top of page

GEAR FOR HEMA

HEMA requires more protective gear than other types of fencing.

Students at CBA have a wide variety of brand preferences and item recommendations, but here is the basic setup of what items students new to the practice will need to obtain.

*CBA offers some basic gear for loan during class time on a first-come, first-serve basis.

WEARABLES

MASK - BEGINNERS PURCHASE ASAP

CBA students should purchase their own fencing mask as early in their HEMA journey as possible.
Purchasing your own mask ensures a safe and consistent fit.

*CBA offers loaner masks for complete beginners to use during class time (inventory permitting) as they try the sport, but committed students should not plan to utilize these masks regularly. 

GLOVES - BEGINNERS+

HEMA practitioners often obtain many sets of gloves during their fencing careers, but a solid basic set is recommended to start. 

For Beginner's longsword, lacrosse gloves or other padded sporting gloves can be utilized.

*CBA offers a variety of loaner gloves for complete beginners to use during class time (inventory permitting) but committed students should not plan to utilize these gloves regularly. 

HEMA JACKET - INTERMEDIATE+

HEMA requires thicker protective/padded jackets than, for example, Olympic fencing. HEMA does not practice on an electrified circuit, so electronics equipment is not necessary. Hema does utilize heavier weapons with more bodily contact and students should invest appropriately for their own protection.

Beginners do not need a jacket to start, but as students progress and level up to Intermediate Longsword, jackets become necessary to participate in all class activities.

HEMA fencing jackets are rated by newton (N) which translates to puncture resistance.
The higher the N rating, the more tightly woven the fabric, etc. A minimum of 350N is recommended.

Most CBA students purchase fencing jackets from SPES.
Many students recommend having your jacket custom sized to ensure comfortable fit.

GORGET - INTERMEDIATE+

CBA recommends that students obtain a gorget and wear it along with their jacket for extra protection against cuts and thrusts to the head and throat.

ARM PROTECTION - INTERMEDIATE+

If desired, students may obtain additional layering for forearms and elbows.
Recommended for faster speed and higher intensity steel sparring.

FENCING PANTS - INTERMEDIATE+

If desired, students may obtain specialized HEMA fencing pants, with the same parameters as your jacket recommended (350N+, custom sizing.) 

TRAINING WEAPONS

HEMA utilizes many different weapons systems, all of which have their own training items. 

​

​

CBA offers an inventory of loaner training weapons for use during class time on a first-come, first-serve basis. Available to all students are the following:

  • Synthetic/Nylon Longswords

  • Synthetic/Nylon Arming Swords

  • A few steel longswords

  • Synthetic bowie/rondel knife trainers

  • Economy steel rapiers

  • A few steel parrying daggers

  • Olympic Sabres

  • A few gymnasium sabres

Students often purchase their own training weapons as they progress in their chosen weapons systems, but newcomers should not feel rushed to make decisions early.

Try out club gear, talk to fellow clubmates and more advanced fencers, handle a variety of weapon brands and builds to see what feels right for you. 

bottom of page