JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into HEMA

HEMA — Historical European Martial Arts — is sword fighting rooted in historical manuals, not Hollywood choreography. You learn longsword, sabre, or rapier as it was actually taught, then spar with live opponents wearing full-contact protection. The gear is non-obvious (not all masks are HEMA-safe), the community is small and welcoming, and entry costs $550–900 all-in.

By Colin B. · Published June 3, 2026 · Last reviewed June 3, 2026
men fighting with sword

Photo by Casper Johansson on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. Cold Steel Hand and a Half Training Sword — Cold Steel's synthetic training longsword — the club-standard sparring weapon for beginners starting longsword.
  2. LEONARK Armoury HEMA Helmet 350N — A HEMA-rated 350N mask with back-of-head protector — the minimum safe kit for synthetic longsword sparring.
  3. Red Dragon Armoury HEMA Sparring Gloves — Red Dragon HEMA gloves protect knuckles and fingers on day one without breaking the bank.
Budget total
$550
Typical total
$750
HEMA has a real entry cost because all the safety gear is mandatory at once — you can't spar with just a mask and sneakers. Budget $550 minimum for the essential four pieces.
At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
Training SwordCold SteelCold Steel Hand and a Half Training Sword$$ See on Amazon →
MaskLEONARK ArmouryLEONARK Armoury HEMA Helmet 350N$$$ See on Amazon →
JacketRed DragonRed Dragon HEMA Sparring Jacket$$$ See on Amazon →
GlovesRed Dragon ArmouryRed Dragon Armoury HEMA Sparring Gloves$$ See on Amazon →
GorgetRed Dragon ArmouryRed Dragon Armoury Throat Protector Gorget$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Find a club before you spend a dollar. Most HEMA clubs have loaner gear for your first few sessions — mask, jacket, gloves, training sword. Walking in with $800 of gear and no technique is both wasteful and a mild red flag to experienced practitioners. Walk in with workout clothes instead.

Not all fencing masks are HEMA-safe. A standard foil or sabre mask is rated 350N for the light forces of sport fencing — not the forces of a longsword strike. For HEMA you need a 350N mask with a rigid back-of-head protector (BHP) at minimum. Without the BHP, a thrust to the rear of the head is unprotected.

The sword comes last. Your club lends them. Spend your first month with their swords while you figure out which weapon system you actually want to study — longsword, rapier, sabre — and whether HEMA fits your life.

The gear

What you actually need

Training Sword

Training swords come in three distinct types with completely different use cases. Nylon wasters are rigid plastic, cheap, and for solo drilling only — contact sparring with them causes injuries. Synthetic longswords are flexible polymer, safe for full-contact sparring in full gear, and what most clubs use. Steel feders are spring-steel training longswords for advanced work and tournaments, requiring a complete 1600N protective kit. Start with a synthetic; most clubs will lend you one while you decide.

Training Sword — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Nylon Waster

Solo drilling only. Rigid, cheap, never for contact sparring.

Material
Nylon / polypropylene
Price range
$20–40
Safe for sparring
No

Best for At-home solo drilling and very slow paired drills

Tradeoff Rigidity causes injuries in full-speed contact — sparring tool it is not

↓ See our pick
Synthetic Longsword

The club sparring standard. Safe for contact with full gear.

Material
Flexible polymer
Price range
$60–100
Safe for sparring
Yes (with full kit)

Best for Beginner and intermediate sparring; most club training sessions

Tradeoff Flex gives less realistic blade feedback than steel

↓ See our pick
Steel Feder

Real weight and feedback. Needs full 1600N kit. Tournament use.

Material
Spring steel
Price range
$250–600
Safe for sparring
Only with full 1600N kit

Best for Advanced sparring and tournaments after 6+ months of training

Tradeoff Requires complete heavy kit and significant technical foundation

Best starter
Cold Steel

Cold Steel Hand and a Half Training Sword

$$

Cold Steel's synthetic training swords are the de facto standard at American HEMA clubs. Heavy enough to build real muscle memory, flexible enough to be safe for sparring in full gear, and priced at $60–80 where buying the wrong one doesn't sting. Closest to longsword geometry without the feder price tag.

What we like

  • De facto club standard in US HEMA — partners use this same sword
  • Flexible enough for safe sparring; heavy enough for real muscle memory
  • Cross-guard geometry allows proper half-swording and bind drills

What to know

  • Flex reduces cutting feedback — add a nylon waster for solo form work
  • Plastic grip degrades in cold; wrap it with overgrip if training outdoors
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Red Dragon Armoury

Red Dragon Armoury Synthetic Arming Sword

$

A nylon waster is the cheapest way to drill at home. The rigid polypropylene gives accurate feedback on cutting mechanics that the flex of a synthetic masks, and the arming-sword length fits most living rooms. Not safe for contact sparring — this is a solo drill tool.

