Australian Historical Fencing League
Australia's oldest major HEMA tournament is on again!
New Venue, and new host - Vanguard Swordsmanship Academy.
Event rules and registration out soon.
Longsword, Rapier and Sabre Open tournament
Do you have what it takes to be the Oktoberfecht champion!?
Save the date because Oktoberfecht returns in 2026 with two days of fencing action where fencers will test their skills across longsword, sidesword, and a third category to be announced.
Join some of the best fencers in a tournament designed to showcase technical fencing and provide a platform to show the best of what the HEMA community has to offer.
Oktoberfecht prides itself on high quality refereeing and organisation, and as always results from the competition will be HEMA Rated, and be submitted to the Australian Historical Fencing League.
Whether you're a serious competitor or a beginner looking to try the tournament scene for the first time, Oktoberfecht awaits, so hit GOING or INTERESTED to make sure you don't miss out on updates!
Cut n' Thrust Campaign is back for 2026. This time its two days fighting for glory in Rapier & Dagger and Sabre.
As with every year, we aim to make this a fun and competitive event that's primary purpose is to showcase HEMA to an audience that can enjoy the sport/martial art in comfort. In this spirit please ask your family and friends to come and enjoy the exhibition.
Hiker Brewing Co. are kindly hosting again showcasing more award winning beers than last year. It will be tough not to have a good time!
The goal of this event is to create a safe space for fencers to push their skill in sabre and rapier, and to celebrate high level fencing.
The premier Gold Coast HEMA tournament is back in action! Housed in the beautiful scenic rim of the Gold Coast Hinterland, we are taking historical fencing to the highlands. This two day event will showcase some of Australia's best fencers in Longsword, Sidesword, Rapier, Sabre, and URG
This will be a double-pool then elimination event.
Interstate travelers will be assisted with billeting and travel to and from the venue.
Rules and equipment: Sword Fighter Standard rules, based on closely on the HFA rules and equipment
Participants: Competitors must be insured and come from a recognised/reputable historical fencing club.
Volunteers: Events are only possible with the help of volunteers, if you would like to be involved please let us know.
Spectators: Free for spectators. Limited seating available
Welcome to Sword of the South, brought to you by Ironclad Academy of the Sword. This is our inaugural open HEMA tournament for fencers around Australia and beyond.
We will be featuring two weapons this year over two days: the 20th of June for sabre and the 21st of June for longsword. In both weapon categories, we have applied for AHFL accreditation.
We have secured an excellent venue, the St Clair Recreation Centre in St Clair, South Australia. It is a substantial building with first class facilities and is close to Adelaide Airport and the city.
We aim to make the championship both professional and fun.
We will be announcing rules, pricing, fencer sign ups, tickets for spectators, and other details soon.
The easiest way to ensure you and any interested members of your club are kept up to date is to sign up to our event list here: https://forms.gle/bzezKXfjKG58WB3i8 and of course don’t forget to mark yourself as attending this facebook event.
Presented by the School of Historical Fencing.
This three day public holiday tournament event will feature Rapier, Longsword, and Sidesword open competitions plus URG and Masters categories. Each day will focus on only one weapon and all fencers will get a minimum of 8 matches per tournament
Interstate travelers will be assisted with billeting and travel to and from the venue, in addition interstate/international competitor tickets are discounted - use code INTERSTATE.
All participants must read and agree to comply with the code of conduct.
Dedicated Referees and Table Staff will receive an honorarium of $140 per day to thank them for their time and support of the event.
Full Information available here: https://historicalfencing.com.au/2026/02/mho/
Unicorn Fight Club is back for our sixth year!
The following tournaments are available:
- Longsword Tiers A&B
- Military Sabre Tiers A&B
- Open Spear (Partisan)
- Open Sidesword
- Open Rapier & Dagger
For the longword & sabre tournaments we are again running A&B divisions, these will be seeded by fencer's HEMA ratings (weighted ratings) after registration closes; the top six fencers from the "B" tier tournaments will also be added to the "A" tier pools, allowing for another chance at medaling.
This event will also be included in the Australian Historical Fencing League circuit, so expect some hotly contested finals.
