I don't know much about HEMA, but why would you have a guard that requires you to hold the blade?

I can understand it on a single-edged blade but on a double-edged sword?

So cards on the table: I am a 4th Dan student of Aikido.

I had initially written a long response explaining why I disagree with you, but I realised I don't really care and you're unlikely to change your opinion.

Each martial art (traditional, modern, boxing, HEMA, whatever) offers something different to its practitioners. If you enjoy it, keep doing it.

I'd probably get destroyed by a competent MMA fighter, but I don't do Aikido to win MMA matches.

Can I defend myself on the street? Dunno... haven't been in a fight in decades, and don't intend to either.

Do I still enjoy Aikido? Fuck yeah.

Tags for this video have been changed from 'shoplifter, thief, celebration, party' to 'shoplifter, thief, celebration, party, dutch, shop, hema, cake, security, 00s, crime' - edited by Eklek

A YouTube comment said:

The sign says; "HEMA Amstelveen feliciteert de 10000ste winkeldief"
(HEMA=companyname)
(Amstelveen= place near Amsterdam)
(feliciteert= congratulates)
(10000ste= 10000th)
(winkeldief=shoplifter)