HEMA or Historical European Martial Arts (no I am not referring to the medical word for blood) has been for the past 10 to 30 years reclaiming lost history and culture.
What do I mean by this?
First off, back in the old days of 1970's to 90's few individuals discovered in archives and libraries actual historical texts describing combat during the Medieval and Renaissance Eras. By 2000, this lead to meetings and events where people began to learn how to sword fight, by 2010 HEMA grew into the study of arms and armor, mounted combat, historical exegesis, the market for historical fencing gear, blunt practice weapons grew, along with armorers making harnesses (full suits of armor) based on historical examples. To this day, the study of HEMA has grown in its number of practitioners, marketers, teachers, and internet/media presence.
Yet with all this good news, there is still the gap between the study of HEMA and the application of True Chivalry. Why? Because when one studies HEMA, the idea of fair play which is dominant in sports and to a degree martial training today (depending on the school and instructor) is lost, the individual is introduced to techniques that are designed for killing and maiming the opponent. The false idea of Chivalry vanishes in an instant, as a result there is a disdain for anything related to Chivalry.
Yet, is this scenario true? Yes. But there is more to my point.
When one is introduced to the study of HEMA, one must through their preconceived notions of history, chivalry and fighting out the door. True Chivalry does exist within the study of HEMA, precisely, its study and application of Prowess. Remember, one is not chivalrous by being a pleasure boy, rather one becomes chivalrous by practicing the lifestyle of the warrior and the practice of martial arts with the intention of actual usage.
By practicing fighting and martial skills, one is resurrecting an old form of living which is today cast away due to the comforts and pleasures of this world. One is bringing back to life, a lifestyle of self awareness, vigilance, and bravery that is rooted in wisdom and combative knowledge. Does that mean that one must live life like a hermit? No, rather one must live with the thought that says "If my freedom to live life with purpose and vision must not be impeded, I cannot do whatever I want to do."
Having the knowledge of combat (along with the knowing how to kill someone with efficiency) brings a somber, sober reality. Yet one cannot afford to live in self created depression. One must live life with vigilance and discernment of when to fight and when not to fight. The joy and peace of a life with purpose is realized when one is control of his mind and body, the relationships that one makes must be rooted in trust and selfless love for one another. The warrior that seeks for peace will find it in a heart that rests in selfless love and contentment with life.
The study of HEMA is part of the study and application of True Chivalry through the training of prowess. By learning to fight with wisdom and efficiency, one learns how to fight against their evil side of themselves so as to strengthen their inner virtuous aspects to become a Knight of Valor. The battle starts in the inside before the war on the outside commences.
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