This page collects various resources we’ve produced and made available to the HEMA community. Most of these resources are being provided open-access and free at point of use so that they benefit the HEMA community. If you like what you see and want to contribute to the costs of making them, please consider contributing below through Patreon (for regular donations to Safety Research), our web shop or Ko-Fi (for one off donations on any area)
Support our Work
Our work is community funded and requires significant investment in time, materials and tools. All of this costs money. If you’d like to see more please consider a donation – you can specify a specific area you’d like to focus on (e.g. safety research, teaching resource, translations) in the order description. All funds will go to the creation of open-access resources that are free to use.
Safety Research
Safety Tip: Phase 1 Results
Our first research project which looked at how tips and swords affect the risk of puncturing a target and pushing on a mask. We found that PCL Thermoplastic tips balance both risks effectively and are more likely to stick to a mask.
10 Case Studies in Puncture Risk
Puncture injuries are rare enough that they don’t appear in all injury reports, but common enough that we all know someone who’s been stabbed. This report collects case studies of puncture injury to help practitioners understand the risks.
Wessex League Swords & Injury Data
In 2024 the Wessex League measured swords in use and recorded all injuries. This report visualises both sword measurements and injuries (including Albion Cup), and the relationship between them. Raw data linked in the report.
Better Data for HEMA
HEMA Ratings Tournament Finder
Finding the right event is always a pain as no listing is complete. The tournament finder shows you all past events that have bene submitted to HEMA ratings and updates every night. Filter to the weapon, gender, country etc you want and find the right event for you.
Translation, Interpretation & Training
Translation of “On the Art of Swordfighting”
A new translation of Vadi’s “On the Art of Swordfighting”, which focuses on reconciling many of the apparent inconsistencies in the source and clearly presenting to a modern audience. Available as PDF on a Pay-As-You-Like basis through my shop or Ko-Fi.
High Quality Scans of Vadi’s “De Arte Gladiatoria”
High quality scans of MS Vitt.Em.1324, with backgrounds removed. Shared under copy right from Biblioteca Nazionale Central on a Pay-As-You-Like basis.
Coffee & HEMA Podcast
An ongoing podcast discussing a wide range of topics about running HEMA, including tournaments, teaching, safety and inclusivity.
Jamie MacIver’s Blog
My original research outlet before founding Historical Fencing Research. The blog focuses on interpretation of historical sources, mostly looking at Philippo Vadi
Vadi “By the Source”
Intended to quiet the “historical techniques don’t work in tournaments” brigade, this series pairs quotes from Philippo Vadi with video from tournaments and sparring that demonstrate them in action
Vadi’s Guards
This series reviews Vadi’s guard system, with detailed guidance on guards in general, an overview of the whole guard system, and specific advice on the usage, strengths and weaknesses of each guard
HEMA Equipment
This playlist brings together several different videos talking about HEMA gear, including reviews of HEMA equipment, an overview of my tournament setup, and advice for using thermoplastic.