International Federation of Historical European Martial Arts

International Federation
of Historical European Martial Arts

IFHEMA MEMBERS

HEMA

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is a worldwide movement aiming towards safe and efficient practice of European martial heritage.

HEMA can be practiced either as martial arts or martial sports, many HEMA centres practice both forms. The practice is based on research and study of sources that recorded martial arts within European territories and European spheres of influence.

HEMA is to be considered separately from modern combat sports such as fencing, wrestling, boxing, savate and similar, since most of the modern sports are based on regulations created from the late nineteenth century onward.

The iniciative for establishing International Federation of Historical European Martial Arts was first taken in 2010 with the aim to assist at elevating the levels of HEMA worldwide.

First steps in recognizing and preserving the autonomy of HEMA have already been taken by clubs on national levels, research output of various networks, and organizers of a number of established international HEMA events.

Disciplines like research and publishing, developing and producing valid HEMA equipment, organizing and conducting competitions, as well as promoting and conserving martial heritage are in need of an umbrella international organization.

IFHEMA programmes include a range of activities supporting national HEMA associations including education, training, funding, supply and coverage.

IFHEMA Mission Statement

1) IFHEMA is a federation of national HEMA federations or organizations which fulfil the same role. Its mission is to connect and support its members by coordinating and backing up their activities, and protecting their interests.

2) IFHEMA members are encouraged to use services which support HEMA activities within socially acceptable, responsible and ethical frame.

3) IFHEMA promotes autonomy and sustainability, as well as knowledge sharing and excellence in all activities, ranging from research and publishing, organizing and managing events to studying and practicing.

4) Education in all relevant supporting areas is highly valued by IFHEMA, to which end means of financing, media coverage, and resource allocation are committed.

5) IFHEMA looks up to key values of transparency, good governance, responsibility and striving to contribute to better societies.