Blades, swords, daggers and sabers took Costa Mesa by storm at the 2024 Southern California Swordfight. A historic European martial arts tournament.
The Southern California Swordfight, held Friday through Sunday at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, remains the largest HEMA World Tournament.Event held competitive matches where contestants showed off historical fighting techniques and tried to score points by attacking their opponents.
The competition featured a variety of weapons dating back to the 14th century. Longsword, rapier, saber, dagger. At this event, new weapons were also introduced in the tournament, such as the Cinque dagger, an 18-inch dagger of Italian origin.
SoCal Swordfight began in 2012, initially held at elementary schools in Southern California, and has since grown to its current size.
This event includes more activities than just competitions. Chris Ponzillo, managing director of SoCal Swordfight, is working on providing new amenities and organizing events that participants from a variety of backgrounds can enjoy.
“If you don't want to fight, just learn. If you don't want to go into the classroom and teach, you can just watch,” Ponzillo said. “We try to do things for everyone, and I think that’s what makes us different.”
This year's tournament featured an antique weapons showcase with items up to 8,000 years old, 110 hours of instruction, and vendors from across the United States.
Last year, Ponzilo was surprised to see 400 spectator tickets purchased, and he expects that number to continue to grow as the event grows in popularity.
“Part of our plans for next year is refocusing on how to make it more fun for the audience and how to make it a little more involved event for the community,” Ponzillo said.
SoCal Swordfight also serves as a hub for martial arts alliances, allowing groups to explore different fighting styles, connect with other teams, and represent their club.
The Cal State Fullerton Medieval Swordsman Club was in attendance over the weekend, and members participated in various competitions.
Nishan Jayasinghe, a second-year computer science major at CSUF and club speaker for the Fullerton Medieval Swordsmanship Club, appreciated the group being represented and introduced to other organizations.
“It's great to meet different people with different opinions. Seeing how other groups differ from our group and how our group differs from theirs. Please,” Jayasinghe said. “At an event like this, there are a lot of interesting cultural actors to analyze.”
Jayasinghe studies long sword techniques. But he explained that the tournament is about more than combat.
Learning the history of different fighting styles is an important aspect of participating and is often what draws people to the sport. Club members study texts written by knights and strive to master their techniques using the latest safety equipment.
“To be able to imagine people hundreds of years ago doing exactly the same things as us, reading the same books as us, coming to similar athletic conclusions about how things should be done… I think it's something you can really get into and immerse yourself in,” Jayasinghe said.
Featured lecturer Robin John Price also emphasized the importance of connecting with history and ancestors.
“A lot of people of European descent wonder, 'What did my ancestors do?' What martial arts did they practice?” Price said. “As you study different arts, you learn a lot about their traditions and cultural aspects.”
Mr. Price has been attending Southern California Swordfight since his first meeting 12 years ago and believes everyone should try martial arts because it gives them confidence.
As the event continues to evolve, the Director incorporates improvement suggestions from attendees. Coordinators are already making plans for next year and are considering including new martial arts styles and displays.
