None of our tournaments are in any way, shape, or form, going to be on the HEMA Social Score AKA HEMA Ratings. Good vibes only, macho nonsense, excessive force, and general poor behaviour will not be tolerated. Trophy hunters need not apply, step aside and let some other folk enjoy themselves.
Saturday Steel
On Saturday we’ll close proceedings with a steel tournament, however in order to bring in something a bit different this tournament will emphasis maximum control and fancy fencing as it will be fought with minimal protective equipment.
You will require a steel broadsword or similar (sabres, cutlasses and spadroons will do in a pinch), a mask with back-of-the-head protection, a gorget and some light gloves, as well as a box/cup if your anatomy requires it.
The tournament will be fought “dance card” style. When you sign up for the tournament we’ll draw up a sheet with every participants name on. You’ll be given a copy of this and the rest is up to you, you’ve got the allocated tournament time to go and find people on the sheet, befriend them, challenge them and fight them! You’ll fence two passes and then make some notes on your sheet.
At the end of the tournament time we’ll call you all in and ask you to highlight the person who made your day with their fancy fencing, smiles, chivalry, technical prowess or whatever other metric you’re using, we’ll tally the votes up and see who the peer-voted winner is! No bronze, silver, or gold, just one silly little prize for the funnest fencer who you had fun fighting with.
Remember, a person doesn’t have to win any bouts whatsoever to be elligible to win the prize. How you choose to score is up to you but we would strongly discourage the notion that a win is automatically worthy of some kind of vote. A person can still lose and fence flawlessly or do something, either in terms of martial skill, courage, or strength of character that impresses you.
Sunday Singlestick
On Sunday afternoon we’ll be wrapping up the event with our usual fun and games singlestick tournament, but with a twist this year based on some historical singlestick practices.
You will need a singlestick (some loaners are available), ideally with a rattan blade. No whippy hazel or super-thin staves please! You will also need a mask with back-of-the-head protection, forearm guard with solid elbow protection, and a box/cup if your anatomy requires it. We will be scoring “blood to the head” via a ballon taped to your head. Pop the opponent’s balloon, you win! There is another win condition based on some old singlestick traditions… You will loop a rope around your thigh and you must hold this rope taut with a high elbow (at the height of your own nose) at all times during the bout. If the rope drops, you also lose!
The tournament will be fought “dance card” style. When you sign up for the tournament we’ll draw up a sheet with every participants name on. You’ll be given a copy of this and the rest is up to you, you’ve got the allocated tournament time to go and find people on the sheet, befriend them, challenge them and fight them!
At the end of the tournament time we’ll call you all in and ask you to highlight the person who made your day with their fancy fencing, smiles, chivalry, technical prowess or whatever other metric you’re using, we’ll tally the votes up and see who the peer-voted winner is! No bronze, silver, or gold, just one silly little prize for the funnest fencer who you had fun fighting with.