How do we fence?
Sofia Longsword Open and Sofia CrossSwords are competitive sporting events, created to give fencers the opportunity to test their abilities in a controlled environment.
The goal of this ruleset is neither the reconstruction of a historical competitive system, nor the simulation of historical combat.
Instead, we aim to be a competitive ground for evaluating key skills needed for developing an understanding of historical fencing techniques and tactics.
The 2025 Weapon categories
In 2025 we are organizing two tournaments - the classic Sofia CrossSwords is coming in November, but before that you can join us for the first ever Sofia Longsword Open.
In Sofia CrossSwords you can compete in:
Open Arming Sword - our local love, the fundamental one-handed sword. A decade or two more and we will have enough matches for a separate rating. Arming swords provided.
Ladies Arming Sword - the third edition of the only such tournament in HEMA in the world, arming swords provided.
Open Sword & Buckler - ask around about Bulgarians and s&b and you will get why this is a key part of Sofia CrossSwords. Arming swords AND bucklers provided.
Ladies Sword & Buckler - one of the few tournaments of its kind in the world.
Open Light Longsword - for a second year in a row, we are running this category - a pain for the judges, but a pleasure for competitors who like quick fencing with lower chances of injury.
Ladies Light Longsword - for the first time in SCS, this category is now becoming common in some parts of Europe.