AWMAC

19/04/2024

Getting to/from AWMAC

AWMAC 2024 will be hosted at Baden Powell Activity Centre, which is located at Ponoma St, Pennant Hills NSW 2120

Transport options:

By car:
- Baden Powell Activity Centre is about 27km (40 minutes) from Sydney CBD or 38km (1 hour) from Sydney Airport (via M1/M2 highway)
- Parking onsite and off street parking is available, however if you’re coming by car we encourage you to carpool with other attendees whenever possible due to limited space

By train:
- Baden Powell Activity Centre is approximately 1km from Pennant Hills Station and Thornleigh Station
- If you are travelling via public transport, we recommend that you plan your trip using Transport NSW’s train timetables (available at: https://transportnsw.info/routes/train)

For attendees coming from interstate/overseas, and participants staying overnight for the ENTIRE event only (from Friday or Saturday night until Monday), we offer shuttle services between Baden Powell Activity Centre and Pennant Hills Train Station. Due to limited capacity, shuttle services will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

About the shuttle service:

- Pickup from Pennant Hills Station will be between 8-8:45am on Saturday 8th June 2024 - the last pickup will occur at 8:45am sharp to allow time for registration (which closes at 9am sharp)
- Drop off at Pennant Hills Station will occur on Monday afternoon after the event concludes

How will the shuttle service work?

- Register your interest (link below)
- Our Transport Coordinator, Alex Binskin, will allocate transport volunteers to attendees requiring transport, and will get in touch with you regarding any arrangements

To register for the shuttle service, please use the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIl28hNaFEVWk0dGkVoDDsHejv1LkbQWd7L5nwLkqifUGjpg/viewform?usp=sf_link

10/04/2024

Has everyone bought their AWMAC 2024 T-shirts yet?

**5 days left until orders close!**

$55 per shirt ($50 + $5 shipping fee)

Order by 15th April 2024 so that you don’t miss out. Link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetbQn8_U6vIy3pYTdhAqG0x-5_5ebV2vWxKEsmGG7VPKRtyg/viewform?fbzx=-521195077985649817&fbclid=IwAR3AUWftwCFB5yU6Z-P9lF-W_-BcrM1Gr7gdYe9hVO8Ymu2N0mayLZzrx8k_aem_AeYz_ROyHFPxQ_zwg4tiktAMhpck1IrFsjW377RjfUaY-BaJ9l1oGhFNrioqBW1EmNdYysxguGizIDVO_gWpzfpI

Size chart is here: https://www.onthegosports.com.au/size-chart DO NOT SIGN UP if you are not paying immediately. Form closes April 15 2024

07/04/2024

Pic is of the site. There's always a brilliant atmosphere at AWMAC and a lot of that is down to the unique site that you just won't find anywhere else.

*Exciting News!*
There are only a small number of places left for general attendance at AWMAC this year.

Capacity for the event is *90* people, and we are close! 90! AWMAC is going to be huge.

There are 3 places left for instructors.

*Camping registration*
Camping registrations are now closed.
We've filled the designated areas for camping.

*Schedule*
Draft Schedule will be posted soon.

The event is shaping up brilliantly. Don't miss out!

31/03/2024

Only 7-ish hours until the early-bird discount for AWMAC Expires.

We've had a flood of workshop submissions in the last couple of days and even hours and the schedule will now include (in order of receipt of pitches).

Both an intro to Jedok Geom (it's like a giant katana) and applications against longsword by Head Coach Nathan Jo of https://www.koreanhistoricfencing.com/

Stoccata's own (Rocks/Epping/Newtown) Michael Grizzly Barton will lead workshops on Lonnergan's simple hits. This is an intro to the fundamentals of broadsword.
Grizz' second workshop is about the manipulation of space in broadsword fencing so that fencers of all sizes and levels of athletic ability can maximise their ability to fence anyone effectively.

Matthew Boyd, also of Stoccata (Launceston) is going to present firstly on Joseph Swetnam's Broadsword. Next as his advanced workshop, he will be doing a deep dive on George Silver's principles using the single dagger as the tool to do it.

Stoccata founder Stephen Hand of Stoccata Hobart will also be leading a pair of workshops. His beginner level one will be on dealing with multiple attackers using a 17th Century cutting sword. His advanced workshop will be an exploration of how to use various types of shields regardless of era or other characteristics according to historical sources.

Stoccata founding member and world traveller Paul Wagner of Stoccata Newtown/Rocks/Epping will be presenting on an Australian historical source in the form of David Fallon's bayonet system from WW1.
Paul's advanced workshop is on the British approach to fencing and is completely weapon agnostic. Paul will lead participants in an exploration of their chosen weapon applying the principles of English fencing to solutions.

Adam Garden of Stoccata Newtown/Epping/Rocks but also a theatrical fencer will be presenting a workshop where participants will learn about methods used on stage and screen and choreograph a fight sequence together. Adam's second workshop is TBD for now.

Ken McKenzie of GLECA https://www.glenlachlann.com.au/ will be presenting on Talhoffer's dagger as a beginner class and then on troubleshooting the Zornhau/Schielhau/Oberhau and on when and how to use each in fencing.

