HEMA, Safe Sparring

[Intro] Gear up right, play it safe, Respect your partner, keep the pace. Strikes controlled, no reckless race, HEEMAH’s an art, in honor and grace. First let’s hear about the Gear: [Verse] Use a weapon that is safe, controlled with care, Bends for thrusting, weighted fair. A wide tip so no harm’s there, If unsure, ask before you dare. Wear your gear, don’t leave a piece, Or your sparring must cease. Ensure your foe’s gear is in place, From head to shin, all must brace. Mask and gorget, gloves and cup, Jacket, plastron, armor up. Elbows, forearms, shins, and knees, Protected well to spar with ease. Wear clothes that won’t easily tear, 350 N or more, the rating to wear. Cervical spine with a guard so keen, and a back of head protector seen. [Chorus] Gear up right, play it safe, Respect your partner, keep the pace. Strikes controlled, no reckless race, HEEMAH’s an art, in honor and grace. [Bridge] Next, Let’s hear about Communication: [Verse] Ask if injuries are around, Any off-limit targets found? Agree on speed, intensity’s bound, Warm up first before the rounds. Check if grappling is okay, And which forms you want to display. Voice your needs, and don’t dismay, Salute before you start to play. Call out “hit” when struck with skill, Praise your foe, if you will. Stop at “hit” or “hold” until, All are safe and none are ill. Say if something causes fear, Call out “hold,” make it clear. If safety’s breached and they're severe, Find another, let seniors hear. Advocate for safety's sake, Thank your foe after sparring’s break. [Chorus] Gear up right, play it safe, Respect your partner, keep the pace. Strikes controlled, no reckless race, HEEMAH’s an art, in honor and grace. [Bridge] Next, Let’s hear about Weapon Actions: [Verse] Adjust your strikes, you don’t need might, Displace with force but don't drive tight. See your target, hit with sight, Avoid the back, it’s not polite. Never strike the groin, refrain, Or any spot your foe’s disdain. Pantomime the hits that would maim, Control your power, don’t cause pain. Thrust with care, know your range, Collapse arms to avoid a strained, Push or whiplash, rearrange, Release pressure, then disengage. No stabbing quillions, that’s not fair game, Pommel strikes, it’s all the same, Front of mask is where to aim, Lightly done, keep it tame. Strike with control, aim is key, Reckless actions cannot be. Communicate, ensure safety, Keep the sparring injury-free. [Chorus] Gear up right, play it safe, Respect your partner, keep the pace. Strikes controlled, no reckless race, HEEMAH’s an art, in honor and grace. [Chorus] Gear up right, play it safe, Respect your partner, keep the pace. Strikes controlled, no reckless race, HEEMAH’s an art, in honor and grace. Next, Let’s hear about Grappling: [Verse] Grapple only with consent, Avoid moves with ill intent. Complex hilts must not be wrenched Those twists end up with fingers bent. Takedowns done with gentle touch, On hard ground? adjust as such. Avoid head drops, they’re too much, Pantomime the kick and punch Joint manipulation, if you must, Do it gently, gain their trust. Face and neck, be careful thus, Preventing harm is always just. [Chorus] Gear up right, play it safe, Respect your partner, keep the pace. Strikes controlled, no reckless race, HEEMAH’s an art, in honor and grace. [Outro]