Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 13 hours ago

---

Concussions are a serious topic in every contact sport. Historical European martial arts (HEMA) are no exception. In this video I will share some important tips on Posture and Neck Training that can literally save your neck.

First up is posture. While it’s common advice in most martial arts to tuck your chin, quite a few HEMAists are ignoring that – myself included for a long time. Getting hit like that by a sword thrust in the mask transfers almost all of it’s energy directly into the head and neck.

Neck strength is a scientifically proven factor to reduce the risk of getting a concussion. Here are some simple exercises to work on a better posture and strengthening your neck:
- Neck Curls
- Neck Hold & Tuck
- Neck Side-Curls
- Neck Turns
Do every exercise for around 15 repetitions. Do one round every day or 3 rounds at least twice a week. Add weight / resistance as needed.

Sword fighting, especially with a longsword can bear some risks. But with these exercises and some control in your training you should be able to prevent more injuries to your neck and head. Take care and train safe!

#hema #posture #concussion

Music: Witcher 3 OST.

00:00 Intro
00:24 Posture
01:27 Neck Training
04:01 Equipment & Control

Sources:
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-016-0490-4 (just the abstract is free of charge unfortunately)

link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10935-014-0355-2.pdf (just the abstract is free of charge unfortunately)

researchgate.net/profile/Elizabeth_Chapman6/publication/282835769_Neck_Muscle_Strength_Training_in_the_Risk_Management_of_Concussion_in_Contact_Sports_Critical_Appraisal_of_Application_to_Practice/links/579234ad08ae33e89f755d4b/Neck-Muscle-Strength-Training-in-the-Risk-Management-of-Concussion-in-Contact-Sports-Critical-Appraisal-of-Application-to-Practice.pdf

researchgate.net/profile/Joseph_Signorile/publication/248645396_Investigation_of_the_Slow_Isoinertial_Cervical_Strength_Training_on_Dynamic_Stabilization_of_the_Head_and_Neck_during_Football_Tackle/links/540f309f0cf2df04e75a2856/Investigation-of-the-Slow-Isoinertial-Cervical-Strength-Training-on-Dynamic-Stabilization-of-the-Head-and-Neck-during-Football-Tackle.pdf

tbi-innovations.com/resources/161223-%7C-Schneider-Myer-helmet-no-brain-protect-BJSM-16l.pdf