In the 1980s and 1990s, the first modern organizations uniting practitioners interested in historical fencing emerged—for example ARMA (Association for Renaissance Martial Arts, previously HACA—Historical Armed Combat Association). From the beginning, ARMA primarily focused on researching and interpreting fencing treatises and other historical sources related to the art.

Members practiced fencing techniques using wooden wasters—thick, heavy wooden swords shaped and proportioned similarly to real ones. Their protective gear consisted of helmets and various quilted components long used by enthusiasts of SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and historical reenactment. At that time, basic “HEMA gear” consisted of sweatpants, a T-shirt, leather or quilted gloves, and either a fencing mask or a helmet. Full-speed sparring was not yet common. ARMA’s work eventually led to the development of a national training program that included seminars, workshops, and structured rankings and certifications.

In the first decade of the 21st century, thanks in part to the Polish DESW community (Dawne Europejskie Sztuki Walki), the first tournaments using steel feders (long steel swords with rounded tips) were held. Due to their flexible blades, these weapons allowed fencers to use thrusts while still performing well in blade engagement—significantly better than wooden equivalents.

In my opinion, this is when the real breakthrough occurred—one that set HEMA equipment development on the right track. Why? Because the need to protect bones and joints from increasingly powerful strikes, as well as protection from thrusts, became very real. At the time, HEMA practitioners used whatever was available: modern sport fencing jackets, trousers, and masks (the classic white sets), quilted gambesons used in medieval reenactment, ordinary sweatpants or military cargo pants. For protective overlays, people often used hockey equipment, motorcycle pads, or items originally designed for completely different purposes.

Continuous Puncture-Resistant Layer. We aim to cover the body as fully as possible with 350N or 800N fabrics (according to EN 13567). In my opinion, there is no room for compromise here. Some manufacturers add cutouts under the arms or “breathable” panels on the back to improve ventilation—but in my experience, this is misleading. These areas then become completely unprotected from thrusts, meaning the equipment loses its core function.

High Mobility and Comfort. “Stiff and thick” fabrics require special construction techniques unfamiliar in modern tailoring. This applies mainly to the underarm area and sleeves. Our refined cutting method allows the wearer full freedom of movement, including raising or bending both arms. In my opinion, these movements are most important when training with a longsword.

Double Closure / Reinforced Closure. Since most modern jackets close in the front, HEMA jackets typically do as well. From my experience—unfortunately!—I know that zipper failures can happen during fights, which may disqualify a competitor. For this reason, SPES jackets feature a “double closure,” usually a zipper combined with Velcro. This protects the closure during sparring, and if the zipper fails, the Velcro allows the user to “seal” the jacket and continue fencing.

Blade-Catcher. Borrowed from Olympic fencing uniforms, this element prevents weapon simulators from slipping under the mask’s bib. Almost all SPES jackets include this feature. Only the JF jackets, intended for wrestling or very light training, do not come with a blade-catcher by default.

Protective Flap Under the Closure. A flap made of puncture-resistant fabric shields the unzipped opening from thrusts in case of zipper failure. Depending on the jacket model, the flap is longer or shorter. The Officer 350N and 800N models have the longest flap due to their riveted closure and lack of front padding.

Double Stitching. All structural seams or seams connecting critical components are double-stitched to increase durability. These may be sewn side-by-side or layered. From the inside, the reinforcement is clearly visible; from the outside, the side seams of jackets with 3D-mesh lining (Light jackets) show it best.

As you can see, our jackets are designed with great attention to detail and continuously improved based on user feedback. We do not stop at the current level—we constantly search for new solutions to better meet the needs of HEMA practitioners. SPES’s primary goal is to strike the best possible balance between safety, comfort, and mobility, allowing every fencer to choose equipment suited to their individual needs and training style.

It is important to remember that no equipment can completely eliminate the risk of injury during training or competitions. The key is to match the level of protection to the intensity and nature of practice. Jackets with lower puncture resistance (e.g., “Light” 350N models) are ideal for lighter training with sabres or one-handed swords. For more dynamic sparring, it is worth choosing a stronger variant (such as 800N or 350N with felt padding) and supplementing it with additional overlays (plastrons, forearm protectors, plastic elements, or extra padding).

In the next entry, I will examine current standards and testing methods used for HEMA equipment. I will discuss the types of tests performed on materials, the relationship between padding and mobility, and the different weapon simulators—and how improper manufacturing affects the durability of materials used in historical fencing.