So You Want To Get Into HEMA

[@Theswordundrawn]

Oh hey, I recognise those fencers from 0:41 to 0:57. :O

[@MedievalGenie]

Of course! I recycle sparring footage as B roll sometimes, including sparring against yourself.

[@Theswordundrawn]

@@MedievalGenie I'm always down for you to get some new footage, if you fancy it. :) Glad to see you using our matches in your videos!

[@FredDino]

What's a good way to make a dedicated offensive shield like a spiked pavise safe for sparring?

[@captain_fisher_price]

start with a rectangular sparring shield and bolt rubber spearheads you can get online to the shield.

[@FredDino]

@captain_fisher_price thank you for the input! Unfortunately I was talking about converting an existing shield to be safe for sparring

[@captain_fisher_price]

@ what size and shape is it?

[@MedievalGenie]

In general, I have usually seen rulesets that explicitly ban striking with the edge of a shield, so just making a spiked pavise design rounded off in a reasonably safe way should be sufficient. In terms of using it offensively to be more realistic, I would recommend softening the edges not just in shape but also in terms of edging materials (rubber/foam/linen/wool/etc) and then gauging each fighter's protective equipment level up to full steel sparring levels regardless of main weapons used.

[@foxross]

What? No stabbing the feet? 😢 (coming from epee fencing, it’s my favorite target)

[@MedievalGenie]

It's not a universal rule, but usually it is frowned upon as protection specifically on the feet is rarer and harder to obtain, which is problematic considering the idea of an enthusiastic and athletic man slamming a two-handed sword straight down onto that area!

[@foxross]

@ I was more thinking of a whippy rapier or smallsword but sure

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Too elitist. I just take what I need☝️