Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This is my take on a comprehensive beginner's guide to train on your own, whether it be because you don't have any instructors nearby or because you want to do your "homework" and get used to essential movement patterns.
It covers the basic footwork, how to grip a sword (single- and two-handed), practicing cuts and thrusts, pros and cons of different methods, and other important things to know when you're starting out.
If you find this helpful, please consider supporting me on Patreon or via Youtube memberships. Thanks!
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
And who knows, maybe a HEMA school is closer than you think:
hemaalliance.com/club-finders
Where to find the medieval and renaissance manuscripts:
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Category:Weapons
Other relevant videos:
The best training swords for beginners
youtu.be/OgTOdg0z1DM
More about footwork (including more complex steps)
youtu.be/H2l7nOAJcwI
More about gripping the handle
youtu.be/Bn8ux49Fh8k
How to Practice Sword Cutting
youtu.be/EUYI-oiBpK4
*** Music credits ***
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee
Used with artist's permission
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #hema #swordfighting #martialarts #beginnersguide #howto
This is my take on a comprehensive beginner's guide to train on your own, whether it be because you don't have any instructors nearby or because you want to do your "homework" and get used to essential movement patterns.
It covers the basic footwork, how to grip a sword (single- and two-handed), practicing cuts and thrusts, pros and cons of different methods, and other important things to know when you're starting out.
If you find this helpful, please consider supporting me on Patreon or via Youtube memberships. Thanks!
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
And who knows, maybe a HEMA school is closer than you think:
hemaalliance.com/club-finders
Where to find the medieval and renaissance manuscripts:
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Category:Weapons
Other relevant videos:
The best training swords for beginners
youtu.be/OgTOdg0z1DM
More about footwork (including more complex steps)
youtu.be/H2l7nOAJcwI
More about gripping the handle
youtu.be/Bn8ux49Fh8k
How to Practice Sword Cutting
youtu.be/EUYI-oiBpK4
*** Music credits ***
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee
Used with artist's permission
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #hema #swordfighting #martialarts #beginnersguide #howto
