Smallsword or Experimental

The Smallsword Tournament at SoCal Swordfight 2025 offers a unique blend of skill, artistry, and martial prowess, designed to showcase the lethal nature of smallsword fencing in a modern tournament setting.

Tournament Format and Scoring

• Large Pool Structure: Competitors engage in numerous bouts against diverse opponents, promoting skillful and strategic fencing.
• Single Exchange Matches: Each match consists of one exchange, concluded by:
• Scoring System: Fencers are ranked based on the ratio of clean hits scored to total hits received, emphasizing the "hit without being hit" philosophy.

Key Rules

• Thrusting Only: Cuts are not valid scoring actions.
• Valid Targets: As per General Tournament Rules, with emphasis on clean thrusts.
• Hand Deflections: Permitted against thrusts in motion, using lateral hand or forearm movements.
• Grappling: Limited to a single action, with strict rules against body wrestling and prolonged blade grabs.

Equipment Requirements

• Sword: Participants bring their own smallsword (30"-35" blade length, historical grip styles only).
• Protective Gear:
• Blade Specifications: Triangular or schlaeger style, with contrasting tip color for visibility.

Tournament Goals

This tournament aims to:

1. Promote skillful and artful fencing
2. Represent the lethal nature of smallsword combat
3. Encourage a "hit without being hit" mindset
4. Provide ample opportunities for competitors to showcase their skills against various opponents

The Singlestick Boarding Action Tournament at SoCal Swordfight 2025 offers an exciting and innovative team-based combat experience, simulating the intensity of group saber battles in confined spaces.

Tournament Format and Team Composition

• Team Structure: Participants register in teams of 3 (mixed club teams allowed)
• Match Format: Multiple exchanges per match, continuing until all fighters on one team are eliminated

Equipment and Arena

• Weapons: Singlesticks provided by SoCal Swords
• Hand Protection Options:
• Arena: Long, narrow ring accommodating three fighters side-by-side, simulating confined quarters

Key Rules and Gameplay

• Hit Calling: Self-call system, with match officials focusing on safety, rule adherence, and ring-outs
• Elimination: Head hits result in immediate elimination
• Non-Scoring Hits: First hit on a non-scoring target allows the fighter to retreat and re-engage
• Valid Techniques: Cuts only, thrusting is illegal
• Target Areas:
• Safety: Strict adherence to safety protocols and rules

Tournament Goals

This tournament aims to:

1. Simulate aspects of group saber battles in confined spaces
2. Promote team-based strategy and coordination
3. Challenge fighters to adapt to a unique combat environment
4. Provide an engaging and dynamic combat experience

Preparation Tips

• Practice team coordination and communication
• Develop strategies for fighting in narrow spaces
• Focus on quick, precise cutting techniques
• Improve situational awareness for multi-opponent scenarios

First, you’ll need to register each attendee individually. As you begin, choose the registration type that aligns with the activities you plan to participate in. If you opt for Full Event Registration, you’ll be prompted to select the specific tournaments you want to enter. The system will display only those tournaments that are appropriate for your age and registration type, making it easy to find the right fit.

Once you've made your selections, review your choices on the cart page. If everything looks correct, click the "Check Out" button to proceed. You’ll then fill out a registration form with essential details, including your name, contact information, and any club or school affiliation. Additionally, you’ll need to sign the Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement to ensure a safe environment for all participants.

If you are registering for a minor and are their parent or legal guardian, simply enter their name in the registration form. The waiver will automatically adjust to request parental consent once you input their date of birth.

After completing the registration form and signing the waiver, press the "Submit" button, followed by the "Checkout" button to proceed to payment. Once you finalize your payment, you’ll receive an email receipt confirming your registration, along with another email granting you electronic access to your tickets.

If you encounter any issues during this process, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. You can connect with us through the chat button on our website or email us at info@socalswordfight.com.

Team Formation

• Register individually for the tournament
• After registration closes, we'll contact you to confirm your team composition
• Teams consist of 3 fighters
• Mixed club teams are allowed and encouraged

Team Naming Process

• Once teams are formed, each will be assigned a unique historical team name
• Names will be inspired by famous boarding actions or naval encounters from history
• The specific theme of the names will remain a surprise until revealed
• Teams will not choose their own names; this adds an element of excitement and historical flair to the tournament

Important Notes

• Ensure all team members are registered for the tournament
• Be prepared to respond promptly when contacted about team formation
• Team names will be announced closer to the event date
• Embrace your assigned team name and let it inspire your team's spirit during the tournament