About launch as a HEMA school and payment
What has happened?
To allow us to truly teach HEMA in an effective and structured way, Einherjar has announced that we will be launching a beginner course and a new structured weekly regular session that will be paid from [DATE].
We will also now have an optional annual membership fee that will give members access to our partnership discount with Black Armoury and The HEMA Shop as well as borrow from our library of books. (library available only when permanent training ground settled)
本會營運制度有變更？
英靈歐洲武術會致力推廣史實歐洲武術(HEMA)，為了提供更有效率及結構的教學，我們將會於2020年6月7日（星期日）推出全新的入門課程，以及重新結構化每週的恆常訓練，並開始徵收學費。
此外，我們亦開始實行會員制，會員將專享本會與Black Armoury, TheHEMAshop的合作伙伴購物優惠，以及在本會的圖書庫借取書籍。(library available only when permanent training ground settled)
What is the payment plan? When will it start? What are my options?
There are two courses. The beginner’s course enrolment and the regular course attendance will begin on 7th June 2020.
Beginner course:
HK$850 for 8 classes for 10 people per cadre
Paid up front
Required for new joiners
Minimum age: 18
Equipment: Einherjar will lend you a steel longsword, a mask, heavy gloves, athletic towel / bandana for the mask and Cut-proof liner gloves
This course is for beginners to learn the basics of fencing in a historical martial arts. It also qualifies you to join the regular weekly session
Weekly session:
HK$200 per class
Paid on entry per class
Requires completion of the beginner course
Minimum age: 18
Equipment: provided by attendee
This is our weekly session where we teach techniques and test them in sparring. This is for all of our intermediate to advanced members
Annual membership
HK$500 a year
Gain access to our club gear discounts
Borrow from our library
Required before representing us in competitions if chosen
本會提供兩個收費教學項目，包括入門課程 及 每週訓練。 兩個項目都由2020年6月7日（星期日）正式開始。
入門課程：
整個課程收費港幣850，共8堂，每班上限為10人
報名時付款
新學員必須首先完成此課程
年齡限制：18歲或以上
所需裝備將會由本會借出，包括鋼製練習長劍、面罩、重型護手、用作面罩內襯的頭巾/毛巾 及防割手套
此課程將教授史實歐洲長劍術的核心內容，完成此課程後可參加每週的進階訓練及自由對打訓練
每週訓練：
每堂收費港幣100-200 (TBC)
上課前付款
必須已完成入門課程才能參加
年齡限制：18歲或以上
自行帶備所需裝備
課堂將於會探討及鑽研特定技術，與同好互相練習、測試，並將技術應用於對打練習中。此課堂適合中階及進階HEMA研習者。
會員年費
港幣500-12個月 或 350-6個月(TBC)
享有本會於指定公司的購物優惠
租借本會書庫的書籍
能選拔作為本會代表劍士參加比賽
Why did you choose to change to a paid model? Why now?
As our club has grown faster and become more seasoned in recent years, we felt it was time to move to a more effective and structured way to teach HEMA. This martial art has a level of depth that we previously could not explore in a class format due to gear, coach and time limitations. With a paid model, we can invest in more equipment, such as agility ladders, to provide a significantly better experience to a more indepth dive into HEMA.
為什麼要收費，為什麼現在開始？
因應近年本會成員人數激增，為了提供更有效率及結構的教學，我們決定進入收費的營運模式，以解決練習器材、教練資源、時間、甚至場地等限制，進一步提升學員在研習HEMA的體驗。
What extra do I get with the money as an old member?
We are upgrading our weekly sessions. We will now include highly structured and researched lessons that have the support of exercise props, reading material and more. You will gain much more for our new sessions.
On top of this we are also offering a transition deal for you [NEEDS UPDATING]
作為舊會員，我付費後能得到什麼？
本會將升級每週的練習，重新結構化訓練項目，亦能使用新添置的操練道具、租用書籍以及更多。另外，本會亦向舊會員提供一個過渡期優惠，在2020年6月份及7月份參加每週恆常訓練獲享半價折扣。[NEEDS UPDATING]
Are there professional instructors for the beginners course, regular sparring & techniques session?
Yes. They will be certified HEMA instructors and also first aid trained to provide both a worthwhile and safe experience for all our students.
有否專業教練施教？
有
Is this to eliminate those too poor to join?
Our goal with the new pricing model is to upgrade our teaching of HEMA into an effective and structured set of lessons. These funds also allow us to further introduce HEMA to a wider audience through our new beginner course.
