Tournament of Defense - AFO Cup

IN THE SPIRIT OF 1686.

Tournament of Defense isn’t trying to recreate a tournament from 1686. It’s asking a modern question inspired by the fencing culture of the past:

Can we create a competition that puts the art of fencing itself to the test?

Multiple weapons. Technical judgment. Continuous fencing. Education alongside competition. Rapier through smallsword. And a living connection to the historical sources that brought us here.

We don’t recreate the past.

We let its principles inspire how we compete today.

Tournament of Defense 2026
The Art of Arms. Put to the Test.

Hit without being hit

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The clock is running. The beautiful pics are from Chris Lee-Becker.

Early Registration for the Tournament of Defense 2026 closes September 1.

The fields are growing. The competition is coming. And the discounted pricing is about to disappear.

If you’re planning to test yourself this November, now is the time to commit.

September 1. Don’t wait.

Step into the ring.

Hit Without Being Hit.



Sign up here:

https://www.afofencing.com/tickets/duelistpass

LIVE NOW…

There’s what people say…and then there’s what actually happened.

The full interview with Scott Bradley, instructor of Bladehaven Historical Fencing, is now live.

Scott and I sat down to discuss the current state of HEMA, where he believes historical fencing is headed, and why he chose to step into the International Technical Rules Set during the Midwest Meetup.

More importantly, we talk about what it actually feels like to fence under a continuous fencing rules set.

How does it influence decision-making?

Does it reward different tactics?

What surprised him the most?

This isn’t a debate. It’s not a sales pitch.

It’s an honest conversation with someone who stepped into the ring, tested the system for himself, and shares exactly what he experienced.

Watch the full interview below, then decide for yourself.

Most HEMA Fencers Have Never Experienced This | Scott Bradley Interview There’s what people say…and then there’s what actually happened.T...

Tomorrow.

I sat down with Scott Bradley, instructor of Bladehaven Historical Fencing, for a conversation that went far beyond swords.

We talked about his background in MMA, how that mindset carried over into HEMA, where he believes historical fencing is headed, and why he volunteered to step into the International Technical Rules Set during the Midwest Meetup.

No scripts. No talking points.

Just an honest conversation about pressure, decision-making, continuous fencing, and what happens when the action doesn’t stop after the first exchange.

If you’ve been wondering what it’s actually like to fence under the International Technical Rules Set, Scott shares his firsthand experience—what surprised him, what challenged him, and whether he’d do it again.

Here’s a short teaser from the interview.

The full conversation premieres tomorrow on the AFO YouTube channel, -allforonefencing722 .

Tim and Scott Bradley: The TOD Rules Set is…what??? Tomorrow.I sat down with Scott Bradley, instructor of Bladehaven ...

Tournament of Defense 2026 Schedule Update

We have one important adjustment to announce.

Following the overwhelming success of our International Technical Rules discussion in Wichita, Kansas, we’ve decided to take the next step.

We will be hosting a Longsword Tournament under the Tournament of Defense rules for 2026. Participation will be extremely limited, and if all goes well, we’ll officially introduce the tournament as an annual mainstay within our program. We’ll be launching our Team Event as a pilot tournament in 2027.

If you’re interested in being part of the future of competition, reserve your spot early.

Friday — Education Day & Opening Ceremonies

• 4:00 PM — Weapons & Equipment Check
• Lord Francesco Antonio Mattei Rapier Clinic
• Coaching Clinic
• Fiore Longsword Clinic
• Opening Ceremonies Social Dinner, including the official league announcement and a preview of upcoming tournaments

Saturday

• 8:00 AM — Weapons & Equipment Check
• 9:00 AM — Open Single Rapier
• 2:00 PM — Open Saber
• 5:00 PM — Open Smallsword

Sunday

• 8:00 AM — Weapons & Equipment Check
• Open Rapier & Dagger
• Pilot Longsword Tournament (Participation limited to approximately 15–20 competitors.)

We can’t wait to welcome everyone this November for a weekend of learning, camaraderie, and spirited competition.

Don’t forget—discounted Early Registration closes September 1. Reserve your place before pricing increases.

Hit Without Being Hit.

Tickets — All For One Fencing

Every competitor reaches a moment where preparation gives way to the test.

The Tournament of Defense is that moment.

Early Registration closes September 1.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, fence skilled opponents, and step into the ring, now is the time.

The question is waiting.

Hit Without Being Hit.





Sign up here:
https://www.afofencing.com/tod2026