Please go to: https://www.hemascorecard.com/infoSummary.php?e=971&t=0&m=0# for additional information.
Registration for competitors is here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18714
Put aside the date, book your flights to Christchurch, New Zealand, and get training for UFC6!
The School of Arms and Amour invites you to Canberra for our inaugural HEMA longsword and Sword and Buckler tournament.
Saturday there will be a Longsword Tournament and Sword and Buckler on the Sunday. Detailed timetable will be available in April.
Saturday 23 May 2026 9:05 AM - 5:00 PM (UTC+11)
Stromlo High School
220 Badimara Street, Waramanga ACT 2611
Join us for a celebration of sword fighting at TOSC MAYhem!
On May 9th and 10th The Old Sword Club is running social fencing, sabre tournaments, and a fencing training camp at Harold Park Community Hall (1 Dalgal Wy, Forest Lodge NSW) starting 9.00am each day.
For the Saturday sabre tournaments we’ll be running both a novice tournament and an opens tournament based on Victorian Era fencing conventions. The novice tournament is restricted to fencers who have competed in three or fewer HEMA, sports fencing, Kendo, or Buhurt tournaments (not counting internal or practice tournaments). The opens tournament is open to fencers of any level of experience and backgrounds (including anyone who competed in beginners). Tournament rules are available at https://theoldswordclub.com/tosc-mayhem-tournament-rules/
We will also have a dedicated Social Fencing space both days. In addition to being a great place to fence old and new friends the space will include a source lending library and a weapon lending library so you can try out some new and fun weapons or systems. There will also be boffers and spare protective gear for new fencers who haven’t got a full kit yet can still join in the fun.
On the Sunday we’ll be running a training day for you to improve your fencing. We’ll have a group warm up and plenary lesson to get everyone up and fencing, and then we’ll all be fencing while top level coaches will work with anyone who asks.
Merch is available at https://www.theoldswordclub.theprintbar.com/.../TOSC... so grab yours now.
Come and join in the fun! There’s fencing for everyone!
Anyone attending events run by The Old Sword Club is expected to abide the following:
Mutual respect – the Club’s culture is built on a basis of mutual respect, treat every single person, member or not, that is attached to the Club with courtesy, respect and politeness.
We are progressive and very anti-bigotry – the Club is designed to be a safe space for marginalised groups. We do not tolerate sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism or ageism.
Respect for boundaries – Do not touch, hug or enter into the personal space of someone without checking if they’re okay with it first.
Don’t play to win, Win by playing – Sword fighting is a fun hobby, and while there are competitive aspects our main goal is to create a friendly atmosphere that is enjoyable for everyone. Don’t get fixated if you “win” or “lose”, the point of the club is to have fun fencing without needing to keep score or be better than anyone else.
Ask for consent before sparring or drilling – Before engaging in drills, sparring or anything involving weapon you must have the full informed consent of your training partners. A person may withdraw their consent at any time, they are not required to explain why or justify doing so.
Active communication with participants – Make sure you are activity communicating with your training partners about your needs and regularly check in with them. Especially check in about safety expectations, injuries, and the intensity of drilling or bouting to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of your training partners.
Follow the safety rules – Make sure you follow the safety rules and safety directions from instructors and other participants.
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people as the custodians of the land in which our events take place and pay our respects to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal Peoples. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land
Master of Arms will be a unique HEMA tournament! Are you truly a master of HEMA, or just a sports fencer? Can you show your prowess with multiple unique weapons, or are you a one trick pony?
Day 1 will be Sword and Buckler AM and 3 vs 3 PM.
Day 2 will be Longsword AM and Spear PM.
Longsword and Sword and Buckler will contribute to AHFL rankings. All events contribute to the 'Master of Arms" trophy, going to the best overall performance. There will also be recognition of best rookie performance in each category.
Rules will be ASA's "least worst ruleset" - a simple afterblow system, except for 3 vs 3.
3 vs 3 will be teams of 3 - 1 longsword, 1 sword and buckler, and 1 spear. Teams fight multiple rounds with a simple wound system; ranking will be a combination of points and which competitor feedback on which OTHER team was the toughest to fight.
