Bridge City Blades - Historical Martial Arts

⚔️ Instructor Announcement: Jordan Thompson — Armizare Spear ⚔️

Bivo-Whack 2026 is Sold Out! Amazing response this year Sword Friends! Stay tuned for more info to get hyped for the next one.

Now on to instructors: Blades Bivo‑Whack 2026 is excited to welcome Jordan Thompson to the instructor lineup!

Jordan began his HEMA journey in 2013 with Oslo KdF in Norway while pursuing graduate studies in Nordic, Viking, and Medieval culture. Since returning to Washington state and becoming a member of Lonin League, Jordan has led focused study on 15th–16th century German-language sources. He has competed and taught at regional, national, and the international level.

🛡️ Workshop: Joachim Meyer’s Quarterstaff and Halberd

In his groundbreaking 1570 treatise, Joachim Meyer presented one of the most comprehensive and practical fencing systems of the Renaissance — with a strong emphasis on polearms.

This seminar explores Meyer’s teachings on both the quarterstaff and halberd, two iconic weapons of the period. We’ll begin with foundational movement patterns, focusing on how to use the full strength of the body to efficiently maneuver large, heavy weapons with control and power.

From there, we’ll examine specific techniques for both weapons and then put them into practice in a series of

Blades Bivo‑Whack 2026 is proud to welcome Ryan Vann, Owner & Senior Instructor of Counterfable Academy and longtime practitioner of the Armizare tradition.

Training since 2009 under Maestro Sean Hayes and now a Free Scholar of the International Armizare Society (IAS), Ryan has spent nearly two decades immersed in historically informed fencing. A dedicated full‑time instructor, active tournament competitor, and featured guest at WMAW, he brings deep technical knowledge and sharp pedagogical focus to every class he teaches.

🛡️ Workshop: Armizare Spear

The spear is one of the most versatile weapons of the medieval martial arts tradition — and one of the least deeply examined. In this two‑hour workshop, Ryan presents the spear as a coherent system, focusing on the core principles that make it effective:

• Structure
• Timing
• Core engagement
• Tactical awareness

Through drills and partnered exercises, students will explore how alignment builds control, how timing creates opportunity, and how the body generates both power and precision.

Open to newer practitioners and seasoned martial artists alike.

⚔️ Blades Bivo‑Whack 2026 is coming in hot! ⚔️

Early bird pricing ends June 16th. If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time to commit.

We’re excited to welcome Lorenzo Mendoza, specialist in the Bolognese tradition and founder and head instructor of the Snohomish Dueling Society, for an in‑depth exploration of The Pursuit of Stretta.

This workshop offered during Bivowhack weekend, dives into Marozzo & Manciolino’s assalti not just as choreography, but as instructional frameworks that guide us from first engagement through Stretta di Mezza Spada. We’ll be breaking down the transition from Gioco Largo to Gioco Stretto, grounding historical context in modern HEMA application.

Come ready for a passionate dive into Sidesword theory that will sharpen your skills, engage your interpretive lens, and offer some excitement. You won't want to miss this one!

Cross blades. Study deeply. Train with intent.

Already training and looking to widen your circle of sword friends? Want to spar with new people, test your mettle, or just nerd out about sources and gear?
Open Floor at Bridge City Blades is a FREE 2‑hour unstructured sparring space where folks can connect, cross swords, and explore different corners of the HEMA community. Spar at slow speed, go full speed, troubleshoot techniques, and share what you’ve been studying — from weapon tactics to fencing treatises.
Come for the community, stay for the vibes.
1305 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR
2 Hours | FREE
Come meet new training partners and grow your HEMA network.

A Gremlin in the system over here - slight correction to the Calendar. Mondays do not have another Sidesword class on offer. Instead, it's clinic time. Consider stopping by and working with a friend or the instructor on a finer point or class topic. Struggling to get your swing just right? Clinic hour will set you right.

Lots of great stuff happening in the Sala this month!

We’ve expanded our schedule for May, added more training opportunities, and brought something new to the mix:
⚔️ Rapier class starts May 10th
⚔️ Saber and Sidesword Fundamentals — Sundays at 1pm with alternating weapon focuses on the 1st and Second and Third and Fourth! This class is a great option if you've been curious about different weapon systems or want to build a stronger foundation in your practice.

Also: Bivo‑Whack is already halfway full! Super Early Bird pricing ends May 15th, so if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time for the best price. Normal Early Bird Prices end June 15th and ticket sales will end for the year August 15th!

See you in the sala.

Hi there Sword Friends!
Bridge City Blades is heading out to nature. Come join us for the second annual Blades Bivo-WHACK 2026 on August 28th–30th at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, Oregon!
It’s a full weekend of sparring, workshops, friendship, and mead — all in a relaxed, non-competitive HEMA retreat setting. BCB is known for being a bunch of friendly folks and this event is no exception. Expect open sparring, playful games (naval boarding tactics, anyone?), tournaments (optional, fun, maybe even featuring jenga), campfires, and plenty of time to train, learn, and connect with fellow sword nerds.
All-inclusive (2 nights lodging + 6 meals + all workshops & activities)
All-inclusive

Limited to 40 spots
Pricing:
Super Early Bird – $400 (ends May 16 at 12:00 AM)
Early Bird – $425 (begins May 16)
General Admission – $450 (price increases June 16)
Lock in the lowest price before May 16th!
Event details & registration:
https://www.bridgecitybladeshema.com/event-details/blades-bivo-whack-2026