If you can envision Knights of the Roundtable fighting with swords and battle axes, you're in for a special treat.

The Canadian Classic Medieval tournament is coming to the foothills.

The two-day event is coming up on Saturday, Jan. 14 and Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Okotoks Ag Society.

It's all put on by athletes of what's called 'heavy armoured combat'.

The tournament of combatants has them dress up in medieval armour, using time-period weapons such as swords while they participate in mock battles. However, don't let the term 'mock battle' fool you because it's as real as it gets.  

"Me and my brother and a few other guys in the local area have an armoured combat team, said participant Warren Neilson. 

"We put on full steel armour head to toe, full steel weapons [that are] blunted, obviously but other than that they are 100 per cent real. We fight different types of duel categories or the big melees like group fights. Yeah, it's full out."

Warren added he and his brother Ryan have been actively involved in the sport for a few years now. 

Ryan, who's considered Canada's best swordsman in one-on-one duels, says it's a phenomenal sport to get into.

"Well coming off of playing football and hockey and lacrosse... and having a lull in my sports category this really filled it and took it to a whole new level. It's another level of aggression and competition and it's just fantastic."

The sport started up in Europe where there's a lot of medieval history and crossed the ocean a number of years ago as it continues to grow in North America.

The upcoming tournament will feature one-on-one duels along with group melees pitting team against team and will be one of the biggest tournaments held in Canada.

Over 70 fighters are expected at the tournament from six different provinces in Canada and two states from the U.S. Over 200 fights are scheduled.

Look for Warren and Ryan fighting with the Calgary Silver Gryphons.

The tourney is scheduled to take place at the Okotoks Ag Grounds and it's only $10 a person for the entire weekend or it's $20 for a family. 

It runs from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and vendors are welcome. Check with the organizers for the $100 vendor fee if interested in setting up at the tournament.

Here are some links to the brother's TikTok accounts along with more information if you're interested in taking up the sport.

You can also purchase tickets through Eventbrite: Academy of the Blade | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Warren's TikTok videos: AlbertaBear (@the_alberta_bear) | TikTok

Ryans TikTok videos: Ryan Neilson (@abviking) | TikTok

And for more info on the sport locally: Buhurt | HACSA | Calgary

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