On the weekend of July 14-16 there was an international competition
in Jousting just north of Guelph ON. The tournament was hosted by Shane
Adams (2 time international Jousting champion light armoured division)
At Dragon Valor Farm. This first event of its kind in Canada was unfortunately
plagued with inclement weather, keeping public attendance low and threatening
the completion of the tournament. There was however a $10 000.00 purse
 which seemed to keep the jousters motivated in spite of the wet conditions.
Friday's activities had to be cut short when severe weather in the form
of large hail and high winds interrupted the Woman's Light armour division
competition.
The jousting took place in a fully enclosed tilt-yard complete with
barrier. This installation was purpose built for the conduct of armoured
jousting. Two divisions of participants competed for the $10 000.00 purse.
The light armoured division was comprised of men and women wearing equipment
dating from the 10th to 12th centuries. In the light armoured division
jousters must target the center of their opponent's shield which
must be presented during the pass. Failure to present the shield results
in penalties. The lances employed were solid poplar lathe turned from a
full 3 inch diameter down to 1 5\8 inches at the tip, capped with a copper
end cap. The lances are 10 feet in length and have substantial weight.
Points are awarded for striking the shield additional points are awarded
for breaking a lance and maximum points are awarded for unhorsing your
opponent. Four passes are run between each pair of jousters. The passes
are done at full speed and some of the contact is very violent. In the
full plate division shields are not employed and the target is the body
of the opponent. Full plate armour from the 14th and 15th centuries is
employed. The lances are lighter made of 1 5\8 inch hardwood dowels with
a copper cap on the end and vamplate affixed. Many more lances are broken
in this division although unhorsing seemed rarer. All of the jousters appeared to be accomplished riders and clearly this activity is mostly about horsemanship. The technique of jousting does seem to have many subtleties and certainly belongs within the preview of the serious western martial artist, particularly those taking a medieval focus in their study and practice. AEMMA contributed a display of armoured combat on foot at the tournament.
David Cvet and Brian McIlmoyle provided a display of full contact combat
o'pleasance with commentary and explanation provided by Mike Rasmusson.
We fielded many questions about AEMMA's mission and goals and served to
educate the public regarding Medieval swordsmanship. Unfortunately the
day was once again cut short by heavy rain.
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| jousting video 1 | jousting video 2 | jousting video 3 | jousting video 4 |