
how does it work?

Historical European martial arts (HEMA, or IEKM in Lithuanian) is a term used to describe the multitude of fighting systems that existed thought Europe but are no longer used: from the antiquity to the beginning of 20th century, armed and unarmed, with armor or without it. Most of those systems disappeared, but some were vividly described in treatises, manuals and manuscripts. After many centuries in the archives and museums, those original sources of knowledge now provide us not only with understanding how martial arts were practiced in Europe, but an ability to reconstruct them as well.
Today HEMA is an international movement that connects thousands of enthusiasts and aims at reconstructing martial systems of the past and experimenting with them in safe simulated combat. Most of HEMA clubs practice unarmored fighting with accurate recreations of original bladed weapons. They fence with various kinds of swords and use modern protective equipment, which allows to strike with full intent without injuring an opponent. HEMA enthusiasts also aim at promoting an understanding that European martial arts were complex and subtle systems based on mastery of the weapon and deep knowledge of the techniques.

Demonstration of techniques
Sparring
Documentary about HEMA

Frequently asked questions

Can I practice HEMA in Lithuania without knowing Lithuanian language?
All Lithuanian clubs teach in Lithuanian, although depending on the club the instructor can provide some teaching in English, Russian or Eldarin. It is advised to contact the club of your choosing (from the list below) and ask if they are able to include non-Lithuanian speaking students into their classes.
What do I need to start?
Enthusiasm. There are no other requirements. Weapons and protective equipment are provided for the newcomers, all you have to bring is light sportswear. Different clubs may have some additional standards though (eg. age restrictions, dress code).
How much does it cost?
Each club has its monthly price, although introductory class is always free. Newcomers are provided with necessary equipment, while long-time members are advised to purchase their weapon and full set of protection.
Is it safe?
As in all physical activity, there is a chance of trauma. Most of injuries that are a staple of combat sports are easily avoided in HEMA due to the use of protective equipment. Fighting without such equipment is strictly prohibited.
Is it the same as reenactment?
Not really. Most reenactment groups that participate in various festivals recreate the appearance of warriors from some historical period (knights, vikings, etc.), but they focus on the looks, and for the sake of simplicity and safety fight only in demonstrational manner. This has nothing to do with fighting as it was practiced through history. HEMA community does not recreate appearance but focus on historical fighting techniques.

Lithuanian clubs

Vilnius


Kalavijo meistrystės mokykla
Mondays 18:00 – 19:30 – Polish sabre
Mondays 19:30 – 21:30 – Sword and buckler

The club practices fighting with sword and buckler (small shield) as seen in the oldest surviving European manual (I.33, aka Walpurgis manuscript from the early 14th century) as well as the Polish sabre from the time of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (16th-18th c.)
Instructor Andrius Janionis.
Price:
35 € / month
Address:
Contacts:
Webpage: kalavijomokykla.lt
Facebook: Kalavijomokykla
Phone: +37067013834
Email: kalavijomokykla@gmail.com


ALBER AUS VU

The club practices longsword fencing based on 15th-18th century German tradition (Kunst des Fechtens).
Instructor Juozapas Bernotas-Pakeris
Classes:
Tuesdays 16:00-17:30
Saturdays 16:30-18:00
Price:
Students – 10 € / month
Employed people – 20 € / month
Or: 5 € per session
First session is free.
Address:
Tuesdays Saulėtekio al. 2, Vilnius
Saturdays Saulėtekio al. 26, Vilnius


Plieno Taktas

The club teaches fighting with the longsword using German sources from 15th-17th centuries, written by the students and followers of Johannes Liechtenauer.
Instructor Ąžuolas Jurkūnas.
Classes:
By agreement, no fixed timetable.
Price:
By agreement
Address:
By agreement
Contacts:
Facebook: facebook.com/plienotaktas
Email: azuolas.jurkunas@gmail.com


VILNIUS ESPADA ROPERA

The club teaches Renaissance-period rapier and sidesword fencing.
Instructors Jegor Virko and Robertas Balčiūnas
Treniruotės:
Ketvirtadieniais 19:00 – 21:00 val.
Price:
35 € / month
Address:
Contacts:
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566996134657
Email: vilniusespadaropera@gmail.com


Husaras

The club teaches military and sport sabre techniques following the method of Hungarian master Borsódy Lászlo which was practiced in Toldi Miklos institute in early 20th century, and based on 19th century Italian duelling sabre tradition.
Instructors Jegor Virko and Marija Ger
Classes:
Tuesdays 19:00 – 21:00
Price:
35 € / month
Address:
S. Stanevičiaus g. 25
Contacts:
www.kardomokykla.lt
Facebook: facebook.com/kardomokykla/ Phone: +370 640 33 322
Email: info@kardomokykla.lt

Kaunas


Renesanso kalavijo menas

The club practices longsword fencing based on 15th-18th century German tradition (Kunst des Fechtens).
Instructor: Simas Balčiūnas.
Classes:
2 times per week in the evenings (no fixed day or time)
Price:
1 class – 5 €
or: 30 € / month
Address:
N/A
Contacts:
Facebook: facebook.com/renesansokalavijas
Phone: +370 631 22070 (Simas)
Email: balciunas.simas@gmail.com


Husaras

The club teaches military and sport sabre techniques following the method of Hungarian master Borsódy Lászlo which was practiced in Toldi Miklos institute in early 20th century, and based on 19th century Italian duelling sabre tradition.
Instructor Remigijus Lazauskas
Classes:
Monday 18:00 – 19:30
Price:
35 € / month
Address:
Šiaurės pr. 57
Valdorf school
Contacts:
www.kardomokykla.lt
Facebook: facebook.com/kardomokykla/
Phone: +370 640 33 322
Email: info@kardomokykla.lt

Klaipėda


Alber aus Memel

The club practices longsword fencing based on 15th-18th century German tradition (Kunst des Fechtens).
Instructor Juozapas Bernotas-Pakeris
Classes:
Saturday 18:30 – 20:30
Sunday 18:30 – 20:00
Price:
One class per week – 20 € / month.
Two classes per week – 30 € / month.
Contacts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alber.memel
Phone: 8-650-23132
Email: alber.memel@gmail.com


Husaras
Classes:
Tuesdays 19:30 – 21:00
Price:
35 € / month
Address:
Herkaus Manto g. 22, PC “Herkaus Galerija”, III floor
Contacts:
www.kardomokykla.lt
Facebook: facebook.com/kardomokykla/
Phone: +370 640 33 322
E-mail: info@kardomokykla.lt

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Last updated: 2024-12-22
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