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WABUKAN Arsenal · Shields and protection · Europe

Buckler

A small round shield held in the fist, used to deflect blows and protect the sword hand.

Buckler
Buckler WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

broquel; brocchiere; Faustschild

Origin and history

The buckler is a small hand-held shield used with a sword from the Middle Ages to the 16th century, by soldiers and civilians alike. It is taught in Ms. I.33 and in Italian and English sources.

Martial arts that use it

HEMA

Construction

A round shield of about 25–40 cm made of steel or wood, held by a single grip behind a central boss.

Basic techniques

Training

Protective equipment is part of training itself: students learn to put it on correctly, check straps and padding, and move and breathe while wearing it before any contact work.

Safety

Protection only works if it fits: replace cracked, torn or compressed padding, check helmets and grilles regularly and let damp gear dry fully to avoid skin infections.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

The English word swashbuckler comes from the noise of swords striking (swashing) bucklers.

More weapons

Boxing gloves Bogu Tessen Tinbe-rochin

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Buckler
  2. Wikipedia — Royal Armouries Ms. I.33