Ok … I’m interested. How does this work?

1. Contact us at hiltandhelm@gmail.com and we’ll get an idea of what you’d like to do in the space.

• Your name / Your organization’s name

• How many people would be coming

• Nature of the gathering

• How long you’ll need the space (Make sure to book adequate setup/tear down time)

• When you’ll need the space

• What facilities of ours you’d need (chairs, tables, speakers, television, video game console, lounge area, weapons, staff, etc)

2. We respond with an estimate. Once we’ve agreed to terms, your event will be on the books!

3. We’ll put out an event invitation link for your guests to sign a waiver if they intend to spar. All guests aren’t required to spar or sign the waiver, but it they’d like to spar they will need to sign it.

Da Rules for Sparring Guests

For those who have never sparred before, we have foam weapons that can be used with our protective gear. All guests who intend to spar will be given a 15 minute crash course on the equipment, sparring etiquette, and appropriate levels of force to use when sparring. A ring will be set up as the only location in which guests can spar. A director will be present to oversee the sparring matches. In the event that someone does something unsafe, they will be given a yellow card which is a warning not to do it again.

The following is a list of yellow card-able offenses …

• Intentionally stepping outside of the ring

• Exposing the back of your head during a fight. (This is often done by spinning or turning around.)

• Engaging in unsafe behavior. (Don’t ask for a list. We know it when we see it.)

• Striking with excessive force. (How much is too much? We’ll tell you during training.)

• Not respecting the rules of fencing etiquette by

  • Not separating when called to by the director

  • Not waiting until the director calls for you to fight

Repeating any of the yellow card-able offenses a second time will result in a red card which means that the offending fighter will have their sparring privileges will be revoked for the duration of the event.

The following is a list of red card-able offenses …

• Striking an opponent after the director has called halt

• Striking an opponent before the direct has called fight

• Striking an opponent in a non-targetable area such as the back of the head or groin

• Grappling, wrestling, throws, arm bars, or takedowns

• Arguing with the director

Lastly, there are black card-able offenses which will not only revoke your sparring privileges, but also result in being escorted out of the event. These are the most serious offenses guests can do and are applicable to ALL GUESTS … not just those who are sparring.

The following is a list of black card-able offenses …

• Striking unarmored opponents such as guests who aren’t actively participating in your sparring match.

• Striking the director.

• Engaging in unsafe behavior such as

  • running around

  • entering a ring where there is an active fight happening

  • hitting people (with or without swords or protective equipment) outside of the designated sparring area

  • swinging weapons around outside of the sparring areas

  • horseplay of any sort

  • throwing objects

  • damaging property

  • harassing other guests (especially when you’ve been asked to stop)

These rules are designed to ensure the safety of all guests.

Frequently asked questions

Question 1: Do you provide food and drink?

Answer 1: No. There is an amazing Chinese Food Restaurant next door and restaurants down the street. You’re more than welcome to bring or order whatever food you’d like.

Question 2: Can we bring alcohol?

Answer 2: Depends. If you’re just using the space as a private event venue you’re welcome to bring it if you like; however, if you or your guests intend to fight the answer is a very firm no. Swords and alcohol do not mix and we don’t want to have to police how much if any alcohol people have imbibed before we let them spar each other.

Question 3: Can we spar with the steel weapons?

Answer 3: If you are a trained HEMA practitioner who has passed “The Challenge of the Jarl”, then yes. Otherwise, no. We can set up a training session as part of the event where people will get to put on gear and spar with the instructor, but until they have proven that they are not a danger to themselves or others they are not allowed to spar with or even swing the steel weapons. If your guests are interested in taking “The Challenge of the Jarl”, that will have to be done before of the event as there may not be enough time to do it when the event is in progress.

Question 4: Are kids allowed to spar? If so how young?

Answer 4: Yes! We have foam toy weapons meant for small children. For larger children we prefer to judge exactly what equipment they are ready to use on a case by case basis. Some are larger than others and holding fast to a firm age based criteria has proven difficult in the past. The event coordinator will explain the nuances during the estimation phase. What’s important is that we want to ensure everyone is safe and having fun and we’ll do what we must to ensure both things happen.

If all of that sounds great, inquire today!