BYO weapons for all weapons except spear, loaners available. Longswords to current HFA standards. Messers, arming swords and sideswords under 92cm blade length allowed for sword and buckler
Set in the beautiful New England region of Armidale NSW, we’re bringing historical fencing to the high country for an unforgettable weekend. This two-day event will showcase some of Australia’s best fencers across Longsword, Sidesword, Sword and buckler, URG, and Sabre, all in a competitive yet welcoming atmosphere.
The tournament will run in a double-pool followed by elimination format, ensuring plenty of fencing for all competitors. Travellers will be supported with transport to and from the venue. Rules and equipment will be closely based on HFA rules and requirements.
Competitors must be insured and represent a recognised and reputable historical fencing club. Spectators are very welcome, entry is free, and seating will be available.
Longsword, Sidesword, and Sabre will be the divisions that have AHFL points up for grabs. All results from the five divisions will of course be posted to Hemaratings.
Tickets are on sale now, with early bird prices available until the end of February
Save the date, and get your sabres ready, because the Ides of March returns in 2026.
First held in 2019, Ides of March was created with a clear purpose: to bring sabreurs together to test their skill under rules and priorities inspired by 19th-century fencing traditions. It’s a tournament that rewards timing, intent, and tactical clarity.
In 2026 we’re raising the stakes.
Expect longer bouts, larger pools, and significantly more time on the piste, giving fencers the opportunity to really show their skills.
For the first time, the event will feature A and B tier finals, ensuring more meaningful matches, more medals on offer, and a genuine pathway to a podium finish for fencers at every stage of their development.
Whether you’re newer to sabre and looking for a competition experience, or a seasoned sabreur keen to test yourself against deep pools and extended fights, Ides of March is your event.
The fencing arena awaits. Will you answer the call?
TICKETING: https://www.trybooking.com/DJAVD
After all sorts of delays, we can finally host tournaments at our new headquarters! Come and play!
This will be a knightly themed tournament, featuring only medieval weapons sets. Longsword and Sword and Buckler will be played according to a "least worst" ruleset -> a simple deductive afterblow ruleset. They will both be fully scoring league/hema ratings events.
Knightly duelling is an experimental rule set. Bouts will be first to 5 touches, only allowing targets available in armour. Fencers start with a spear, sword and dagger - once discarded a weapon is unavailable in future passes.
Oh, and yes, it'll run on time. We'll be finished by 4 30pm sharp on the Sunday.
The Cost of Glory 2025 – HEMA Tournament
Two days of fencing. Three disciplines. One goal: Glory.
Join us in Perth for The Cost of Glory, a HEMA tournament focused on challenge, community, and swordsmanship at its sharpest.
Day 1 (Saturday):
– Sabre
– Rapier
Day 2 (Sunday):
– Under Represented Gender
– Master Category
– Longsword
Whether you’re fighting for the podium or coming to test yourself against some of the best, this event is built to push you further.
Spectators welcome.
Hosted by Aiginskalk, Perth’s home of historical fenc
Housed in the beautiful scenic rim of the Gold Coast Hinterland, we are taking historical fencing to the highlands. This two day event will showcase some of Australia's best fencers in Longsword, Sidesword, and Sabre. Also, many years ago we ran the first Australian women's HEMA competition, we are excited to return to this space with a dedicated URG division.
This will be a traditional pool/elimination event.
UFC is back for the fifth year. This year we are mixing things up a bit and running the following tournaments:
- Longsword with two divisions (A&B)
- Sabre with two divisions (A&B)
- Spear (Partisan)
- Sidesword
- Rapier & Dagger
As this event has become popular both nationally & internationally, we have reached the scale that we need to allocate a whole day for longsword, and most of a day for the sabre & sidesword tournaments; this has required us to shuffle a couple of the events to subsequent years (It was either that or add a fourth day).
For longword & sabre this year we are running A&B divisions, these will be seeded by fencer's HEMAratings (weighted ratings), the finalists from the "B" tier tournaments will also added to the "A" tier pools.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2124751774628777
After lots of fun last year, we are back with double the cutting and thrusting!
Rolling on from our successful first year, the Cut n' Thrust Campaign 25 will be a 2 day event featuring Rapier and Dagger on Saturday and Longsword on Sunday.
