordfight!
Meet the
Board
RJ McKeehan - President & CEO
RJ has been doing HEMA for over 15 years, and helped with the organization of every SoCal Swordfight that has been run. He loves watching the evolution of competition and technique in both the fighting and cutting arenas. He continues to support HEMA and tournament development through running SoCal Swords in Orange, California.
Sean Franklin - Vice President
Sean has been doing HEMA for over 15 years and running HEMA tournaments for almost all of them. Though his competitive career was sadly cut short due to injury he has no shortage of things to keep busy with; coaching the next generation, helping push forward the scientific study/understanding of the community through SwordSTEM, developing and maintaining the most popular HEMA tournament software in the world, and traveling all over to learn from other practitioners and see the kaleidoscope of how competitive HEMA runs in different parts of the world. And of course, seeming to have a second full time, non-paying, job of helping run a number of the biggest and most competitive tournaments in the world.
Mickey Avila - Secretary
I will write a bio soon, I swear.
Myles Cupp - Director
Myles has over 20 years of fencing experience and has been practicing HEMA since 2010. He has been part of every SoCal Swordfight since the very first iteration. He promotes the expansion of academic programming at SoCal Swordfight including lectures, antiques presentations, and historically driven combat rule sets. Outside of SoCal Swordfight, Myles teaches regularly at SoCal Swords and at other events.
Isaac Patino - Treasurer
Isaac has worked as a photographer and organizer for SoCal Swordfight since 2024 and has participated in HEMA since then as well. He enjoys watching the event come together with support from the HEMA community and the global unity it brings. He also has enjoyed seeing tatami cutting grow in popularity. He's looking forward to continuing his work with the SoCal Swordfight team and helping the event expand in all aspects including adding more classes, competitions, and increasing engagement and awareness about HEMA.