What does everyone focus on?

[Togon]

So I just found a HEMA group and of course, I'm integrating this element into my persona. Togon learned arming sword from his time in the Gondorian army and uses his falchion accordingly, but now he must learn a more Westernese weapon more fitting of an Ithillien Ranger, in this case, the ubiquitous longsword. My group does do other weapons like messer, but it seems we mostly focus on German longsword. Not complaining. I was wondering what others study for their characters. Did you weave that element in with your character? Did your school's weapon choice influence you? Or did you want to study a particular weapon and found a school that teaches it? Anyone incorporate elements from non-European or modern styles? I like martial arts and weapons, so I am very interested in this element. Like, I'm a former devil dog, so I figure my bayonet techniques could fill in for spear. I'm a wrestler, so I've got grappling for unarmed. What does everyone else study?

[Eric C]

Really late reply to your question here. Over the past several years, I've been too broken down to focus on the combat arts. Back injuries, which led to knee injuries on top of shoulder injuries from bad form at the anvil all took me out of action. I'm hoping to start some stretching and see where that goes. If all goes well, perhaps I can start studying some form of martial arts again.

P.S. I'm an old soldier myself (as opposed to Marine, for those who aren't sure of the difference) so welcome!

[Greg]

A good number of us have HEMA experience in varying degrees. Odigan has studied and practiced for years, and I know Ursus is an instructor in a wide array of disciplines.

[theowl]

Lately I've been in a sword & buckler mood, so I've been focused on I:33 and George Silver. In the past I've studied Fiore and dabbled in some German longsword. I recently picked up an Albion Castellan which is manageable in one hand and very formidable in two, so I've been doing some tinkering drills to see how much of the two styles I can blend.

[Eofor]

Not sure how I missed this original post either. I've done a fair bit over the past 20 years in both Eastern and Western martial arts but have lapsed recently.

German Longsword will stand you in good stead.

If I were to offer any advice it would to never stop questioning your application of techniques. Too many HEMA schools nowadays teach tournament fighting and are pale imitations of what the art should be, on the field a light uncontrolled tap delivered a fraction of a second before your opponents blow would be scant comfort if theirs removes your head from your shoulders.

Over the years I have come to believe that there is little difference in the teachings. A master swordsman is exactly that, not a master longswordsman, or a master sabreman. There are only so many ways you can move your body and every sword has an edge and a point. In essence it is walking the path of the warrior that is the key, not what you carry as you do it.

I mean..... that sounds far more cheesy than I intended but I can't think of an easier way to say it. I'm also sorry for my use of the gender specific terminology.

[theowl]

Too many HEMA schools nowadays teach tournament fighting and are pale imitations of what the art should be.

This, 100%

[Turgolanas]

I've been experimenting with a number of weapons, and am currently planning to focus on spear or spear and sword/dagger. Our local ranger group does some free sparring, and so far the spear is by far the best way to kill an opponent without suffering injury. I am almost completely self taught, and am focusing on what we know of viking combat for techniques and drills.

I am also looking at shield and sword/spear, but I don't currently have the stamina to use a shield for long periods of time, and definitely don't want to carry one as a ranger. I would rather wear mail constantly truth to be told.

[ForgeCorvus]

I've been experimenting with a number of weapons, and am currently planning to focus on spear or spear and sword/dagger. Our local ranger group does some free sparring, and so far the spear is by far the best way to kill an opponent without suffering injury. I am almost completely self taught, and am focusing on what we know of viking combat for techniques and drills.

Lance or hewing spear?
Don't forget that a spear is not just the pointy end, you've got a staff and a club as well

I am also looking at shield and sword/spear, but I don't currently have the stamina to use a shield for long periods of time, and definitely don't want to carry one as a ranger. I would rather wear mail constantly truth to be told.

The only way to train to use a plank, is to use a plank..... I had a mate who had a training shield that was nearly twice the weight of his fighting shield.

Have you thought about a buckler?

With mail, its better to wear it for five miles then carry it for one

[Turgolanas]

Lance or hewing spear?
Don't forget that a spear is not just the pointy end, you've got a staff and a club as well

Technically a viking throwing spear, or at least that's what windlass called that particular spear head. I'm definitely going to be looking at staff drills, as well as spear drills.
https://www.museumreplicas.com/viking-throwing-spear

Have you thought about a buckler?

I haven't really looked into it, I'm not a huge fan of them, but I have no real reasoning behind that other than I think they look odd.

With mail, its better to wear it for five miles then carry it for one

Definitely. And it's surprisingly comfortable and quieter than I expected. I don't have my own yet, but I plan to get some. I'm trying to add a full grey company rides to war kit to complement my ranging kit.

[ForgeCorvus]

Lance or hewing spear?
Don't forget that a spear is not just the pointy end, you've got a staff and a club as well

Technically a viking throwing spear, or at least that's what windlass called that particular spear head. I'm definitely going to be looking at staff drills, as well as spear drills.
https://www.museumreplicas.com/viking-throwing-spear

I see, its their lightest 'Viking' style so they've called it a throwing spear.
Its a Lance as its Stabbier then the broader & heavier Hewing spears..... Not a bad choice, it just works better for a more point-centric style (think Bayonet rather then Halbard) and a longer shaft (being lighter).

I'd love to see this mounted with a floating toggle like on early boarspears..... You don't want a spitted Ork forcing his way up the shaft and biting you to death do you ?

Have you thought about a buckler?

I haven't really looked into it, I'm not a huge fan of them, but I have no real reasoning behind that other than I think they look odd.

Take a look at I.33, its the oldest Western fighting manual thats been found to date. It teaches unarmoured 1on1 combat with arming sword and buckler

With mail, its better to wear it for five miles then carry it for one

Definitely. And it's surprisingly comfortable and quieter than I expected. I don't have my own yet, but I plan to get some.

Buy riveted mail... Some of the most reasonable priced is made in India, partly because labour is cheap and partly because there are still areas that have traditionally made and used mail even after the West had stopped wearing metal armour at all.

I'm trying to add a full grey company rides to war kit to complement my ranging kit.

Now that is an impressive goal...... I look forward to seeing it