Symposium on the Western Arts of Swordsmanship through History
Referred to hereafter as S.W.A.S.H. – UK 2009

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.-UK is counted among the most prestigious Western Martial Art / 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

(20th) 21st-22nd February 2009

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:

• Academic Researchers
• Stage Combatants
• Sport Fencers
• Eastern martial art swordsmen
• Historical battle re-enactors
• Historical and Classical Fencers
• Living History Exponents
• and of course, Western Martial Artists

And while this is a British event, attendees will by no means be limited to residents of the UK. On the contrary, we expect delegates from: Italy; Sweden; France; Ireland; Spain; Germany; the United States and Canada, as well as attendees from throughout the United Kingdom.

What the BFHS is trying to achieve with SWASH is an interdisciplinary approach to western marital 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, free-play and exchange ideas, knowledge and methodology with swordsmen from throughout the UK and Europe.

But S.W.A.S.H. is not exclusively about work, research and training, it is 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 2009 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 2009 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.