是否要排除窮人參加？
由於近年成員人數激增，徵收學費是為了我們更詳細地策劃教案、提供更有效率及更具結構的課堂。與此同時，入門課程讓我們能將HEMA文化更廣泛地推廣給有興趣或有潛質的香港人。
Limitations on numbers of participants in each session?
We have a maximum of 8 people per beginners course
Our regular weekly session has a likely maximum of 15 people, but that can change depending on the location.
課堂有否人數限制？
入門課程 8人。
每週練習視乎該次租用場地的大小，最大的場地能最多15人參加，最少的場地最多能容納約8人。
Are there any physical requirements to join?
We welcome all who are interested to join us on our HEMA journey as HEMA is both physical and mental. To help us better advise you on what you can expect and achieve with us, please declare individual ailments and difficulties.
有否體能上要求？
沒有一致性的要求。請申報有否受運能運動影響的疾病或傷患。
Am I required to bring my own equipment to training?
Einherjar will lend you the required equipment for the Beginner course
You are required to bring your own equipment to the regular session. Please refer to the level of sparring you can expect from different levels of equipment in our “required equipment” document here: [URL]
需要自備裝備上課嗎？
學徙課程：不用
每週恆常訓練：需要，詳細的裝備要求請參考「最低裝備需求」: [URL]
Are women welcome?
We welcome all genders and can cater for different body types and ages as well.
歡迎女性？
所有性別都歡迎。
What age restrictions?
Those 18 and above can join on their own. Anyone younger than 18 requires parental and/or guardian written approval and waiver
有否年齡限制？
對象為18歲或以上，不足18歲者則需要監護人簽署書面同意書及免責聲明 書。
Are the weapons legal? Is it safe to keep at home
Our equipment (such as federschwert) are not meant to be weapons, they are fencing equipment and are therefore safe to keep at home.
那些「劍」是不是武器？保有在家中安全嗎？
本會的武術裝備並不是武器，更像是劍擊器材，目的是為學習及體驗史實劍擊而專門製成的工具。只要操作正確就能安全使用。
Can I solo practice in a public area?
Safety is a top priority for both our members and members of the public. Whilst, you may solo practice in a public area, you must do so at your own discretion. Find a secluded and quiet area large enough so you do not accidentally hit someone else nor intrude into their space. Make the effort to be discrete and avoid misunderstandings.
我可以自己在公眾地方獨自進行練習，例如空揮練習嗎？
可以，但請按常識判斷，選擇合理的時間及地點，以避免影響到他人的考量下自行決定。較理想的地點為僻靜、廣闊及沒有路人經過的空地，練習時請時刻留意四周，避免造成意外或誤會。
What happens to me if I am an existing member and cannot afford to pay?
To facilitate your transition we are offering all regular weekly sessions in June and July at half price for existing members. You have helped bring us and push us to improve our teaching. As you have improved, so shall our teaching. We hope that you will continue to support us as we increase our quality of teaching so that we can all grow together. [TBC]
本會可向舊會員提供一個過渡期優惠，在2020年6月份及7月份參加每週恆常訓練獲享半價折扣。 (TBC)
Can you provide a permanent training location? If yes, where?
We do not have our own permanent training location. However, we host our beginner courses at the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre next to the Tsuen Wan West MTR station. We will also try to book our regular weekly session close to the area as much as we can.
有否永久場地提供？
暫未
About Einherjar
What is Einherjar?
Einherjar is Hong Kong’s Historical European Martial Arts club that explores and develops HEMA both competitively and academically to create a HEMA hub in Asia and contribute to the wider global community.
英靈歐洲武術會是什麼？
英靈歐洲武術會是香港最大型的史實歐洲武術學校，透過鑽研武術手稿及實踐競技比試，致力推動史實歐洲武術文化在香港發展，令更多人能體驗到歐洲武術文化的精髓，同時提升學者的體能水平及自我學習能力。
What is different about Einherjar
Our research, training and open-minded methodology has given our members the knowledge and skill that combined to make both medal winners and academics. We created this club to gather our family of both sportsmen, academics and just purely curious of HEMA. Today we aim to pass on this methodology, knowledge and skill to others so that they can experience what we did and bring it to yet another level.
We came from all walks of life and practiced across disciplines. This is the reason for our success. Our ability to practice and train against others who have different and rigorously developed interpretations have allowed us to better develop our own disciplines and we are committed to investing in this experience for our club members. This is critical to what we all hold core to our hearts despite our differences: respect and responsibility to each other.
