EN GARDE!

This event is for medieval combat and fencing enthusiasts to make new connections and
practice their skills. It will begin with stretches, then explanation of the sparring rules, and finally
sparring. Participants are encouraged to mingle and talk while sparring is happening. Sparring
participants do not need to have any prior experience with medieval combat, Ser Jean the
instructor is available to give a lesson on basics of footwork, parries, and attacks. Spectators
are encouraged to ask the instructor questions during sparring or raise a hand to ask a question
while the instructor is sparring. Medieval Combat at GD2 is explicitly an environment that is
welcoming of all genders, sexualities, bodies, abilities, and fitness levels.

Warmups and Instructions
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
The event will start with the instructor leading the group through stretches and brief warmups to
prepare them for the sparring. The instructor will then go over the rules of engagement for the
sparring (list of the rules will also be available for any participants to read). Finally the instructor
will guide the group through basic footwork, ready stance, defenses, and feints to conclude the
warmup.

Any late arrivals might need to do warmups on their own, read the rules from one of the printed
sheets, and receive a shorter form of the basic instruction if the event gets busy.

Sparring
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Majority of the event will revolve around sparring. The sparring will be done in one on one
format within the sparring area designated by barriers. The stipulations of the sparring (for
example weapons used, to how many hits, and special rules) will depend on the sparring
participants, most spars will be conducted with padded weapons with reset at first legal hit, until
at least one of the participants requests a break. If there will be a large number of participants
the sparring might change to a bear circle in which the participants fight to 5 hits then the winner
of the bout stays in the circle while their opponent steps out to let the next fighter have a turn.

Weapons
Participants may bring their own weapons for sparring, every weapon will be checked by the
instructor for safe build and sorted into one of the following build categories - please keep in
mind that large weapons may not have the required space to use them and you can only use a
weapon against another of the same build category so even if your weapon passes there is no
guarantee that you will be able to use it; the weapons provided by the instructor will be medium
touch padded weapons -

• Light Touch Padded Weapons - foam padded weapons built on light cores and intended for light touch combat systems, these can be used only against other light touch weapons due to the fragility of the cores; you can find these weapons at https://www.b3is.com/shop
• Latex Weapons - foam weapons coated in latex for a more realistic look. Due to the stiffness of the latex and lack of dedicated stabbing tips these weapons can only be used for slashing attacks but can be used against light touch and medium touch padded weapons; you can find these weapons at https://www.darkknightarmoury.com/product-category/weaponry-3/larp-weapons/shop-by-larp-weapon-type/
• Medium Touch Padded Weapons - foam padded weapons built on tougher cores and intended for medium or heavy touch combat systems, these can be used against latex and other medium touch padded weapons. This is the type of weapons provided by the instructor; you can find these weapons at https://www.woodenswords.com/category_s/2294.htm or https://www.forgedfoam.com/product-category/full_contact/ or https://www.etsy.com/shop/GORGTHEBLACKSMITH?ref=shop_sugg_market
• Hard Synthetic Weapons - HEMA trainers built from hard plastics without padding, these can only be used against other hard synthetic weapons when both fighters have properly padded gloves, jackets, and modern fencing masks. You can find these weapons at https://www.woodenswords.com/Synthetic-s/1919.htm
• Modern Steel Fencing Weapons - Epees, Foils, and Sabers used for modern fencing. These can be used only against other modern fencing weapons when both fighters have modern fencing jackets, gloves, and masks. You can find these weapons at https://www.absolutefencinggear.com/weapons

Armor
Participants are allowed to wear armor with understanding that they will most likely not receive
additional benefits to armor unless both sparring parties agree. Rigid gauntlets are not allowed
to prevent accidental injuries if grappling occurs, all armor must not have protrusions over one
inch in length and have the edges of the metal plates penny-rounded to prevent cutting. Padded
fencing jackets, padded gloves, and modern fencing masks are recommended but not required.

Risk Mitigation and Safety
Medieval combat is an inherently physically strenuous, high-risk activities. This risk is
heightened when engaging in pickup play. By signing up to sparring at the event, you indicate
that you understand the risks associated with medieval combat and agree to abide by the rules
of engagement for the event. These rules, plus the safeword "HALT" and how to use them, are
covered at the beginning of the event and each spar.

Rules for Engagement will be printed and available onsite.

For any further questions, please contact info@galleriadomain.org