I need to put some context in which, hopefully, will help you, dear reader, understand my notes and processes.

HEMA is a recreation, it's best guess given the information available. A lot of manuscripts presume knowledge that we only get through experience.

Basic Fencing terminology. I don't really want to get into complicated and potentially alienating language- you don't need to be over technical to know what's going on and although sometimes it's easier to use the fancy terms, I prefer clear language over what can end up sounding like offputting technobabble.

It is a team endeavour, we only improve by uplifting others, the fights we lose tell us the most. Kindness, empathy and a clear head are key points. For my opinion on Women and Trans People in Sport. There's a lot more. Obliterate your opponent and you will run out of training partners. Make them cackle and congratulate them on a good hit, and you will have a shark tank at your beck and call.

Fencing is a language and the manuscripts are phrase books. All well and good if you need to ask where is the swimming pool, but anything more nuanced is between the lines. Names of cuts change a lot across systems, and hopefully I'll cross-reference. But I try to be plain language.

The sword tells you what it does. There's no wrong technique with a sword. BUT it will be easier to perform things with one type than another. And some are generally ill-advised except for the one time it isnt.

Nothing in manuscripts is prescriptive. You can put a finger on the scales of probability, but you need to remember that your oppo is quite keen on not being stabbed too and will frustrate your attempts to remain unperforated.

Opponents may not stop on a strike. Come in and out safely. You'll see this in competition and high intensity. People might not hear the halt, might have already committed.. might not have felt the hit. Lots of reasons only a few would you be that they are a dickhead. You can't hold a sword if you don't have any fingers. And sometimes circumstances require you to be More Martial than Art.

You can't get good if you're dead. Messy parries are legitimate, easy basics. Fancy comes later. Least movement is best. A reliable parry and good Measure extends a life long enough to be graceful.

Feel good, get good Your best fencing style is true to you. By that I mean if you're a close fighter, there's no point forcing yourself to be a sniper. It's a bit like the 80/20 rule. You will revert to your natural style throughout most engagements. Get good and comfortable with that and extend your skillset and styles from there. But keep in mind that moving from your default fighting style will take considerable effort and is unlikely to happen under pressure. Of course, learn as much as possible but be kind to yourself when going against your defaults.

That in mind, a signature move is useful providing it isn't overused. Getting really good at one thing that gels with you is a great confidence booster. That hit when things are dire, that internal sense of competency... That inevitable bruise your sparring partner laughs at getting. The thing people come to you to find out more about.

Bruises are bug reports. Not to be sought out but will show you where the error is. Where your openings are, how you parry. Your post sparring soak is a lesson too.

Record things. Especially when you feel plateau'd. Being inside a match or drill is the worst place to judge your skill. Viewing from outside shows you that you're way better than you think.

Judging is a skill and the better you fence the worse the calls will be. We're not in an age of electric HEMA and not sure it is a probability, so human judges are necessary. You are trying to move deceptively enough to strike a highly motivated person about 5 feet away from you. High level matches are blink and you'll miss it exchanges.

Judge before competing. You need to accept calls with good grace. Recognising the difficulty of the job is key. Judging will also allow you to develop the skills of reading your opponents.