本會有什麼出眾的優勢？
本會一直以來堅持對手稿進行深入的研究、保持適量的技術訓練以及保持開通的思維，成就了學員在比賽及學術兩方面的成就。我們歡迎運動員、武術家、學者、及任何對史實歐洲武術有興趣的人。今日，我們希望能教授史實歐洲武術的理論、知識及技術，讓新學員能夠充分體驗史實歐洲武術，提升各方面的技術水平。
本會由來自不同背景、研習不同派別劍術的劍手齊集而成，正因為我們能夠與持不同見解及理論的朋友開明地交流、理論、對打測試，從而互相提升實力，這正是我們最大的優勢。最重要的是，我們決心秉承這優良的核心思想：時刻尊重他人及做事負責任。
What are your goals?
As the home of HEMA in Hong Kong, we are looking to lead the way to creating a nexus of HEMA in Asia. We work to unite martial arts in the practice and testing of such arts in a way that respects both the context and members of each art.
本會的目標有什麼？
本會作為史實歐洲武術在香港的大本營，我們正努力做好推動本地的教育本份，有望刺激周邊地區的發展，促進跨區跨國的交流，最終讓香港的HEMA成為亞洲的HEMA樞紐。
About HEMA
What is HEMA?
Historical European martial arts (HEMA) refers to martial arts of European origin. HEMA particularly focuses on arts that were formerly practiced, but having since died out or evolved into very different forms.
史實歐洲武術是什麼？
史實歐洲武術是指歷史上真實存在過在歐洲區域使用過的武術。由於當時師承制教學及武術學校傳授的武術造詣已經消散於歷史演進的洪流之中，成為一門已死的藝術。幸運的是，我們仍然可以籍著閱讀歷史上殘存下來的武術手稿、書藉等，將失落的武藝再次重塑，再透過實際對打測試、試斬測試，反覆進行以上實驗去驗證我們對技術的理解，盡可以還原當年武術的光輝與刺激。
What is different about HEMA?
Einherjar’s founders rallied to HEMA because we believe in both the scholarly pursuit of the study and the interpretation of the historical techniques set down by the masters. We also believe in the application of these as a martial art. In other words, this is a rare martial art that accepts people who are both martially minded and those academically minded so they can work together to recreate and rigorously test the resurrection of historical european martial arts.
史實歐洲武術有什麼特別之處？
本會的創辦人都為了追求研究這古代武術大師遺下的武術及測試自己的理解而聚首一堂，我們都打從心底裡認同追求重塑這個武術的過程是一門藝術。換個句說，HEMA是一門少數能夠融合武術家與學者的走上同一條道路，透過解讀武術手稿的古文字，加上穿上護具來反複測試自己的理念，一起復興過去武術文化光輝的藝術。
What are the goals of HEMA?
To explore, interpret, recreate and test the techniques and skill set down by historical european martial artists so that eventually we will understand these arts and be able to fully resurrect them.
史實歐洲武術的目的是什麼？
歐洲過去的各個武術大師雖然沒能把當時的技術一直傳承到現在，但幸運的是他們遺下了不少武術手稿及書籍，使現代人有機會探索幾百年前、冷兵器仍然盛行的戰鬥術。
而我們就是要去探索、理解、重塑、測試這門武術，研究相關的歷史脈絡，反複琢磨自己對劍術的理解，領悟劍術的奧秘，以至復興真正的史實歐洲武術。
I can’t afford the classes/gear, can I still learn HEMA?
We encourage you to visit the various resources we have here [Link to reference material]. Reading and understanding the manuscripts is a core part of HEMA and was our own starting point when we were in your position.
Pick up a stick and start experimenting. Feel free to ask us questions if you need to!
In time, you can join our beginners course and even purchase your own mask, gloves and sword! [Link to equipment requirements doc]
How is it different from kendo/Olympic fencing?
HEMA is a different martial art at its core. Whist Kendo and Olympic Fencing are living martial arts that have not been lost to time, HEMA attempts to recreate and resurrect many lost European martial arts. Our method of combining our research with the practical application through sparring differentiates HEMA from Kendo and Olympic fencing.
Nature of activity:
HEMA by nature is a martial art that pursues technical excellence. The difference is in the focus and goals. A similar analogy is for example, where Kenjitsu focuses on perfecting form and cutting, Kendo focuses on scoring points.
