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Published by By the Sword
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
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From the feed
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Host Fran Lacuata talks to lifelong martial artist Connie Burns about their journey, both in eastern martial arts, self defence and HEMA. Full of fascinating insights and experiences, listen in as they discuss the highs and lows of learning and teaching the fighting arts, and how Connie found their way back to the original joy that drew them in.
Fran talks to Sarah Beals Sager, instructor at Hilt & Helm Fencing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. Topics covered include Sarah’s blog: longswords and lullabies, how to remove barriers for minorities in HEMA, creating a supportive space, and the role of anthropology in martial arts.
Fran meets Kira & Amber, the martial arts, self defence and fitness enthusiasts behind Queer Quillons Guild in Atlanta, Georgia USA. We talk about the importance of LGBTQIA spaces, the multiple challenges facing under represented groups in martial arts, and each of their own backgrounds in fighting that led them to create the community they and others needed. Instagram @queer_quillons_guild
Fran talks to David AKA Blumineck, the archer and pole athlete who combines history, fantasy and all things geeky on his wildly popular social media channels. We go into his origin story, what it takes to get into pole and archery, performing for the public and what is coming up in the future.
Fran talks to Cleveland Steel Historical Fencing founder and lead instructor Lacey Eck about the importance of emotional regulation in HEMA. We discuss what emotional regulation is, how emotions affect us as fencers, and what we can do to actively improve our training spaces and develop as a community.
Zoya is a mindset coach and fencing mentor based in Chicago USA. In this episode she talks to Fran about how to fence authentically under pressure, and deal with our own inner battles - often our biggest challenge. Listen to Zoya’s story for advice on how to approach your own fencing mindset, dealing with mental hurdles, and the path to mentoring and coaching for yourself.
Fran talks to Physio and Osteo Anna Wiederänders about training safely and effectively for HEMA. We explore Anna’s martial arts background, good practices for HEMA training, and her top tips for safe and effective practice.
Fran meets Aurora Simmons, longsword and armoured fighting instructor at Toronto Historical Combat in Canada. We discuss the importance of creating training spaces that are welcoming to all genders: what to avoid and what to include. Aurora also talks about her extensive background in martial arts such as taekwondo and jeet kune do, along with 15 years experience in HEMA alone.
In this episode Fran talks to Spencer Waddell: a champion fighter and title holder of many styles including reenactment, SCA, HEMA, AMMA, boxing, buhurt and light sabre. We discuss his background and his unique perspective on heavy hitting in sword arts, when it’s appropriate and when it’s a bad idea.
Fran speaks to Janna Datahan in the US about why HEMA is political, and how world events affect our hobby and all the people who participate in it.
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.
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
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
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.
🏆 “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.
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?
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.
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.
The term "pipeline" describes the typical fencing career progression: from beginner, to student, to instructor and/or competitor, and the "leakiness" signifies that women are leaving the path at multiple stages, unlike men. In this episode we look at the key aspects, contributing factors, and possible solutions to the leaky HEMA pipeline. 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
In this episode, Fran meets artist blacksmith, Heather McLarty of Los Angeles, California, USA. We talk about her journey in the craft and her involvement in the popular TV series, the Mandalorian. The episode was recorded live Sunday, 28 May 2023.
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Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 7, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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