Dublin HEMA/WMA Workshop - Introduction to Medieval German Longsword

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) also sometimes know as Western Martial Arts is the study of the fighting systems and techniques of Europe from approximately the 13th century onwards. HEMA has been in existence for several decades though in Ireland it has a very small group of enthusiasts. As part of an effort to promote the study of these Martial Arts a workshop is being held, Introduction to German Longsword , on Sunday the 9th of September in Trinity Comprehensive School, Main Stree, Ballymun, Dublin 9.

This is a follow up to the Sword and Buckler Workshop held earlier this year which featured in the last issue of Irish Fighter Magazine. The longsword was a double edged two-handed weapon used across Europe from the 13th Century to approximately the 17th Century and is in many ways similar in use to the Japanese Katanna.

This workshop will take participants through the fundamentals of German Longsword to a point where they will get a good feel for the weapon. If they already have experience with the Longsword this is a great opportunity to refine techniques.

By the end of the day you should walk away having experienced the manner in which this weapon was used as well as being equipped with drills and exercises to help you practise the fundamentals. The major and some of the minor guards, as well as basic strikes and some of the more advanced or Master Strikes will be covered, often with accompanying flow drills. These can be used in their own right or as a supplement to other training.
There will be sparring too for those with the appropriate safety equipment (some limited spare safety equipment may be available)

I will be teaching the workshop. I am an instructor in a Dublin based Historical Reenactment group, having over 6 years experience in Historical Reenactment Combat. Previous to this I studied sports fencing for over 3 years in college so I have extensive experience with various forms of European Weapons. For the last year I have been studying the German Longsword system as developed by Master Johannes Liechtenauer who was a German Fencing Master in the 14th century who wrote the first manuscript on the Art of the Fencing with this weapon. This study has involved working with other HEMA enthusiasts in Ireland as well as attending several events overseas training with Instructors with decades of experience from all over the world.

The cost of the event is €30. There will be a some spare training equipment available but you are encouraged to bring your own. Nylon or steel longswords are great, but bokens and shinai are equally good substitute equipment.

If you have any questions on the workshop or HEMA in general please don't hesitate to ask or send me a PM if you'd prefer.

Looking forward to seeing you there and make sure you bring a friend!

Neil Byrne