As with last year, we aim to make this a fun and competitive event that's primary purpose is to showcase HEMA to an audience that can enjoy the sport/martial art in comfort. In this spirit please ask your family and friends to come and enjoy the exhibition.
Hiker Brewing Co. are kindly hosting again showcasing more award winning beers than last year. It will be tough not to have a good time!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1175327027354010
War in the West returns for 2025 - with 5 tournaments across 3 days in Perth, Western Australia.
Categories include longsword, sabre, sword & buckler, rapier & dagger, and open knockout.
All categories except open knockout will be uploaded to HEMA Ratings, and longsword, sabre, and rapier & dagger will be listed on the Australian Historical Fencing League.
https://www.facebook.com/events/947031710680567
Join us for a celebration of sword fighting at TOSC MAYhem!
On May 10th and 11th The Old Sword Club is running social fencing, a sabre tournament, and a fencing training camp at Mothership Studios (18-22 Sydney St, Marrickville NSW 2204) at 9.00am each day. Saturday will be a sabre tournament using Victorian Era inspired conventions, and a decadent amount of social fencing with rapiers, knives, sabres, and whatever other weapons you want to bring. Sunday will be a training day featuring some of the finest fencing coaches, a workshop on how to maximise your training, innovative training games, and some scenario training to end the day.
Merch will be available for pre-order or sale on the day. Each day will also feature a sausage sizzle for lunch (with vegetarian options).
Come and join in the fun! There’s fencing for everyone!
Go to https://theoldswordclub.com/events/tosc-mayhem-2025/ and grab your tickets now.
Fitzroy College of Arms will be hosting the 2025 World Broadsword Championship on the weekend of 26-27 April 2025.
LOCATION:
Box Hill Indoor Sports Centre
3/9 Clarice Road, Box Hill South VIC 3128
DATE/TIME:
Saturday 26 April - Sunday 27 April
1pm to 6pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1367086791340953
Oktoberfecht provides one of the largest events for high level HEMA fencers over recent years. Oktoberfecht aims to provide a forum for the best fencers in the region to come together to test their skills across a range of weapons.
Open Longsword, Open Sidesword, Open Rapier, [possibly] Open Sabre
Brisbane HEMA tournament featuring rapier , Longsword, single-hand cut and thrust sword, and URG competitions.
This year the Gold Coast Classic is going official with its tournament 2024 series: a one day, sidesword tournament in January, Longsword in April, and Rapier and Dagger in September.
GCC events will generally be smaller in scope than previous events we have held and more casual in nature. They will focus on one weapon and run as single day events.
We use the Swiss System for pools meaning each fencer will receive the maximum number of matches in the tournament rather than facing elimination after a single pool. Fencers will compete in two initial 'seeding' pools before their final pool which is determined by on-the-day performance. This means each fencer should expect between 12-15 matches on the day.
Numbers will be capped at 30 fencers. A minimum of 5 tickets will be reserved for interstate fencers with the remaining being first in, best dressed. Ticketing details and pricing will be released soon. Event data will be sent to hema ratings and the Australian Historical Fencing League.
Bolognese focused event with the three core weapons being combined into one tournament
Core Divisions: Longsword, Sidesword, Sword & Buckler, will also include: Rapier & Dagger, and Spear
Reemergence of our signature event, Sword Fight
Longsword, sabre, rapier or Sidesword. + Womens and masters
Second Event for the Brisbane Longsword League! Open Steel Longsword.
Entry $50 per Qld competitor, free for interstate travelers.
Team event for rapier and longsword, dedicated and trained interclub squad of referees, regular weapons and scoring, individualised results for hema ratings, support for interstate fencers for forming teams and travelling.
Longsword and Rapier team tournament!
This event will occur in a new and separate Team Ladder
To provide an exceptional tournament focussed event for HEMA practitioners around Australia and the world to showcase their skill and adaptability - and to come together under a shared passion and common interest.
sword and buckler, longsword, sabre, rapier
Dates TBA
Rapier and Dagger Tournament
To deliver a high quality "vanilla" tournament to the community - genuinely accessible and enjoyed by competitors.
Novice Longsword and Side Sword. Open Longsword, Side Sword, and Sword and Buckler.
