Longpoint 2015 Brings Sword Fighting & Training To Ellicott City
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Fencers from across the world gather in Ellicott City this weekend to practice a sport almost lost to time.
WJZ's Mike Schuh has more on the medieval mayhem.
Golfers at Turf Valley swing for distance, but inside they're swinging for the kill.
The swords are dull, but the danger is real.
Jake Norwood who created this competition says fighters from 10 different countries are attending the event.
"So the guy walking here in the white, that's Axel Pederson. He's probably the closest thing we have to a world champ, the probably the best in the world," said Norwood.
Officials say this is the largest tournament in North America.
Matt Walsh is from Parkville and he's also competing in the event. Last year Walsh came in 8th place.
Competitors train for years to find out how they stack up in this medieval yet modern test of their mettle.
"To do things that haven't been done in centuries and to do them well, it's incredibly thrilling," said Norwood.
The tournament called Longpoint 2015 runs through Sunday at the Turf Valley Conference Center.
For more information on the tournament CLICK HERE.