Swordplay group brings chivalry to Whidbey

Hear ye, hear ye, aspiring knights of Whidbey Island. Gather ‘round and behold this new opportunity to practice the noble art of swordsmanship.

Whether a sword enthusiast, weapon collector or seasoned dueler, there’s a spot for everyone in the Whidbey Swordplay Association. Started by Freeland resident Ryan Vogt, the recently developed group aims to meet every month in the upper field of South Whidbey Community Park.

The Whidbey Swordplay Association is a Historical European Martial Arts, or HEMA, club, meaning members use techniques and weapons from the Late Middle Ages. Modern protective gear – fencing masks, padded gloves and other cushioned articles of clothing – ensures that no one gets hurt while sparring.

The group follows practices from “The Art of Combat,” a 1570 treatise written by Joachim Meyer. Vogt favors “The Art of Combat” because it is one of the few manuscripts of its kind to have survived through history.

“Not every manuscript has super great instructions,” he said. “Sometimes all you can see is the photo and then you have to use common sense to figure out how you can realistically move and parry in the way that the manuscript shows.”

Members of the Whidbey Swordplay Association have the option to attain knighthood, which Vogt devised as a way to recognize someone in the club for their hard work. Only those who have demonstrated sword skills and the knightly characteristics of respect, integrity and humility will be considered for the honor.

Like many others who participate in the sport, Vogt became interested in swordplay from watching movies that feature sword fighting.

“‘Gladiator’ put me on a spin,” he said. “Got a gladius. Unfortunately, it was stainless steel. After a while, the pommel fell off.”

For this reason, he recommends that members do not bring their “Lord of the Rings” replica sword to a meet, unless they plan to spar in slow motion. Stainless steel swords are not tempered to withstand heavy battle.

At its first meeting in March, the Whidbey Swordplay Association welcomed a number of people who had never swung a sword before. Members consisted of a longtime LARPer (live action role-playing) and Vogt’s own son, who has experience in stage combat. Others showed up for theatrical fighting or for a spiritual practice.

“There’s a little bit of something in HEMA for everybody,” Vogt said. “You don’t have to just whack each other with swords, although that is one of the funnest parts.”

Freeland resident Hans Osterstrom wielded a sword for the first time at the March 2 meeting.

“It was a great meet, diverse group of people,” Osterstrom said. “It was very informative. I didn’t expect to learn so much about old training techniques.”

The Whidbey Swordplay Association plans to convene again at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6.

Participants need not bring their own swords or gear, unless they have some already. Beginners are encouraged to try swinging swords made from polypropylene while doing drills and conditioning. Vogt uses the Meyer’s square – a small diagram that describes the four patterns of striking towards opening moves – for people to follow to get used to moving with a sword.

Those who are feeling a little braver might want to head over to the cutting post and slice a plastic water bottle to shreds with a steel longsword. Vogt also sets up an area marked by cones for sparring, which he recommends using nylon or steel swords. Though the Whidbey Swordplay Association is open to responsible kids ages 10 and up with supervision, only adults can spar. Liability waivers are available to sign.

Even with plenty of protective gear and padding, participating in a sword fight is still a thrilling experience. Vogt practiced fighting with members of the Snohomish Dueling Society this past weekend. The clash of blades resounded through the forest of South Whidbey.

“I think both of us won that,” Vogt said afterwards. “I don’t know what the score remotely was, but anytime you get to spar with somebody is a victory to me.”

Like any hobby, expect to invest a lot if you plan to get deep enough into it.

“If you’re fully kitted out and you’re going to go and do a steel tournament, expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 to get started,” Vogt said.

He hopes to someday host a tournament on Whidbey Island.

For more information about the club, visit whidbeyswordplayassociation.com.

From left, Chris Karg, Lorenzo Mendoza and Jeremy Coleman are from the Snohomish Dueling Society. (Photo by David Welton)

Freeland resident Ryan Vogt, left, spars with Nathan Habecker from the Snohomish Dueling Society. Vogt recently started the Whidbey Swordplay Association. (Photo by David Welton)