Event Name: The Academy of Defense
Event Date: December 5, 2026
Autocrat: Don Alric Godwynson
(James Felix)
Co-Autocrat: TBD
Site: Burger’s Lake
1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76127
Site Amenities:
- Large outdoor fighting space.
- Room for several pavilions.
- Large areas for parking.
- Flush toilets with mobility access.
- Unless prohibited by the county, above ground firepits are allowed.
- Alcohol is allowed in period containers.
- Pets allowed on a leash.
- 300 picnic tables, and 150 BBQ grills.
Event Theme: The Masters of four schools of rapier from England, Germany, Spain, & Italy have come together to host a tournament to test their students’ skill. Those who exhibit prowess, courage, honor, courtesy, and panache will be chosen as Free Scholars, champions of the Academy.
Preliminary Event Schedule:
8AM – Gate Opens
9AM – Morning Court
– Immediately after morning court concludes, Rapier inspections open for 30 minutes.
– Rapier tournament begins.
– Youth rapier combat to occur between rapier rounds.
2PM – Gate closes
5PM- Evening court
9PM – Site closes
Combat Schedule:
3 Rounds of combat
Round 1: Intraschool “practice”
Combatants chosen by the school’s Master.
- Youth Combat: Between Days 1 & 2, the youth fighters of the different schools will vie against each other. Each youth will represent a fighter in their school, and that fighter’s weapon style in Day 2 will be determined by the outcome of the youth’s fighter’s match.
Round 2: Interschool duels
Combatants are selected by their school’s Master to face off against opponents from other schools.
Round 3: Masters Challenge
Masters face select members of their own school.
(Alternate Round – 3-5 person Interschool Melee’s, may include after Day 3 if time allows)
After combat has concluded, the four Masters will confer with the Baron & Baroness. Each Master will choose a Free Scholar, as will the B&B, resulting in 5 Scholars.
Proposed Registration Cost:
- Adult Members $20
- Adults: $30.00
- Youth 17 and under: Free