What we like

  • Under $30 — the lowest-cost path to daily at-home drilling
  • Rigid feedback teaches cutting mechanics faster than a flexible synthetic

What to know

  • Never use for contact sparring — rigid impact causes hand and wrist injuries
  • Shorter than a longsword; solo work won't transfer directly to two-handed technique
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
CAS Hanwei

CAS Hanwei Federschwert Longsword

$$$

The Hanwei Practical Feder is the standard entry-level steel training sword for HEMA. Spring-steel blade, the schilt (cross-guard extension) that catches binds correctly, and weight balanced for historical longsword work. Buy this after 6+ months of synthetic training when your club begins steel sparring — not before.

What we like

  • The tournament-standard entry steel feder used at most HEMA events
  • Schilt extension catches binds properly — teaches half-swording mechanics

What to know

  • Spring steel requires oiling and edge inspection after every use
  • Buy only after your full 1600N protective kit is complete and in use
See on Amazon →
fencing mask with protective mesh visor

Photo by Krys Amon on Unsplash

Mask

The mask is the single most critical HEMA safety purchase, and the one where beginners make the most dangerous mistake. A standard fencing mask rated 350N is not enough — it protects the face but leaves the back of the head exposed, and the 350N rating assumes sport-fencing forces, not longsword strikes. At minimum, you need a 350N mask with a rigid back-of-head protector (BHP). For steel federing and tournaments, you need 1600N. There is no cutting corners on this.

Best starter
LEONARK Armoury

LEONARK Armoury HEMA Helmet 350N

$$$

LEONARK Armoury makes some of the most respected HEMA-specific masks available on Amazon, and this 350N model ships with integrated back-of-head protection that makes it HEMA-safe. The extended bib protects the throat, the mesh is heavy stainless, and real HEMA practitioners use this at the beginner-and-intermediate level — it is not a sport-fencing compromise, it is a legitimate HEMA kit piece.

What we like

  • CE 350N certified — built for HEMA contact, not sport fencing
  • Integral back-of-head protector covers the critical HEMA exposure point
  • Extended bib protects the throat; 350N rated for synthetic club sparring

What to know

  • Not rated for steel federing — you will upgrade this eventually
  • One of the pricier 350N options; worth it for the protection level
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
LEONARK Armoury

LEONARK Armoury HEMA Helmet 1600N

$$$$

When you graduate to steel federing, 1600N protection is not optional — and LEONARK Armoury is the most accessible brand for HEMA-rated heavy masks on Amazon. Double-layer 800N fencing fabric, 9-mesh stainless, CE EN 13567 Level 1 rated. This is what club steel sparring and tournament federing requires.

What we like

  • 1600N rated for full steel federing and tournament longsword sparring
  • Double-layer stainless mesh — meaningfully more protection than 350N

What to know

  • Significantly heavier than 350N — neck fatigue increases in longer sessions
  • Overkill and unnecessary weight until you actually move to steel sparring
See on Amazon →

Jacket

A HEMA jacket (sometimes called a gambeson) covers your torso, arms, and shoulders with rated padding. For synthetic longsword sparring, a 350N jacket is the standard — it absorbs the impact of synthetic strikes without the weight of heavier protection. For steel federing, you need 800N. Most beginners start with 350N and upgrade when they graduate to steel. The jacket is where you feel hits the most prominently, so don't skip it.

Best starter
Red Dragon

Red Dragon HEMA Sparring Jacket

$$$

Red Dragon's HEMA jacket is the most widely available beginner option — 350N protection for synthetic sparring, reasonably priced, and sized generously enough for layering. It holds up to club-level longsword and arming sword work without drama. Not glamorous, but effective and actually available.

What we like

  • 350N protection for synthetic longsword club sparring
  • Arm coverage built in — no separate elbow guards needed at this level
  • Widely used by North American HEMA clubs; vetted by practitioners

What to know

  • Runs large — size down one from your normal clothes
  • Gets hot in summer; plan training in ventilated spaces
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
ASAki

ASAki HEMA Fencing Jacket 350N

$$$$

If the Red Dragon jacket runs too large or the cut does not fit your body type, ASAki is the other 350N HEMA jacket reliably available on Amazon. Both are 350N rated for steel sparring practice; this one runs a slightly trimmer profile and suits practitioners who find the Red Dragon jacket too bulky. Same protection level, different fit — worth trying if the Red Dragon is wrong for your frame.

