WHAT IS HASTILUDIA?
Hastiludia [hastəlüdēə] in medieval Latin or Hastilude: a generic term for martial contest or war games. Ours is an annual cross-discipline sparring event (FMA, Gung-Fu, HEMA, Kobudo, etc.) open to all local weapon-based martial arts practitioners and enthusiasts. Our goal is to use the martial skills we have been training in our respective combat systems and apply them in real-time sparring of various intensities. To test ourselves among friends in a welcoming environment. This is about clean techniques, not brute strength. Fight to the best of your abilities. Be friends in the end.
Format: Standard 2 minute continuous bouts. Generally, these will be a stand up fights with weapons but throws and takedowns may be allowed in accordance to our Rule Of Thirds. Choose your weapon(s) and opponent. Agree on the type of fights you’ll do, the level of intensity, etc. Communicate this to the judge (The Man with the big stick) for transparency. The wearing of protective gear is NOT an excuse to go berserk on your sparring partner or charge in recklessly. Brute force is the strategy of the unskilled. You must fight with good martial quality and technical skill. Respect everyone and protect yourselves at all times. Please take the time to read and understand our Rules Of Engagement.
Gear: We encourage sparring with minimal protective gear; fencing masks/helmets and lacrosse/hockey or HEMA-type gloves only. Groin cups recommended if you care about your bits & pieces. HEMA gear also allowed if you're from that martial discipline but again, we encourage less protective covering to really test your skills.
IMPORTANT: We want to promote the warrior ethos and build a community of like-minded individuals with a particular interest in weapons fighting. To foster camaraderie and friendship by engaging in this challenging martial exercise. We build and strengthen each other so we can protect those who cannot protect themselves. Unnecessary roughness and bullying WILL NOT be tolerated and you will be ejected and banned from future gatherings.
For more detailed information, please visit the Hastiludia page on our website.