Lastly (Thus far) we have Stoccata Drummoyne and Rhodes Head Coach Richard Cullinan. Rick has qualifications in a living lineage of traditional fencing and uses these to inform his HEMA pedagogy. Rick's beginner class is on Bolognese Provocations (feints and draws and more). Rick's advanced class is weapon agnostic and is structured so that with any weapon, participants can explore and solve problems using Italian theories of fencing.

Still to come. Presentations on antique swords, Rapier workshops, more longsword workshops, Destreza and more.

Sign up now!
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1184678?fbclid=IwAR0sQyv1VrZSmk3-WFpAmD0T-8ZlChIHRjVXiimvEhQRyyF-1lVq_Ge5H6Q

The Stoccata School of Defence hosts the Australasian Western Martial Arts Convention (AWMAC) on the King’s Birthday Weekend, and is the premier HEMA event in Sydney each year. Over the long weekend there will be workshops on everything from HEMA staples like longsword and rapier to more esoteric ...

30/03/2024

The AWMAC Early Bird ticket sale ends at midnight tonight! Check out options/price listings and book now at:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1184678?fbclid=IwAR1aIKZ2KXaoiZTLlpg4P6_8i2SvDaSX_Oi5r9yJwIED_S-QKnvTZdzjvUg_aem_AdvUtbJMV81Qx2McG-2xF-M2xL4shcBUnjHXCNm_DUUTCYUZCfxek1P2oU4HqG0MQ9i9ZsCquNTrZafD6Asbs1UE

The Stoccata School of Defence hosts the Australasian Western Martial Arts Convention (AWMAC) on the King’s Birthday Weekend, and is the premier HEMA event in Sydney each year. Over the long weekend there will be workshops on everything from HEMA staples like longsword and rapier to more esoteric ...

26/03/2024

The look your friends give you when you tell them you’ve book for AWMAC after the early discount offer has been closed…

Prices rise at the start of April

25/03/2024

7 days left until Early Bird Discount for AWMAC ends! Book now before prices go up:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1184678?fbclid=IwAR3MGDR1A8buFf6siF7d3G2PiGBlrb8SbjWlAD8kqtArt8aD_8nDY7sifpk

The Stoccata School of Defence hosts the Australasian Western Martial Arts Convention (AWMAC) on the King’s Birthday Weekend, and is the premier HEMA event in Sydney each year. Over the long weekend there will be workshops on everything from HEMA staples like longsword and rapier to more esoteric ...

20/03/2024

**Since I’ve gotten a few questions about this, I just wanted to clarify:

The price increase will affect ALL tickets, not just the full 3-day pass with accommodation. Prices will go up 10% on 1st April and will increase by another 10% on 1st May. Bookings will close on 17th May 2024.**

Just a reminder that there's only 11 days left before the Early Bird Discount for AWMAC ends, book now before 31st March at:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1184678?fbclid=IwAR2XndiRMHIhtJdMTgmcOSwQgWtYaoesJRdpGh6RPeMNFN62EHCLoMJWNyA

The Stoccata School of Defence hosts the Australasian Western Martial Arts Convention (AWMAC) on the King’s Birthday Weekend, and is the premier HEMA event in Sydney each year. Over the long weekend there will be workshops on everything from HEMA staples like longsword and rapier to more esoteric ...

18/03/2024

Hi everyone,

Get your AWMAC 2024 activewear T-shirts here! $55 per shirt ($50 per shirt + $5 shipping fee).

To ensure the T-shirts arrive in time for AWMAC, please put your orders in by 15th April 2024.

**All orders need to be paid upfront at the time of ordering for it to be accepted**

Order from link below:

Size chart is here: https://www.onthegosports.com.au/size-chart DO NOT SIGN UP if you are not paying immediately. Form closes April 20 2024

16/03/2024

Another AWMAC update.

This time about the facilities. There are a number of halls and a huge outdoor space as well as ample seating for dining and a campfire area for those all-important after action reports. It really is an almost perfect location for an event like this.

We will be running a shuttle from Pennant Hills Station so all you need do if coming via public transport is walk off the plane and onto a train and then message us when you arrive. We will then come and collect you from the station.

Once you arrive, you can kick back and relax. You don't need to travel anywhere or organise food or anything until it's time to go home.
We'd love everyone to attend.

Adventure in the heart of Sydney. Venue and tailored programs for school excursions, Scout camps, community groups, and more. Call Baden now!

07/03/2024

I’m pleased to announce our third instructor for AWMAC 2024, Matthew Boyd.

Matthew brings tertiary qualifications in physical education to bear in his practices as well as dan gradings in a number of Asian styles in addition to his experience as a Stoccata Provost. Matthew is a founding member of Stoccata’s Launceston and Longford branches,

Matthew’s first workshop will be a fundamental level one aimed at new fencers and in particular, those who aren’t familiar with the work of George Silver. The class will be an introduction to Silver’s principles via the single dagger. Minimum equipment requirements for this workshop is a dagger or dagger like stick, and gloves and mask. Note that the “alehouse” type of dagger is not suitable for this workshop. There may be some loaner gear available.