What we like

  • Trimmer profile vs Red Dragon — fits practitioners who prefer a closer cut
  • 350N stab-proof fabrics; compatible with steel sword sparring practice

What to know

  • Same 350N rating as the Red Dragon — buy this for fit, not extra protection
  • Less community feedback than Red Dragon; sizing may require exchange
See on Amazon →

Gloves

Hands are the most-hit target in longsword sparring — your opponent is actively trying to cut your sword hand, and even with synthetics, unprotected knuckles bruise fast and badly. HEMA-specific gloves have articulated finger protection and long gauntlet cuffs that standard hockey gloves don't, and they're designed to handle the wrist thrust that hockey gloves completely ignore. This is not the category to substitute with sport equipment.

Best starter
Red Dragon Armoury

Red Dragon Armoury HEMA Sparring Gloves

$$

The most widely used entry-level HEMA gloves in North American clubs. Articulated finger protection, thick metacarpal padding, and a long gauntlet cuff that closes the wrist gap. They hold up to synthetic longsword sparring and are actually available on Amazon at a price that doesn't require a second job.

What we like

  • Articulated finger protection catches the thrusts hockey gloves completely miss
  • Long gauntlet cuff closes the wrist gap — a critical exposure point
  • Well-reviewed by the North American HEMA community; proven in club sparring

What to know

  • Runs small — size up from your normal glove size
  • Reduced grip feedback vs bare hands; 2–3 sessions to adapt your grip
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Warrior

Warrior Dynasty AX2 Hockey Gloves

$$

The Warrior Dynasty AX2 is the hockey glove most often recommended in HEMA communities as a stopgap when proper HEMA gloves are backordered. Real knuckle and metacarpal protection, widely available, and available at most sporting goods stores too. Good for one or two sessions of light synthetic sparring while you wait for proper gear.

What we like

  • Real protection for knuckles and metacarpals in a pinch
  • Available at any sporting goods store — no specialty shipping wait

What to know

  • No finger articulation; fingers remain exposed to thrusts and cuts
  • Wrist gap is a real exposure in HEMA — not a permanent substitute
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Unbranded

Medieval Articulated Leather Gauntlets

$$$

When you are doing regular steel longsword work and the Red Dragon gloves are no longer enough, a cowhide articulated gauntlet with individual finger protection is the next level. This unbranded gauntlet provides a hard back-of-hand plate and articulated finger coverage — what tournament-level practitioners move to. Check sizing carefully as these are leather and do not stretch.

What we like

  • Articulated finger protection — thrusts that padded gloves absorb imperfectly
  • Hard back-of-hand plate stops edge cuts completely

What to know

  • Leather sizing is fixed — no stretch, measure carefully before ordering
  • Unbranded; batch quality varies — read recent reviews before buying
See on Amazon →
a close up of a knight's helmet and armor

Photo by 2H Media on Unsplash

Gorget

A gorget protects your throat — the most dangerous target in longsword sparring. Your mask bib covers the front of your neck, but a proper gorget covers the sides and back, and provides rigid protection against a direct thrust. Many beginners skip this because it doesn't feel exciting to buy. That's the wrong call. At $30–60, it's the cheapest piece of HEMA protective gear relative to what it actually protects.

Best starter
Red Dragon Armoury

Red Dragon Armoury Throat Protector Gorget

$

A rigid gorget that fits over your jacket collar and under your mask bib. Covers the throat, sides, and back of the neck — the gaps your mask leaves exposed. Standard gear at HEMA clubs and inexpensive enough that skipping it makes no sense on a safety basis.

What we like

  • Covers the throat gap your mask bib leaves — the highest-injury-risk target
  • Cheapest piece of protective gear relative to what it protects

What to know

  • Adds mild head-turn restriction — takes one session to feel natural
  • Sizing varies by brand; measure neck circumference before buying
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
STX

STX Eclipse Lacrosse Goalie Throat Protector

$

A lacrosse throat guard is the field-expedient gorget used at clubs when specialty gear is backordered. It covers the front throat with rigid protection and is available at any sporting goods store. Not a full gorget — sides and back of neck are still exposed — but adequate for one or two light sessions while you wait for the real thing.

