By the Sword

By the Sword
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The modern study of the ancient art of swordplay is brought to life each week where we talk to a different member of the historical European martial arts, or HEMA, community. Whether it’s the medieval longsword, Elizabethan rapier, the regency smallsword or Victorian sabre that interest you, join us for a series of fascinating interviews with instructors, competitors and experts from all around the globe. Follow us on Instagram @swordwomen

  1. Martial arts culture is a work in progress

    12/18/2025

    Martial arts culture is a work in progress

    In this episode I rant about the frustrations of trying to change martial arts culture for the better, especially when the unwillingness to change hampers any progress from the outset. After sixteen years I am so very tired. If we genuinely want to improve our communities we need to put the work in, all of us.

    20 min
  2. How to come back from a break

    11/07/2025

    How to come back from a break

    Have you not been to class for a while? Do you miss swords? Whatever your hobby, I break down the steps and approach you need to make returning to the thing you love a pleasure not a pain. Fran URG centred HEMA events, coaching, content and podcasts. Historical European Martial Arts. 💻 Website https://bythesword.net ⚔️ courses and coaching https://ko-fi.com/swordwomen 🎞️ Instagram @swordwomen https://www.instagram.com/swordwomen?igsh=eGU2NHFxeGplZTh3&utm_source=qr 📱 Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/share/17UjsbpFSe/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🩵 Support https://Patreon.com/swordwomen https://ko-fi.com/swordwomen

    23 min
  3. Suit of Swords 2025: interview with Rose Jones & Madeleine Thomson

    10/31/2025

    Suit of Swords 2025: interview with Rose Jones & Madeleine Thomson

    I attended Scotland’s very first URG HEMA event in October 2025, and took the opportunity to interview the two organisers to gain an insight into the process and goals of this awesome historical fencing Weekender. URG centred HEMA events, coaching, content and podcasts. Historical European Martial Arts. 💻 Website https://bythesword.net ⚔️ courses and coaching https://ko-fi.com/swordwomen 🎞️ Instagram @swordwomen https://www.instagram.com/swordwomen?igsh=eGU2NHFxeGplZTh3&utm_source=qr 📱 Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/share/17UjsbpFSe/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🩵 Support https://Patreon.com/swordwomen https://ko-fi.com/swordwomen

    25 min
  4. How to train HEMA from home

    10/24/2025

    How to train HEMA from home

    This podcast is aimed at everyone who trains HEMA or any martial art, whether you want to get out of a plateau in class, or you’re planning a comeback after a break, or you just can’t get to a class, training from home is always a good idea.

    33 min
  5. 5 Things I will not be teaching you as your coach

    10/17/2025

    5 Things I will not be teaching you as your coach

    🏆 “Winning is everything”. Winning is just a visible part of fencing. There is a fathoms-deep chunk beneath the surface of learning, passion and personal growth. 👀 To look down on other fencers and clubs. Parochial perceptions persist, and a community is more than the club you belong to. We can’t grow as a movement without understanding, connection and cross pollination. ✅ That my way is the only correct way. None of the masters can agree on what is the correct way to learn and practice fencing, far be it from me to make that claim. Find as many teachers as you can, choose wisely. 💪🏼 That you need a grindset. Your phone, your car, your brain and your body will not run on empty. Rest, find other hobbies and communities. HEMA is only one part of your life. 💥 How to generate power. Sharp swords don’t need power, in fact, striking hard is a bad idea and leads to sloppy fencing. You need to bump up your DEX, more than your STR.

    31 min
  6. Taming Toxicity in HEMA

    10/10/2025

    Taming Toxicity in HEMA

    We tend to imagine our own club is utopian compared to the others you hear about on social media where bad things happen. I’m here to let you know that every club is fertile ground for toxic behaviour. But what can we do about it?

    34 min
  7. 9 things you were praised for as a girl that can make HEMA difficult as an adult

    10/03/2025

    9 things you were praised for as a girl that can make HEMA difficult as an adult

    Little girls are praised for all kinds of qualities and behaviours. What we carry into adulthood from this praise and these internal values can stymie our learning.

    35 min
  8. 11 things HEMA fencers should stop doing

    09/26/2025

    11 things HEMA fencers should stop doing

    Eleven things that you are doing that you really shouldn’t. This episode looks at how we can take our habits and make them better.

    21 min
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About

The modern study of the ancient art of swordplay is brought to life each week where we talk to a different member of the historical European martial arts, or HEMA, community. Whether it’s the medieval longsword, Elizabethan rapier, the regency smallsword or Victorian sabre that interest you, join us for a series of fascinating interviews with instructors, competitors and experts from all around the globe. Follow us on Instagram @swordwomen

Information

  • Creator
    By the Sword
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © By the Sword