Every Saturday, from 5 to 6 p.m., a group of fantasy enthusiasts gather in DePauw’s Bowman Park to learn and practice swordfighting.
The Historical European Martial Arts Club, known as HEMA, seeks to learn from manuals written in the middle ages and interpreted by various scholars. HEMA Club President, Justus Morgan ‘26, teaches people the proper techniques according to these manuals.
“We reconstruct those techniques,” Morgan said during an interview. “We revitalize the dead martial arts of Europe and learn to practice them with each other using unsharpened swords and safety equipment.”
To best prepare members, each meeting starts with basic stretches. Then, Morgan goes over the lesson for the day, which can range from different parries, thrusts, or footwork. On Oct. 4, the lesson taught different footwork, including triangle step, bait step and galloping step. After everyone practices the new move, they move into sparring. While the majority of current members are freshman, they put up a good fight. The executive board is also extremely skilled at various techniques.
“I've always had an interest in sword fighting and medieval combat,” Morgan admitted. “What kid doesn't love knights in shining armor? I never grew out of that phase. Later on, I started getting into the more academic side of it, studying historical manuscripts.”
Morgan has been a HEMA member since he was a first-year student, but only committed to it during the end of his sophomore year. “That's when I started taking it seriously, instead of just showing up sometimes and getting poked,” he explained.
“I've always had an interest in history, which I don't have much time for in my official school schedule,” Morgan answered when asked why he joined the club. “So having an activity that's extracurricular, where I am going out and doing and reading research in this online community has been very nice.”
Not only is HEMA really fun for those interested in swords, it also is also a great form of exercise. “It’s a great opportunity to get a little bit of physical activity, and a more fun and fantastical way than, I don't know, lifting weights in the gym or running around the track a zillion times,” Justus explained. “It's also a great way to refine the connection between your mind and body. Everything you do has to go through your body, so that connection automatically becomes stronger through doing HEMA, in the same way that it would through doing any other martial art or dance.”
“There's still a whole academic side of it—lots of reading, lots of interpretation, lots of looking at what other people have said about these sources,” Justus assures. The club members analyze old swordfighting manuals, perfect for those who want to dive into medieval history.
Morgan recommends everyone try HEMA once. “I try to make it an enjoyable and welcoming space for everyone,” he said.
They are currently accepting leadership applications from active members. Alongside weekly Saturday meetings, they also have other events during which they discuss swordplay and its depictions. Anyone is welcome to join!