Matthew's second workshop will cover what to do in a multiple attacker scenario and will concentrate heavily on where, when, and how to move to avoid being touched. The movement skills covered here can easily form a base for solo practice.

Minimum equipment requirements for this workshop is any steel sword, as well as gloves and a mask. If you have more protective kit, you are welcome to use it to enhance your learning.

01/03/2024

Hi all,

Bookings for AWMAC 2024 are now open! Get your tickets here:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1184678?fbclid=IwAR0xJqfir4A8LRMkkXtVi2qBFAEtnj4NGzKH80jq2wLqfiytR7jzfyUc0tE

NB: All instructors and volunteers, please hold off purchasing your tickets until you receive a discount code from either Gav or Stu

The Stoccata School of Defence hosts the Australasian Western Martial Arts Convention (AWMAC) on the King’s Birthday Weekend, and is the premier HEMA event in Sydney each year. Over the long weekend there will be workshops on everything from HEMA staples like longsword and rapier to more esoteric ...

01/03/2024

That feeling you have when you have that feather in your hat from being an instructor at AWMAC….

Want one ?

Look for the link at how you can be an instructor at AWMAC

29/02/2024

I’m pleased to announce our second instructor for AWMAC 2024, Michael Grizzly Barton.

A senior member of Stoccata’s Rocks, Epping, and Newtown branches, Grizzly has been fencing with the club for 10 years. He specialises in the Highland Broadsword, two handed sword, and broadsword + dagger/target (strapped shield) and is a tricky fencer to beat as well as being an insightful coach.

Grizzly’s first workshop will be a fundamental level one aimed at new fencers and those who aren’t familiar with broadsword fencing. It will cover Andrew Lonnergan’s simple hits as described in his work “The Fencer’s Guide”. The workshop will look to build skills in the area of making defences to direct attacks aimed at all targets.

The second workshop will cover aggressive defence and counterattack with good structure. Despite being one of the taller and better fencers in the club, Grizzly is passionate about teaching a system that is useful for shorter and less athletic fencers and with this workshop, he seeks to help people build their skills in making actions that will either allow a parry riposte or a counterattack by careful management of distance and angle even against the tallest and most athletic of opponents.

Minimum equipment requirements for both of Grizz’ workshops are shinai or boffer, and gloves and mask. If you have more kit and more realistic simulators, you are welcome to use them. There will be some loaner gear available.

20/02/2024

Jedok Geom: The Commander’s Sword Jo Style Jedok Geom At Sydney Korean Historic Fencing we teach and practise Jo Style Jedok Geom. Jedok Geom is a sword style from the late 1500s created by General Li Rusong and taught to the Korean military in the 1590s. It has been recorded in the historic sword...

20/02/2024

I’m pleased to announce our first AWMAC workshop presenter, Nathan Jo of Sydney Korean Historic Fencing.
https://www.koreanhistoricfencing.com

Nathan teaches his own interpretation of Jedok Geom. Jedok Geom is a sword style from the late 1500s created by General Li Rusong and taught to the Korean military in the 1590s.
The weapon itself is a long two handed single bladed sword about the same length as late period European longswords. You can find examples of Nathan’s work and his club on his Youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/

Nathan is one of the founders of SKHF and they use a combination of more traditional and more modern sports science backed methods of learning and teaching to create a style that matches up well with other styles that use a sword in two hands. Nathan is a keen cross-trainer and we are proud to have him as a member of Stoccata Strathfield.

Nathan has published his interpretation in book form! https://www.koreanhistoricfencing.com/our-sword-style and will be running an introduction to Jedok Geom as his beginner/fundamental level workshop and a deep dive on the technique of Bangjeokse, which is an unusual counter-cut that is fun to do, a puzzle to solve, and *really* annoying to get hit by.

Jedok Geom: The Commander’s Sword Jo Style Jedok Geom At Sydney Korean Historic Fencing we teach and practise Jo Style Jedok Geom. Jedok Geom is a sword style from the late 1500s created by General Li Rusong and taught to the Korean military in the 1590s. It has been recorded in the historic sword...

06/02/2024

Check out our fee schedule below - the main event will be held across Sat, Sun and Mon (8, 9, 10th of June) but there's also the option to check-in the night before the main event (Fri 7th June):

3 days - Sat, Sun, Mon (+2 nights dorm accommodation):
$420 (early bird fee until 31st March 2024);
$500 from 1st April 2024 onwards.

This will include all meals from Saturday LUNCH to Monday LUNCH

*People travelling from interstate or locals who'd like to get settled in the night before the main event can opt to stay on Friday night (see below under optional add-ons)

2 days (+1 night dorm accommodation): $300

3 days (no accommodation): $280
2 days (no accommodation): $210
1 day (no accommodation): $150

3 days (+ 2 nights camping): $310
2 days (+ 1 night camping): $240

Optional add-ons:

*Extra dorm night Friday 7th June + breakfast Saturday 8th June: $75
Linen: $30

**General Bookings will close on 17th May 2024**

We'll release the registration form soon, with more information to follow!