Historical European Martial Arts Tournament Returns to WDW

ORLANDO, Fl. — Longpoint South, an elite Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) competition, returns to the Walt Disney World® Resort on October 27-28 as part of the International Martial Arts Festival (IMAF) at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event is open to the public with purchase of a Spectator Event Admission ticket.

The competition features top tier swordfighters from across the nation participating in 3 tournament categories: Longsword, historical wrestling known as Ringen, and Cutting – the art of using a sharp sword to cut straw mat targets with precision. ESPN 3 will broadcast the finals for all IMAF tournaments on Saturday evening.

Last year, the Longpoint South longsword tournament finals saw Jake Norwood, Longpoint Director and President, win a hard-fought first place. In the ESPN interview that followed, Norwood was asked, "…Using swords is nothing to play around with, but what compelled you to get into this sport?" to which he replied with a large smile "Wanting to play with swords." He will be returning this year to defend his first place title.

Jason Barrons, president of the HEMA Alliance – the national non-profit HEMA service organization – will have a table set up to answer questions regarding HEMA and the event. Cool giveaways will be available as well, including free foam swords for the kids.For details about the event and how to attend as a spectator, contact Ashleigh Hobbs by email at info@longpointsouth.com or visit www.longpointsouth.com.

For more information on Historical European Martial Arts, readers can view the 2016 HEMA documentary "Back to the Source", or visit the HEMA Alliance website for resources at www.HEMAAlliance.com.