Hello, and welcome to the return of Equal Ground, our annual tournament and memorial event for our dear friend and GLECA student, Nicole Lewanski. 'The Li'l Widow' began her journey with GLECA Sydney in early 2016. Armed with only a flyer, enthusiasm, and her grizzliest friend, Nicole quickly made an impression on us. With her love of swords and drive to learn, participate, and expand her presence in the club, and the role of women in HEMA, Nicole was the very model of the eager student. Sadly, she passed away late in 2016.

GLECA commemorating our fallen GLECAN with the first Equal Ground tournament in 2017. We invite you to sign up to our tournament and fight well, have fun, remember those in our lives who are gone, and celebrate those who are still with us. Come share in the friendship and joy of the HEMA community.

About the event:

May 04, tournament kicks off at Opening of the Event is at 8:30am with the fencing pools Kicking Off at 9:00am
St. Christophorus Croydon, 112 Edwin St, Croydon NSW 2132
Two experience tiers: Intermediate and Advanced
Synthetic-only event, synthetic longswords will be provided .
All tournament tiers will run on a semi-continuous format where fighting continues until marshals call HOLD or one clean controlled strike is delivered to the head, thrust to the torso or head, or continuous clean strikes that are not defended.

About the tiers:

Intermediate:

The Intermediate Tournament is suited to combatants with 6 months experience and up to 1.5 years of experience.
The tournament will use synthetic longswords and include optional grappling.
Grappling to ground will be allowed because the tournaments will be conducted on 40mm judo mats.
Combatants will be examined and assessed on their intensity and technique in combat and their ability to perform breakfalls in full gear. The safety Marshal does have the right to change a combatant’s tier if it is determined that they will be better suited in a lower tier.
$60.00 entry fee.

Advanced:

The Advanced Tournament is suited to combatants several years of experience, or with extensive tournament experience.
The tournament will use synthetic longswords and include optional grappling.
Grappling to ground will be allowed because the matches will be conducted on 40mm judo mats.
Combatants will be examined and assessed on their intensity and technique in combat and their ability to perform breakfalls in full gear.
The safety Marshal does have the right to change a combatant’s tier if it is determined that they will be better suited in a lower tier.
$60.00 entry fee

PPE requirements:

3-weapon mask or equivalent with a protective back of head cover
A fencing jacket
Protection of elbows
Forearm protection
Suitable gloves
Gorget
knee protection

Rules can be view here: Rules for Equal Ground 2024

If there is any issues in registering for the event please message us through our Facebook page. GLECA SYDNEY