Open Fencing Under a Black Flag

    Group picture before the sparring started!!

Last weekend myself and a few other members of Crossroads Swords, loaded up our vehicles, packed up the weapons/armor, and made the drive to Tampa Bay for the Black Flag Hema Open Fencing and Social event. 

The event itself played host to about 50 fighters and around 20 non combatants, showcasing a massive variety of weapons during combat. Longsword, Saber, Singlestick, Dussack, Spear, Smallsword, Rondell Dagger, Sidesword, Rapier, (with cape/dagger) and even Lightsaber were all brought by various fighters and avaliable for use by anyone in attendance. 

   A rare fight in Florida: Polearm vs Polearm!!!


Alexander Craddock and the rest of the crew divided the warehouse into three sections for sparring and socializing while staying vigilant in making sure proper distance was kept between swinging weaponry and unarmored onlookers with such tenacity that multiple non combatants felt comfortable enough to gear up and try sparring for the first time. 

I feel that events like these are necessary for the continued growth of our sport as they highlight a different aspect of the community vs a traditional tournament. Competition is paramount but knowing that you not only have a welcoming community to compete against, but realizing they know how to leave their egos at the door and just socialize over fingerfood/drinks (which where provided) after sparring for nearly 3 hours straight, makes the daunting task of trying the sport much more appealing. 

Alexander and the rest of the crew put on one hell of an event and this writer is looking forward to the next time he stands under the unfurled Black Flag. 

https://www.tampabayhema.com/

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