Historical European Martial Arts Event Brings Global Talent, Education, and Economic Boost to Pomona, California
Pomona, California, United States, 1st Mar 2025 — SoCal Swordfight, the world’s largest Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) event, will transform the Sheraton Fairplex into a Renaissance-era arena from March 14–16, 2025, drawing over 1,100 participants from 32+ states and 13+ countries. This year’s event features world-ranked competitors, hands-on historical exhibits, and unparalleled educational opportunities for martial artists and spectators alike.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Elite Competition (Competitors Ranked Globally in the Top 15 according to HEMA Ratings):
- Open Steel Longsword:
#2 Antoni Olbrychski (Poland), #3 Stephen Cheney (USA), #4 Miro Lahtela (Finland), #8 Benjamin Aygrigg (USA), #10 Yannick De Smet (Belgium), #14 Ville Välimäki (Finland) - URG Steel Longsword:
#2 Minna Vasarainen (Finland), #3 Rashelle DeBolt (USA), #5 Stevi Parker (USA), #11 Iris Garcia (USA), #12 Lindsey Mitchell (USA), #12 Veronica Young (USA) - Open Rapier & Dagger:
#1 Robert Childs (USA), #2 Arthur Henry (USA), #3 Kevin Murakoshi (USA) ), #5 Erick Copley (USA) - Open Steel Saber:
#2 Antoni Olbrychski (Poland), #9 Robert Childs (USA), #14 Samuel Ryals (USA) - URG Steel Saber:
#3 Minna Vasarainen (Finland), #4 Rashelle DeBolt (USA), #7 Brittany Reeves (USA
Educational Opportunities:
- Oakeshott Institute Lecture Series: Rare antique weapon handling with Dr. Nathan Clough. (more information)
- 130+ Hours of Classes: Led by 80+ global instructors across 5 dedicated classrooms.
- Build-a-Sword Workshop: Partner with Castille Armory to craft custom blades. (more information)
- Antique Showcase: Opportunity to view and potentially handle an assortment of antique medieval and renaissance weapons, armor and manuscripts and learn the histories from their current owners. (more information)
Community Impact:
- Economic Boost: Attendees to fill local hotels, restaurants, and retail.
- First Aid Certification: CPR/AED courses via Sentri Institute. (more information)
- Spectator Classes: Introductory HEMA sessions available for spectators.
Event Growth & Global Reach
Since its 2012 debut as a local tournament, SoCal Swordfight has surged 360% in attendance, becoming the pinnacle of HEMA worldwide. The 2025 event includes:
- 26 Tournaments: Across different weapons, divisions, and tiers.
- Antique Weapons Showcase: Artifacts up to 8,000 years old.
- Livestream Broadcast: Reaching 5,000+ viewers globally.
Quotes
“HEMA is more than just a sport; it’s a living connection to our shared martial heritage. SoCal Swordfight brings history to life, allowing participants and spectators to experience the depth and complexity of European martial arts traditions. From world-class competitions to hands-on workshops, we’re offering a unique blend of athleticism, scholarship, and cultural exploration.:
~ RJ McKeehan, Organizer, SoCal Swordfight.
“SoCal Swordfight has been the largest HEMA tournament in the world since 2023, and the attendance numbers for 2025 exceed even the event’s prior standards. The number of top ranked international competitors is set to make this year’s event the most competitive tournament in the world for most of its weapon disciplines.
~ Sean Franklin, HEMA Scorecard
“SoCal Swordfight has always been about building community and mutual support. We provide an inclusive environment through a diverse selection of instructors, workshops, and panels. This year, we’re excited to see significant growth in our Underrepresented-Genders (URG) tournaments, which have increased in both participation and level of competition. Additionally, our Under-18 (U18) tournaments are designed to inspire and promote the next generation of HEMA enthusiasts. It’s not just about the history and competition; it’s about making them accessible and engaging for everyone.”
~ Rachel Van Dyke, Organizer, SoCal Swordfight
“What sets SoCal Swordfight apart is its commitment to both competition and education. We’re not just showcasing elite athletes; we’re creating a space where enthusiasts and scholars of all levels can learn, engage, and be inspired. The event’s growth reflects the increasing global interest in HEMA, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this cultural renaissance.
~ Myles Cupp, Organizer, SoCal Swordfight
“Huge diversity of weapons and disciplines on display.”
~ Michael Chidester, Editor and Chief, Wiktenauer
“I loved being able to look across the tournament area and see all of the different bouts taking place at once. It was incredibly lively, and it is this event that told me I should become a serious fencer.”
~ Charlotte Kelly, Academy of Arms
“The overall feeling of community support and interest.”
~ Frank Perrin, Bayt al-Asad: Middle Eastern Combat Arts
Media Opportunities
- Press Passes: Access to tournaments, workshops, and elite competitors.
- B-roll/Photos: High-action sparring, antique exhibits, and custom sword crafting.
- Interviews: Top-ranked fighters, instructors, and organizers.
Event Details
- Dates: March 14–16, 2025
- Location: Sheraton Fairplex, 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA
- Tickets: Spectator passes ($30/day or $50 for all 3 days) and full registrations ($195) at socalswordfight.com.
Sponsors & Partners
My True Ancestry | SoCal Swords | Arms & Armor | Castille Armory | Albion Swords | Valiant Armoury | Purpleheart Armoury | Wukusi Armory | Sigi Forge | Black Fencer | Manticore Forge | Grommet’s Leathercraft | Ox & Plow | SPES Historical Fencing Gear | CombatCon | Sprezzatura Sports and Wellness
Full list: socalswordfight.com
Company Detail
Organization: SoCal Swordfight
Contact Person: Chris Ponzillo
Website: https://www.socalswordfight.com
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +17144973377
Address: 601 W McKinley Avenue
City: Pomona
State: California
Country: United States
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Funds Spectrum journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.