Historical fencing event for under represented genders in Surrey.
Suit of Swords event Glasgow
This weekend was my first ever time in Scotland! I was kindly invited by organisers Madeleine Thomson and Rose Jones to the first ever URG led event in the country.
Friday we arrived early and spent the day looking at spectacular armour, weapons and exhibits in the Kelvingrove Museum.
Saturday was a day of teaching: I was honoured to be among Jo York, Sue Kirk, Melissa Hainsworth, Diana Mathess, Alyson Duffy, Kerry Tamplin and Victoria Clow who all ran a large range of amazing workshops to an enthusiastic attendance of fencers from local clubs.
I was initially asked to teach Sword and Buckler but ended up teaching Rapier and companion weapons as well due to fellow instructor Emilia Skirmuntt being unable to attend.
It was a great day followed by a fun night point in the city. I took a moment to interview Rose and Madeleine so look forward to a podcast soon.
Sunday was competition day with rated sabre and longsword tournaments, followed by a mixed weapon tournament where weapons are chosen by picking a random tarot card – hence the event name.
A highly enjoyable weekend, run by passionate fencers in a gorgeous city. I highly recommend attending if you get the chance.
New podcast: 5 Things I will not be teaching you as your coach
🥇“Winning is everything”. Winning is just a visible part of fencing. There is a fathoms-deep chunk beneath the surface of learning, passion and personal growth.
👀 To look down on other fencers and clubs. Parochial perceptions persist, and a community is more than the club you belong to. We can’t grow as a movement without understanding, connection and cross pollination.
âś… That my way is the only correct way. None of the masters can agree on what is the correct way to learn and practice fencing, far be it from me to make that claim. Find as many teachers as you can, choose wisely.
💪🏼 That you need a grindset. Your phone, your car, your brain and your body will not run on empty. Rest, find other hobbies and communities. HEMA is only one part of your life.
💥 How to generate power. Sharp swords don’t need power, in fact, striking hard is a bad idea and leads to sloppy fencing. You need to bump up your DEX, more than your STR.
By the Sword partners with Historical Combat Armory
We are proud to partner with new HEMA gear supplier Historical Combat Armory in Canada.
To celebrate we are offering all attendees of our monthly meet ups the chance to win a discount coupon of $30, in addition to a 10% discount available to all members of our WhatsApp community who place group orders.
Visit HCA now to check out their amazing and affordable swords and equipment.
HEMA is for everyone ⚔️ 🧡
New podcast: taming toxicity in HEMA
Think your club isn’t like those other clubs you hear about where bad behaviour goes unchecked? Think again! All clubs have the potential to grow toxic culture.
We tend to imagine our own club is utopian compared to the others you hear about on social media where bad things happen. I’m here to let you know that every club is fertile ground for toxic behaviour. But what can we do about it?
Please support my work on Patreon or Ko-Fi to get benefits and help me reach more listeners. Just leaving a review will make a big impact. Thank you.
By the Sword 