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Blades Bivo-WHACK

Fri, Oct 24

|

Vernonia

Of course I'd like a weekend of swords, workshops, and campfires!!

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Blades Bivo-WHACK
Blades Bivo-WHACK

Time & Location

Oct 24, 2025, 3:00 PM – Oct 26, 2025, 3:00 PM

Vernonia, 18062 Keasey Rd, Vernonia, OR 97064, USA

About the event

All inclusive, food and lodging, Three days of swords! Blades Bivo-WHACK is an immersive, HEMA retreat designed to bring our community together in a non-competitive, collaborative environment. We’ll train and spar and share knowledge and hangout with other sword enthusiasts.

What to Expect

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll enjoy:

  • Workshops in a variety of weapon systems, led by experienced instructors from multiple traditions.

    • ~We're finalizing instructors and workshops~

  • Games & playful challenges 

  • Open sparring and space for personal study or impromptu training.

  • Optional fun tournaments, including our lighthearted Accolade format where honor and style matter as much as victory or maybe Jenga-Duels a fun format including a Jenga Tower.

  • When the sun sets we'll gather around the campfire.

Why Attend?

Blades Bivo-WHACK is about building community, so this is your chance to:

  • Connect with new training partners.

  • Learn outside your usual discipline.

  • Relax in a welcoming, low-pressure setting.

Location

We’ll be staying at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, OR. A scenic retreat center with comfortable lodging, great meals, and wonderful views.

Details

  • Dates: October 24–26, 2025

  • Registration: Standard $350

  • Registration Closes: August 31st

  • Lodging: 2 nights, 2-3 in a room, roommates can be requested

  • Meals: 6 meals (Friday Dinner through Lunch Sunday), all workshops & activities.

  • Capacity: 19 participants



Instructors

A life long history and sword nerd Ryan found HEMA in 2015 since then he has dived head first into the studies of Fiore's "Fior di Battaglia" and the Walpurgis Fechtbuch. Ryan is now an assistant instructor at Seven Swords Academy in Tacoma WA.
A life long history and sword nerd Ryan found HEMA in 2015 since then he has dived head first into the studies of Fiore's "Fior di Battaglia" and the Walpurgis Fechtbuch. Ryan is now an assistant instructor at Seven Swords Academy in Tacoma WA.

Matt began studying Angelo's system of Military Saber in 2017. In 2022, he switched his focus to the Bolognese traditions of 16th century Sidesword, specializing in the treatises of Achille Marozzo and Giovanni dall’Aggochie. In addition to his training at BCB, Matt is an apprentice of Martin Höppner of Schildwache Potsdam while also studying under the guidance of Maestro Ton Puey of Academia da Espada.
Matt began studying Angelo's system of Military Saber in 2017. In 2022, he switched his focus to the Bolognese traditions of 16th century Sidesword, specializing in the treatises of Achille Marozzo and Giovanni dall’Aggochie. In addition to his training at BCB, Matt is an apprentice of Martin Höppner of Schildwache Potsdam while also studying under the guidance of Maestro Ton Puey of Academia da Espada.
Andy Plymate is the Lead Instructor at Bridge City Blades. Training since 2018, Andy teaches longsword with a focus on body mechanics, structure, and accessibility for beginners. He believes HEMA is about more than dueling. There is more joy when one focuses on growth, confidence in your body, those "aha" moments in training.
Andy Plymate is the Lead Instructor at Bridge City Blades. Training since 2018, Andy teaches longsword with a focus on body mechanics, structure, and accessibility for beginners. He believes HEMA is about more than dueling. There is more joy when one focuses on growth, confidence in your body, those "aha" moments in training.

Schedule

16 more items available

Tickets

  • General Admission

    Includes lodging Friday and Saturday. 2 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 2 Dinner catered by Camp Cedar Ridge Kitchen.

    $350.00

    Sale ended

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