Medieval Combat Sports Gain Popularity in Argentina

In Argentina, historical European martial arts (HEMA) are attracting people interested in unconventional sports. The practice combines historical research with athletic training, reconstructing real combat systems documented by weapons masters from the 12th to 20th centuries. Valeria Ibañez, an instructor in the country, defines HEMA as a contemporary activity blending research, physical practice, and controlled combat.

Practitioners interpret surviving technical manuals, like those from Italian Fiore dei Liberi and German Johannes Liechtenauer, translating theory into movement. The global revival of HEMA began in the 2000s with the rise of the internet, specifically platforms like the collaborative encyclopedia Wiktenauer, which digitized historical manuals. Though various weapon systems are studied, the longsword—a two-handed knightly weapon—is central.

Currently, roughly 500 people practice HEMA in Argentina, with groups in cities like La Plata, Mendoza, and Buenos Aires. The Argentine HEMA Community facilitates exchange between instructors and students.

Training involves physical conditioning, source interpretation, and sparring with protective gear. While offering physical and mental benefits, practitioners emphasize the strong sense of community the sport fosters. The work of reconstructing these techniques from historical sources continues.