You Are Bulletproof Until You're Not

I have been fighting for almost four years now and I have a respectable collection of aches and pains. One shoulder cracked, the other torn, a pulled hamstring, cracked rib and more bruises than I can count. They are all thanks to rattan or steel weapons in the SCA and synthetic or steel in HEMA. As with any physical sport (an some not so physical) injuries are just part of the game. Pain can be good teacher, reminding us not to do something rash or carelessly disregard an opening. The threat of pain adds to the thrill and especially when starting out in a sport like HEMA, your armor can make you feel bulletproof. But sooner or later you it catches up with you.
  You have one body, and while the human body has an incredible capacity to mend itself (within reason) it is the only one you have. A momentary lapse in judgment can leave you with consequences that can last the rest of your life. For example a gentleman I know through my work, in a fit of anger punched a wall and found a stud in the process. After numerous surgeries and bone grafts his hand could not be properly mended resulting in the need to amputate his right pinky all the way back to the wrist.
  I believe these consequences force us to learn temperance. This temperance can slowly turn the brash young hero into a cautious and calculating warrior. While these injuries do force us to learn this caution, it in not the only way. Making smart choices and thinking your way through can teach you temperance as well as any torn shoulder but without the regret. Don't do stupid things. If your gut says don't then by all means listen. Sparring without hand protection? Bad idea, even if you are doing it "half speed." Saving some money on cheaper armor? You may up paying for it later in more than one way. Swing a sword in anger? WAY BAD IDEA!

  With any martial art there is a mental discipline along with the physical. I think HEMA lacks this to a certain extend because we are resurrecting an extinct combat system. There is no unbroken line of master like that of other martial arts but the principles are the same. Respect is necessary. Respect for the weapon, respect for the art, respect for you teacher, respect for you opponent and most of all respect for yourself.