Broadsword League

“Those gladiators (vulgarly called bullies) used to travel from one place to another, challenging whole armies, towns and cities to produce a man who would fight them. There is a tradition to this day among us, that when any of these gladiators came to a place, the people were obliged to give so much money, or produce a man to fight them with the sword.”
(Archibald MacGregor, 1791)

What is the Broadsword League?- The Broadsword League is a venue for historical fencing competition with the broadsword, backsword, heavy sabre and singlestick. Our goal is to give historical fencers the opportunity to test their skills against each other and earn a competitive ranking based on the results. It is hoped that this sort of friendly competition will spur the fencers of the Broadsword League to develop their own abilities to the highest level.

How does it work?- Competition in the Broadsword League is based on individual challenge matches rather than tournaments, evoking the spirit of the stage gladiators and wandering swordsmen of the 18th century. Swordsmen register as competitors with the Broadsword League and announce their willingness to receive challenges. Your performance in challenge matches will affect your ranking, as you strive to earn the title of “Broadsword Champion.” Good luck!