Having said that, HEMA does recognize the practicality of sparring and competition. This is why we include a scored sparring aspect to help us test the viability of techniques under stress. As such, HEMA also includes the excitement of combat that can be provided by activities like Kendo and olympic fencing.
活動性質方面：
HEMA包含了不同種類的史實的兵器作戰訓練(長兵器、短兵器、馬上作戰、盔甲作戰、徙手摔角等)，而劍道與奧運劍擊是較運動競技化的武術，例如模擬兵器的工具會大幅減低重量與改變重心位置等，另外亦規限了可透過攻擊得分的部位等。
Equipment:
HEMA’s fencing equipment is made with reference to historical equipment used in the time period. The weight and balance of the sword realistically reflects their real counterparts and therefore makes the entire experience as realistic as possible without risking significant injury.
This is coupled by our protective equipment. Since we are allowed to hit most places of the body with the exception of the back of the head, spine or groin, our specialised HEMA equipment protection level is higher across the entire body and cannot be replaced by other sports equipment.
裝備方面 ：
HEMA作為史實的武術，採用的對練工具也是參考史實資料，以長劍為例，現代歐洲鐵匠重塑出的頓刃鋼製練習劍，其長度、重量及重心都與史實兵器非常接近。
而HEMA對練時除了後腦、脊椎、下陰等危險部位嚴禁攻擊外，基本上全身都是得分位置，並不會出現有效擊中但未能得分的情況。正因如此，HEMA的護具是覆蓋全身，提供充足保護的現代護具。而劍道與奧運劍擊的護具是專門設計至用於該專項比試中保護特定位置而穿載，所以基本上除了劍擊面罩外，劍道及奧運劍擊的護具並不能代替HEMA護具使用。
Rules:
HEMA does not have a codified set of scoring rules, but instead varies in scoring systems from tournament to tournament to test different aspects of our martial art. A common difference that shows our martial focus when compared to other activities is the accounting of the “after blow”.
Instead of “who hits first, wins” most HEMA rulesets penalize those who hit first yet receive a blow immediately after. This emphasizes and encourages fencers to put their own safety above that of scoring the point and thus a more realistic martial culture that respects the true nature of a sword fight.
規則方面：
HEMA在全球均沒有劃一的比賽規則，而是幾乎在每個比賽都有不同的規例。這是由於全球的HEMA社群都抱有同一共識，目的是避免練習者過份習慣某個得分模式，從而鼓勵練習者能全方位、均衡發展自己的技術。
此外，在全球的HEMA對打練習中有一個共識要求有別於劍道及奧運劍擊的得分規例。舉例說，奧運劍擊的對練目標在於誰能先成功攻擊到對手，即使馬上被對手還擊擊中要害也沒有關係，因為比賽已經馬上暫停了。而HEMA的對練目標在於誰能攻擊到對手，並且能擋下對手還擊，設法不被對手擊中，全身而退，以至最終存活下來。這種模式能鼓勵練習者充分模擬真實劍鬥，同時對劍鬥的本質心存敬畏。
HIGH RISK QUESTIONS:
Before answering questions of this nature, please notify the group to determine whether answering is absolutely necessary.
Please use the answers to the high risk questions as it is here without changing any wording.
Any question about politics
We are a growing historical european martial arts school. We are apolitical. HEMA is practiced in einherjar to enrich both physical well-being and the understanding of historical fencing manuscripts.
有關政治立場
本會是發展中的史實歐洲武術學校，是非政治性的團體。本會提供的訓練的目的是提升身體質素及理解史實武術手稿。
Accusations about HEMA/Einherjar breeding violence:
Historical european martial arts is practiced to enrich physical well-being and the understanding of historical manuscripts. Our techniques apply to the context of the historical period and cannot be directly translated to the modern setting. As is with the 15th-century German fencing guilds, we train to show practical and effective skill in our martial art.
有關HEMA導致學員萌生暴力傾向的指控
本會提供的訓練的目的是提升學員的身體質素及理解史實武術手稿的能力，此等古代的技術只能在模擬特定的情況中運用，並不能直接應用於現代之中。有如15世紀的德國劍術公會一樣，旨在訓練學生在劍術上的造詣。
If stopped by police and questioned about equipment and the swords:
I do fencing. This is my fencing equipment.
If pressed about the sword
I do historical fencing. This is one of many types of historical fencing foils. This federschwert is a historical fencing foil and is german for “feather blade”. It is made specifically for safe fencing.