Walpurgis Ladies’ Tournament Oct 24-25th 2026
Why is it called Walpurgis? For the weapon discipline Sword & Buckler, we base our competition on the medieval manuscript I:33, which describes monks teaching novices how to fence. The only person who manages to defeat these monks is the woman Walpurgis – therefore she lends her name to our HEMA event exclusively for women!
Why are we organising a Ladies’ Event? Although HEMA is founded on an inclusive spirit, the sport is still male-dominated. This makes it especially important to actively work for gender equality and to create spaces where more women can feel comfortable, develop their skills, and dare to compete. That is why we organize the Walpurgis Ladies’ Tournament: a full-weekend event combining competitions, workshops, a lecture, shared dinner and accommodation to strengthen our community and inspire more women to engage in the sport.
What are our plans moving forward? Our ambition is to build an annual tradition that grows over time – in number of participants as well as geographical reach. We at MHFS, who take pride in our inclusive atmosphere, believe we are well suited to ensure that this event becomes a place where women feel empowered and genuinely welcome.
Who is this event for? Walpurgis Ladies’ Tournament is an event aimed at providing women with a safe and fair competitive environment within HEMA. Our ambition is to create an inclusive event where women can participate on their own terms. The event is open to fencers who are legally registered as female and who are 18 years of age or older. The competition classes are designed in accordance with the guidelines of the Swedish Sports Confederation (Riksidrottsförbundet) regarding safe, fair, and inclusive sport. Participants are therefore required to bring valid identification (passport, national ID card, or driver’s license). Swedish participants must also be members of a club affiliated with the Swedish HEMA Federation and hold a valid digital Competition License.
Practical Information
Registration is done below and closes on 30 September. Please note that your registration is not considered complete until the fee has been paid. Registration is binding, and paid fees will not be refunded.
Registration
Become a part of the Walpurgis crew – get lunch and a free MHFS t-shirt. Sign upp you interest here!
The event will take place at Hyllie Sporthall on October 24–25th 2026.
Participation costs 1100 SEK and the number of weapon disciplines you may enter is unlimited. The fee also includes a shared buffet dinner on the evening of October 24th, as well as a shared double room at Scandic Segevång. For long-distance travellers, we can extend the hotel stay to Friday–Saturday for an additional 600 SEK. If you wish to stay more nights, please contact us and we may be able to assist. In addition to the competitions, we will offer free workshops and a lecture for those who are interested.
Parking is available in a parking garage approximately 100 meters from the venue, as well as at the hotel, and is free of charge for hotel guests. MHFS can provide transport between the hotel and the venue if requested no later than Thursday, October 22nd.
Lunch: MHFS can arrange lunch at cost price on both Saturday and Sunday if pre-ordered no later than Thursday, October 22nd.
Menu will be available closer to the event.
A detailed schedule will be published later, but we expect to conclude the weekend around 15:00 on Sunday October 25th.
Disciplines Offered
- Longsword
- Sabre
- Rapier
- Sword & Buckler
- Dagger
We want to ensure that everyone has the chance to compete in the disciplines they wish. Therefore, each weapon category will run even if only two participants have registered – in such cases, the tournament will go straight to a final, and a gold and silver medallist will be awarded.
The event follows a Bring Your Own format. However, MHFS will provide a limited number of weapons for all listed disciplines, should participants wish to try a weapon they do not own. BYO means that participants are responsible for ensuring their own weapons (and equipment in general) are in acceptable condition. More details can be found in the Rules.
Questions and comments may be sent to: walpurgis@mhfs.se