Inspired by HEMA, I decided to create a deck of cards featuring techniques and stances from historical fencing. My goal is to convey very basic knowledge in an easy and clear way, inspire others to train, and encourage further exploration. I hope that the HEMA Deck will assist both coaches and beginner fencers in learning the fundamentals for the four most popular weapons: Longsword (Hearts), Rapier (Spades), Saber (Diamonds), and Sword and Buckler (Clubs). The HEMA Deck would also serve as a promotional tool for HEMA, a gadget through which we can introduce our sport and lifestyle to friends and potential new practitioners. Additionally, the HEMA Deck could be a great addition to prizes during tournaments, workshops, or training camps.
The HEMA Deck consists of 54 cards: Longsword (Hearts), Rapier (Spades), Saber (Diamonds), Sword and Buckler (Clubs), and two Jokers. Each card is designed to provide a visual and educational representation of historical techniques, stances, and weaponry, making the HEMA Deck a valuable tool for learning and inspiration.
HEMA DECK is a unique deck of cards inspired by Historical European MartialArts. Each card presents techniques and stances drawn from historical fencingsources, illustrated in a clear and accessible way. Designed to help beginnersand instructors alike, the deck introduces essential fundamentals for four coreHEMA disciplines:
• Longsword (Hearts)
• Rapier (Spades)
• Sabre (Diamonds)
• Sword & Buckler (Clubs)
Beyond its educational purpose, the HEMADECK is also a stylish promotional item for the HEMA community. It makes aperfect prize or gift at tournaments, workshops, or training camps and servesas a great conversation starter when introducing newcomers to the art ofhistorical fencing.
The illustrations are inspired by thefencing treatises of Paulus Hector Mair,incorporating both original historical elements and newly created artwork. Thisblend pays homage to tradition while reflecting the diversity and spirit oftoday's HEMA community.
In the Hearts (Longsword) suit, you’ll findcards with positions and techniques such as: Oberhau, Ochs, Pflug, Alber, VomTag, Zwerchhau, Krumb, Thrust from Pflug, Winding, Longsword Anatomy, Exampleof a Type XIX Longsword, Kriegsmesser, Zweihänder Type XIII.
In the Spades (Rapier) suit, you’ll find cardswith positions and techniques such as: Prima, Seconda, Terza, Quarta, Affondo,Finta, Cavazione, Mandritto and Riverso, Passata Sotto, Rapier Parts, SpainRapier & Dagger, Italy Spain Rapier & Dagger, Swept Hilt Rapier.
In the Diamonds (Sabre) suit, you’ll findcards with positions and techniques such as: Basic Stance High and Low, BasicGuard, Lunge & Cut, Swinging Cut, Cut from the Elbow, Thrust, Hand Cut,Dodge, Saber Parts, Cavalry Saber, Polish-Hungarian Saber, Sabre Cut.
In the Clubs (Sword and Buckler) suit, you’llfind cards with positions and techniques such as: Custodia: prima, secunda,tertia, quarta, quinta, sexta, septima (high and low), Buckler Takedown,Counterbind, Sword Types, Falchion, Arming Sword, English Backsword.
The HEMA DECK follows the French-suitedpoker format, measuring 63 × 88 mm, andconsists of 56 cards, including 3jokers, packaged in a dedicated tuck box.
The set includes a 48-pagebooklet measuring 88 × 115 mm, featuringdetailed descriptions of the fencing positions illustrated on the cards.
Everything is housed in a premiumtwo-piece box (95 × 130 mm) with spot-UVvarnish, giving the product a refined and collectiblepresentation.
HEMA DECK is a project created by Maks, a young HEMA enthusiast and competitivefencer. The deck was made possible thanks to the support of the HEMA communityon Kickstarter, as well as the involvement of experienced coaches and activeHEMA fighters.
A booklet describing the fencing positions and techniques illustrated on the cards will be included in the HEMA Deck box.
