Super Single Sidesword Showdown

🗡️ LHFC Sidesword Friendly

A day of cuts, camaraderie, and charm

📅 Date: Sunday, August 10th
📍 Venue: Arch 12, 21 Miles Street, Vauxhall, SW8 1RZ
🕐 Time: 10:00–18:00 (followed by pub!)
💷 Entry Fee: £30 for a single tournament, £45 for Open and W+
🎯 Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 7th

What is this?

This is LHFC’s first-ever single sidesword tournament — a casual, fun, and lightly experimental event designed to get more people fencing with a weapon more regularly eclipsed by what’s in the offhand. Whether you’re a dall’Agocchie devotee, Bolognese brawler, or just fancy trying something new, this is your chance.

It’s open to all, with no A/B splits and no need to be a sidesword expert. If you’ve picked up a sidesword before or even if you are a longsword main wanting to try something new, you’re welcome here.

Who is it for?

  • LHFC members who want to try sidesword in a friendly format.
  • Fencers from other clubs looking for a day of good-natured, quality fencing.
  • Newer fighters who’ve maybe never competed before — this is a safe, supportive place to start.
  • Experienced fencers who want to test their skills against a mix of opponents in a more relaxed environment.

What to expect

  • Friendly vibes and great fencing in Open and W+ competitions
  • A straightforward ruleset (focused on control, intent, and clean hits)
  • A mix of pools and elimination rounds
  • Prizes? Maybe. Glory? Possibly. Good-natured heckling? Almost certainly.
  • Sparring post-tourney!

Rules & Equipment

  • Weapon: Sideswords with a maximum length defined by the Wessex League equipment standards for sword and buckler. Loaners are not available due to limited supply (we have two). LHFC members may borrow club kit as usual.
  • Gear: Standard HEMA tournament gear required (mask, jacket, gorget, gloves, etc.) as per the Wessex League equipment standards.
  • Ruleset: We will be using the Wessex League Sabre ruleset as the base rules, with the following additions:
    • False edge cuts score fully.
    • Pommel strikes or strikes with any part of the weapon other than the blade are not permitted.

Schedule

Doors Open: 09:00 / Check-in: 09:30

Open Competition
1st Round of Pools: 10:00–11:15
2nd Round of Pools: 11:15–12:30
Eliminations Begin: 12:30
Eliminations End: 13:45

Women’s+ Category
Start: 14:00
Eliminations Begin: 15:15
Eliminations End: 16:15

Free Sparring
Begin: 16:15
End: 18:00

Pub: 18:30 onwards

Register Now

Spaces are limited due to the size of our hall, so don’t delay if you’re keen to join.

Questions?

Got questions about kit, format, or anything else? Drop us a message on Instagram or contact us.