About us

Uniting Medieval Combatants

Here at SwordsTas you can find information on various combat
groups around Tasmania. Groups include sport dedicated
activities like Buhurt, incidental combat groups like LARPs,
historical re-enactment and study groups, and multi faceted
groups like the SCA.


Many groups and contacts are a great jumping off point for
finding your way into non combat medieval activities as well.
Thinks feasts, costuming, crafting, and sharing knowledge!

Held on the 3rd Friday of each October in Launceston, the GND brings together groups from around the state to demonstrate their combat and group related activities. The event includes live music and food vendors.

Great Northern Demo

our anual event

18 Oct

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VDSA - Van Diemen’s Swordfighters Association is based in
Burnie/Wynyard north-west area. Training with mostly single
handed weapons and longsword from throughout the middle
ages. Offering experiences with light to heavy armor.


OSMTJ - The Sovereign Military Order of the Knights Templar
trains weekly in Devonport and Launceston. Their primary
focus is single handed weapons and longsword from
throughout the middle ages. Offering experiences with light to
heavy armor.


SCA - The Society for Creative Anachronism is a worldwide
group that does partially armored combat using solid core
rattan. Additionally, they hold medieval themed events
regularly. In Tasmania you will find them in Launceston and
Hobart.


Stoccata - A HEMA group with multiple locations and different
training disciplines. Find more at their website Stoccata.org

Defining Sport Styles

PROTECTION


  • Armored - Hard protective layers are always added to the
    person. Armoring requirement will vary depending on the
    weapons used, style, and the legal hit zones.


  • Un-Armored - Protective layers are always added to the
    weapons and no or very little hard armor is required.


STRIKING


  • Light - Strikes need only touch your opponent to count for
    a hit. Moderate force blows may be accepted while forceful
    blows are often discouraged or prohibited.


  • Heavy - Strikes must contact your opponent with sufficient
    force. Grazes and light touches are not counted as hits.


WEAPONS


  • Weapon type is often used to help define a sport. Metal,
    synthetic, wooden, and padded/foam are common types.


Pictured: Armored Light combat using steel weapons.