Historical European Martial Arts Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) reconstructed fighting techniques of the european middle ages and renaissance.In the 15th and 16th centuries, mainly in Germany, fighting techniques were recorded in Fechtbücher; ('combat manuals', singular Fechtbuch), of which some 55 are extant.
Normally, several modes of combat were taught alongside one another, typically unarmed grappling (Ringen), dagger (Degen), long knife (Messer), pole arms, long sword (langes Schwert), and combat in plate armour (Harnischfechten).
Some Fechtbücher have sections on judicious duels, where the accused and the accuser had to fight to the death with heavy spiked shields (Stechschild).
The central figure of late medieval german martial arts is Johannes Liechtenauer, first recorded in the late 14th century MS 3227a. Important 15th century fencing masters include Sigmund Ringeck, Peter von Danzig, Hans Talhoffer and Paulus Kal.