Welcome to the website for the
Symposium on the Western Arts of Swordsmanship through History
Referred to hereafter as S.W.A.S.H. - UK 2008
The programme for SWASH 2008 has been updated.
A downloadable version which includes more detail than the online version is also available.
Please note, this programme is subject to updates.
After this date NO registrations for this event will be possible.
Note also that if you are already registered and circumstances contrive to prevent your attendance, that no refunds can be given after 16 Feb 2008. Thank you.
Congratulations on finding S.W.A.S.H.-UK. As the flagship event of the British Federation for Historical Swordplay, S.W.A.S.H., although still in its infancy, is counted among the largest and most prestigious Western Martial Art and Historical Swordsmanship events in the world. If you are reading these words it is likely because you have already spoken with someone who has previously attended S.W.A.S.H. and has already told you that you would be foolish to miss out; so we will not spend too much time trying to convince you.
About this event
The Royal Armouries in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England will once again serve as the suitably magnificent backdrop for the next Symposium on the Western Arts of Swordsmanship through History which will take place on the 1st and 2nd of March 2008.
The BFHS annual events have usually been limited to BFHS members. S.W.A.S.H.-UK, however, is open to a much wider range of attendees which include, but are not limited to the following:
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And while this is a British event, attendees will by no means be limited to residents of the UK. On the contrary, we are expecting delegates from: Italy; Sweden; France; Ireland; Spain; Germany; the United States and Canada, as well as the overwhelming majority hailing from throughout the United Kingdom.
What the BFHS is trying to achieve with SWASH is an interdisciplinary approach to western martial arts and historical swordsmanship by bridging boundaries which exist between the various groups and disciplines throughout the UK and Western Europe.
Over the course of the Symposium, delegates will get the chance to take part in workshops conducted by some of the Europe’s leading instructors of Historical European Martial Arts. Additionally, there will be classes and demonstrations as well as private one-to-one training. And if that were not enough to tempt you, how about hands-on access to some of the Royal Armouries impressive collection of historical artifacts? Furthermore, there will be opportunities to interact, freeplay and exchange ideas, knowledge and methodology with BFHS members from throughout the UK.
But the symposium will not all be just about work and study. It will be a very social event as well. There will be an informal drinks reception on Friday evening which all are welcome to attend. On Saturday evening S.W.A.S.H. – UK 2008 will host a formal black tie gala dinner which will take place in the Royal Armouries War Gallery, right in the midst of the collection. It will be a grand evening with an elaborate meal shared by a veritable who's who of the western martial art world in the UK and Europe. So polish your shoes and get out your glad rags, because it will be an evening not to be missed.
Please use this website to find out more about the event and associated logistics as well as to book your place as a delegate.
Every attendee will need to book his or her place individually.
S.W.A.S.H. –UK 2008 is being hosted on behalf of the B.F.H.S. by the Society for the Study of Swordsmanship and its associate chapters and members. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Until then, be well and keep your guard up.