How to handle spear, sword and dagger in a judicial duel – and the pollaxe just for fun

Weapon: Spear, sword, dagger and pollaxe – in armour

Source: Paulus Kal, Hans Talhoffer, Gladiatoria

Discover how heavily armed fighters in full armour would have fought each other in a judicial duel: we use spears, swords and daggers mercilessly – yet follow strict rules of fairness.
As a bonus, there is an excursion into the world of the pollaxe – a weapon even more chivalrous than the sword.

This unique workshop, which covers the entire spectrum of duelling (except for mounted combat), is heavily based on pictorial sources such as the fight books of Paulus Kal, Hans Talhoffer and the Gladiatoria group. It is presented by the two Hammaborg combatants Dierk Hagedorn and Björn Rüther in their armour, which are modelled on examples from the 1430s.

You don’t necessarily need armour for this workshop, but bring a sword, and – if you can – an axe, a spear and a dagger or similar simulators.

We are Hammaborg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

Skill level of Participants: Any skill level
Needed Equipment: A sword, plus a simulator for either spear or pollaxe or both, plus a dagger or a stick. Armour is helpful but not mandatory.

About the trainer – Dierk Hagedorn

A long time ago a bold little Dreynevent took place in the old city of Vienna that – as usual – was well-attended. One attendee, a strange slim person without hair but with glasses sat on a table and spoke meandering sentences to an ever so eager audience. The man did not tire, nor – surprisingly – did the audience. On this very day, he was given a new name by which he was known ever after. This was the day Dierk Hagedorn was dubbed “The Sourcerer“, a name he would proudly accept and adopt. He will return to the Dreynevent to speak again. To teach again. In armour. In meandering sentences, as can be assumed.