World Wide Open Longsword and Rapier Championship 2012

Who is the World Wide Open Championship for?

They are for anyone interested in the martial arts and fighting techniques of Europe from the dawn of time to the 20^th century. These arts are being researched and reanimated by a large group of people around the world, using books, manuscripts, and other information to build up their knowledge. There is a limited availability of actual surviving books and manuscripts on European martial, the older the period the less chance of a book surviving to the present day. Many of the people interested in researching and studying these arts have concentrated their efforts in the medieval and Renaissance periods, though there is a wealth of information from the 1600 and beyond, which has a healthy following in its own right.

If you are interested in Historical European Martial Arts the WWOC has something for you! Even if you have never lifted a sword in practise many of the workshops are open to absolute beginners. If you are a seasoned veteran of many workshops and seminars, you will find satisfaction in the variety and quality of the instruction at our event. If you are interested in stage combat you will find plenty of material to use in your next choreography!

Quality

We really try every time to bring as divers and interesting a selection of workshops as possible, gathering top class instructors from all corners of the globe [well if we can find them there!]. We like to change our instructor base at each event so that new faces are seen and new subjects are covered.

Our instructors are chosen for their knowledge of both research and application, so that the student in their workshop receives a rounded, carefully organised presentation, which addresses theoretical as well as practical application. Many of the classes are cutting edge, new research presented for the first time.

Variety

The workshops are divided into tracks so that there are at least three running consecutively at any one time. Each of these tracks are designed to allow the student to explore many different styles or to concentrate on a more personal route to combat proficiency. This year we have decided to run the workshops longer into the evening so that students can retake certain classes that they are interested in though might have missed through attending another. In all we should have about 44 classes to choose from.

There will also in the evenings several lectures will be given by experts in their fields.

The Tournaments

We were the first to try and take tournaments to a new level, with a carefully chosen judging team, using a rules system discussed in the community. The results of this initiative was plain for all to see. More consistent results, better organisation, less knock out, more competition for the participants. Other organisations have followed our lead, and now the community is heading towards a better tournament environment with a more serious approach.

This year is no different, we are again trying raise the bar and improve are approach again. Having seen the excellent event at Swordfish in 2011, we are using this as our guideline.

• We intend to improve the consistency of the judging.

• We intend to increase the number of tournaments

• We wish to vary the types of materials used for the weapons simulators.

• We are always looking to improve the rules used for all tournaments.

• We wish to bring the event to a bigger audience.

• We are looking for better and better facilities.

Remember the tournaments are organised into small groups and there are NO knock-outs until the finals! Fighters normally fight between 8 and 12 fights before they get to the finals. The tournaments are gruelling affairs, which require stamina and fitness to endure the rapid and continuous energy drain. Unfit participants will find it more difficult to reach the finals, than someone who is fit. Be warned they are stroll in the park. Having said that we are hoping to run a tournament with Action Flex weapons which require almost no armour and you only have to rely on your prowess with the weapon!

Atmosphere and Friendship

We pride ourselves on the great atmosphere at the event, with everything on site except for the tournament hall [which is only 600 meters away] there is absolutely no need to leave once you arrive. The catering, the sleeping accommodation, the bars and the training areas are all on site. No need to split the group up to find a restaurant nearby, or to find the bar. Everything you need is there. The atmosphere is so convivial you make friends without effort, as everyone is there for the same reason. We talk martial arts deep into the night and even manage other topics as well! The bar staff are all martial artists as well!

Affordability

We have a reputation for making an event that is affordable for as many people as possible. We understand that it can be expensive just to come to Germany, so we ty to keep the everyone happy as well as we can.

Included in the price:

• Fantastic Opening Ceremony in a moated Manor House from the 1560's, called Wasserschloss Heulsede. Entertainment, fights, and music, mixed with beer and food, in a fantastic atmosphere.
• Accommodation in with the cost! Shared bedrooms for the first 50 registrations.
• Three square meals a day! No not in boxes.
• Fee for all workshops and lectures if you join the workshop half week.
• Fee for registration in the tournaments if you join the Competition half week.
• If you register for the tournaments you are automatically booked into the end of event Grand Gala Dinner.
• Welcome pack with T – shirt and other goodies!

There is more to add though we are waiting for more information from our sponsors!

There will be three prices for the event:

1. The Complete event including workshops, lectures and tournaments
2. The Workshops and Lectures.
3. The Tournaments

So you can choose exactly what you want to do and how much you want to spend. Once you get here you really have only to spend money on any drinks you want in the evening, refreshments in the day and if you want to buy something from the vendors who are coming to show their wonderful range of martial art equipment!

Read more and register