Concussions are a risk in HEMA, the whole point of what we’re doing is to hit each other. So if we’re going to continue happily bonking each other in the head for years to come, we should do our best to be safe and responsible about it.
Make sure that you are always getting paid for your coaching. And that will most often not be in money.
One aspect that I feel is a significant detriment to the development and understanding of HEMA is what I call the “Video Game Conception of Martial Arts”. And you don’t need to play video games to fall into the trap.
Are the mechanics of sparring with sharp swords appreciably different than with blunts? We fought with sharps so you don’t have to.