What we like

  • Available at any sporting goods store — no specialty shipping needed
  • Rigid front-throat protection at a fraction of the gorget price

What to know

  • Covers front only — sides and back of neck remain exposed to thrusts
  • Not a HEMA gorget substitute; use only until your proper gorget arrives
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first six weeks of HEMA

HEMA has a longer on-ramp than most martial arts — you need a club, borrowed gear, and some patience before the sword work makes sense. Here's what actually happens in the first six weeks.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A steel federing sword — You need six months of synthetic sparring and a complete 1600N kit before a steel feder. Buying it day one is dangerous and wasteful — you can't use it safely yet.
  • Full plate or historical armor — Period armor is for reenactment, not HEMA sparring. Modern protective gear — mask, jacket, gloves, gorget — is safer and designed for actual movement.
  • Leg armor — Most beginner clubs don't permit leg strikes in sparring until you've established control. Padded trousers or fencing breeches protect adequately to start.
  • Multiple weapon systems — Pick one — longsword, rapier, sabre — and commit for at least six months. Jumping between weapons before learning fundamentals in any of them is a classic beginner mistake.
  • A sharp sword — You will never need a sharp edge for HEMA sparring. Sharp swords are for solo cutting practice on targets only — they have no place in partnered sparring.
  • Custom-fitted armor pieces — Custom pauldrons, vambraces, and articulated armor are for competitive practitioners who spar daily. Off-the-shelf gear handles the first year without compromise.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Find a HEMA club near you before buying any gear. · Action
  2. Attend your first session in workout clothes. Borrow their gear. Don't buy anything yet. · Action
  3. Ask your instructor which weapon system the club focuses on before spending money on gear. · Action
  4. After your second or third session, order your personal protective kit: mask with BHP, jacket, gloves, and gorget. These four pieces let you spar with your own equipment. · Buy
  5. Use the club's synthetic training swords for your first month. Buy your own after you've settled on the weapon system. · Action
  6. Browse the historical manuals at Wiktenauer — even reading a summary of Liechtenauer's principles will change how you see every technique you learn in class. · Learn
    • Wiktenauer · The definitive digital library of HEMA primary sources — start with the Liechtenauer tradition
  7. Watch a full HEMA tournament bout on YouTube to understand where the training is leading. · Learn
FAQ

Common questions

How much does it cost to start HEMA?

Budget $550–900 for your essential kit: a HEMA-rated mask with BHP ($200–350), jacket ($150–250), gloves ($80–150), gorget ($30–60), and a synthetic training sword ($60–100). All of this is mandatory at once — you can't safely spar with only part of the protective kit in place.

Can I do HEMA without a club?

You can learn solo drilling from YouTube, but you cannot spar safely without experienced instruction and a trained partner. HEMA is fundamentally a partner art — technique only develops under live pressure, and sparring safely requires both parties to understand what they're doing. Find a club first.

Is HEMA dangerous?

HEMA sparring with proper equipment and experienced instruction is no more dangerous than boxing or wrestling — bruises and occasional minor injuries, nothing worse under normal conditions. The danger comes from sparring without proper gear or without structured training. The protective kit exists for a reason; use all of it.

What weapon should I start with?

Longsword is the most common entry point — it's the most documented historical system and most clubs offer it. If your club offers multiple weapons, ask your instructor what they teach best. The quality of instruction matters more than which weapon you choose.

Do I need to be athletic or physically strong?

Not especially. HEMA is a technical martial art where structure and leverage matter more than raw strength. Women, older practitioners, and people without martial arts backgrounds routinely train alongside athletes. The fitness comes from training, not before it.

How long until I can spar?

Most clubs introduce supervised sparring after 4–8 weeks of footwork, structure, and paired drills. You won't be technically good — but you'll be safe and learning. The real improvement comes from dozens of sparring sessions, not the first one.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • HEMA Alliance — Main North American HEMA organization. Club finder, event listings, and safety standards documentation.
  • Wiktenauer — The definitive digital library of historical European martial arts primary sources. Every significant historical manual is here, many with English translation.
  • r/wma (Reddit) — The main HEMA Reddit community. Good for gear questions, club recommendations, technique debates, and the genuinely esoteric corners of historical combat.
  • Scholagladiatoria (YouTube) — Matt Easton's channel — the most respected HEMA educator on YouTube. Clear, authoritative, historically grounded. Start here for context before class.
  • Skallagrim (YouTube) — Longer-form historical weapons content. Not strictly instructional, but excellent for cultural context and weapon comparisons that inform your training.
  • HEMA Scorecard — Tournament results and rankings database. Useful for finding which clubs compete actively near you and what the competitive landscape looks like.

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