Historic European Martial Arts Occasion Brings International Expertise, Schooling, and Financial Increase to Pomona, California
Pomona, California, United States, 1st Mar 2025 — SoCal Swordfight, the world’s largest Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA) occasion, will remodel the Sheraton Fairplex right into a Renaissance-era enviornment from March 14–16, 2025, drawing over 1,100 individuals from 32+ states and 13+ nations. This yr’s occasion options world-ranked opponents, hands-on historic reveals, and unparalleled academic alternatives for martial artists and spectators alike.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Elite Competitors (Rivals Ranked Globally within the Prime 15 in keeping with HEMA Scores):
- Open Metal Longsword:
#2 Antoni Olbrychski (Poland), #3 Stephen Cheney (USA), #4 Miro Lahtela (Finland), #8 Benjamin Aygrigg (USA), #10 Yannick De Smet (Belgium), #14 Ville Välimäki (Finland) - URG Metal Longsword:
#2 Minna Vasarainen (Finland), #3 Rashelle DeBolt (USA), #5 Stevi Parker (USA), #11 Iris Garcia (USA), #12 Lindsey Mitchell (USA), #12 Veronica Younger (USA) - Open Rapier & Dagger:
#1 Robert Childs (USA), #2 Arthur Henry (USA), #3 Kevin Murakoshi (USA) ), #5 Erick Copley (USA) - Open Metal Saber:
#2 Antoni Olbrychski (Poland), #9 Robert Childs (USA), #14 Samuel Ryals (USA) - URG Metal Saber:
#3 Minna Vasarainen (Finland), #4 Rashelle DeBolt (USA), #7 Brittany Reeves (USA
Instructional Alternatives:
- Oakeshott Institute Lecture Sequence: Uncommon vintage weapon dealing with with Dr. Nathan Clough. (extra data)
- 130+ Hours of Lessons: Led by 80+ international instructors throughout 5 devoted school rooms.
- Construct-a-Sword Workshop: Accomplice with Castille Armory to craft customized blades. (extra data)
- Vintage Showcase: Alternative to view and doubtlessly deal with an assortment of vintage medieval and renaissance weapons, armor and manuscripts and be taught the histories from their present homeowners. (extra data)
Group Affect:
- Financial Increase: Attendees to fill native accommodations, eating places, and retail.
- First Support Certification: CPR/AED programs by way of Sentri Institute. (extra data)
- Spectator Lessons: Introductory HEMA periods accessible for spectators.
Occasion Progress & International Attain
Since its 2012 debut as an area event, SoCal Swordfight has surged 360% in attendance, changing into the head of HEMA worldwide. The 2025 occasion consists of:
- 26 Tournaments: Throughout totally different weapons, divisions, and tiers.
- Vintage Weapons Showcase: Artifacts up to eight,000 years outdated.
- Livestream Broadcast: Reaching 5,000+ viewers globally.
Quotes
“HEMA is greater than only a sport; it’s a dwelling connection to our shared martial heritage. SoCal Swordfight brings historical past to life, permitting individuals and spectators to expertise the depth and complexity of European martial arts traditions. From world-class competitions to hands-on workshops, we’re providing a singular mix of athleticism, scholarship, and cultural exploration.:
~ RJ McKeehan, Organizer, SoCal Swordfight.
“SoCal Swordfight has been the biggest HEMA event on this planet since 2023, and the attendance numbers for 2025 exceed even the occasion’s prior requirements. The variety of high ranked worldwide opponents is about to make this yr’s occasion essentially the most aggressive event on this planet for many of its weapon disciplines.
~ Sean Franklin, HEMA Scorecard
“SoCal Swordfight has always been about building community and mutual support. We provide an inclusive environment through a diverse selection of instructors, workshops, and panels. This year, we’re excited to see significant growth in our Underrepresented-Genders (URG) tournaments, which have increased in both participation and level of competition. Additionally, our Under-18 (U18) tournaments are designed to inspire and promote the next generation of HEMA enthusiasts. It’s not just about the history and competition; it’s about making them accessible and engaging for everyone.”
~ Rachel Van Dyke, Organizer, SoCal Swordfight
“What units SoCal Swordfight aside is its dedication to each competitors and schooling. We’re not simply showcasing elite athletes; we’re creating an area the place fanatics and students of all ranges can be taught, have interaction, and be impressed. The occasion’s progress displays the growing international curiosity in HEMA, and we’re proud to be on the forefront of this cultural renaissance.
~ Myles Cupp, Organizer, SoCal Swordfight
“Huge diversity of weapons and disciplines on display.”
~ Michael Chidester, Editor and Chief, Wiktenauer
“I loved being able to look across the tournament area and see all of the different bouts taking place at once. It was incredibly lively, and it is this event that told me I should become a serious fencer.”
~ Charlotte Kelly, Academy of Arms
“The overall feeling of community support and interest.”
~ Frank Perrin, Bayt al-Asad: Center Jap Fight Arts
Media Alternatives
- Press Passes: Entry to tournaments, workshops, and elite opponents.
- B-roll/Images: Excessive-action sparring, vintage reveals, and customized sword crafting.
- Interviews: Prime-ranked fighters, instructors, and organizers.
Occasion Particulars
- Dates: March 14–16, 2025
- Location: Sheraton Fairplex, 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA
- Tickets: Spectator passes ($30/day or $50 for all 3 days) and full registrations ($195) at socalswordfight.com.
Sponsors & Companions
My True Ancestry | SoCal Swords | Arms & Armor | Castille Armory | Albion Swords | Valiant Armoury | Purpleheart Armoury | Wukusi Armory | Sigi Forge | Black Fencer | Manticore Forge | Grommet’s Leathercraft | Ox & Plow | SPES Historic Fencing Gear | CombatCon | Sprezzatura Sports activities and Wellness
Full checklist: socalswordfight.com
Firm Element
Group: SoCal Swordfight
Contact Individual: Chris Ponzillo
Web site: https://www.socalswordfight.com
E mail: Ship E mail
Contact Quantity: +17144973377
Tackle: 601 W McKinley Avenue
Metropolis: Pomona
State: California
Nation: United States