At the DMCA we use modern HEMA specific weapons and protective gear, this allows us to practice the historical techniques in a way that is both safe and realistic to the weapons intended use. It is the goal of HEMA protective gear to be as mobile as possible while maintaining safety, likewise HEMA weapons are designed to handle like the originals while reducing the force delivered on impact.
Safety is very important to us and the equipment we use is a big part in ensuring that training remains fun and safe. If there is any doubt about the quality of the protection, members should call it out and stop fencing until the issue can be resolved. Exercising control and modulating intensity to match the level of equipment both fencers are wearing, as well as the intensity both fencers are comfortable with, is crucial for both learning techniques and avoiding accidents. For sparring and freeplay, we expect participants to be considerate and aware of their own and their partner's safety and to only attempt exercises that are within their skill to execute safely. We also expect that you do not attend class under the influence of any substances, legal or illegal.
The levels of kit requirements for different types of practice can be found in our Terms & Conditions.
All weapons should be blunt on the edges, and suitably rounded or rolled at the tip (plastic tips that do not skid off masks are not suitable). Steels should be checked for burrs (sharp splinters on the edges caused by heavy use) and filed down if necessary.
Club equipment is available for beginners and members alike, we do not have a set time that we expect our members to buy kit, it’s up to you when and at what rate you want to acquire your own gear. Club equipment will always be available to anyone attending our sessions. However, we only have so much to go around so we ask that once you’ve settled in and decided HEMA is a hobby you want to pursue, consider getting a couple of pieces of your own kit to help free up club ones for others.
When you are ready and able to buy your own gear please ask one of our instructors for recommendations, as not all equipment marketed as HEMA gear is of a sufficient quality or appropriate for longsword practice. You can find some suggested shops on the Resources page.
Members who have their own (HEMA-safe) training weapons should be aware of the laws around transporting training weapons and must take them to training in a safe and legal way. They must never be brandished or openly worn outside of training but must be packed away securely in a bag or case, and should be reasonably disguised. They should not be carried around unnecessarily - i.e., to and from a training session only. They should only be out in the training hall/studio (not the corridors of Freeman's Quay). This applies to all weapons, including steels, synthetics, foam, and wooden swords/daggers/all others.
Remember that the general public (and the police) can't easily tell that your training weapon isn't sharp. Keeping your training weapons packed away is not only a legal requirement, it is also the considerate and safe thing to do.