Berlin Messer Weekend 2026

– Our 2nd iteration of Germany’s only large HEMA Event focused exclusively on the Long Knife –

Last year showed that even a niche weapon like the Messer can bring together more than enough fencers to fill a tournament and for a whole weekend dedicated to it to still feel waay too short. This year, we would like to again draw Messer Enthusiasts from near and far to Berlin. For this purpose, the event and all workshops will be held in English.

On Saturday, there will be a full-gear Messer Tournament, the results of which will be submitted to HEMA Ratings (for those that wish so).

The tournament format will feature 2 sets of pool rounds and skill divisions. These guarantee each fencer, even beginners, balanced matches in the 2nd round of pools, as well as the same number of matches as the top fencers, in contrast to an elimination bracket. There will be sponsored prizes for the gold, silver and bronze medalists.

This year, we will invest in experienced, dedicated judges in order to improve the accuracy and speed of the calls made.

If you do not want to participate in the tournament or do not have a full set of gear, yet are willing to help out on saturday with entering the points called by the judges into our app for 2-3 pools, you will be able to attend the event at 50% off. Just use the code „volunteer“ during registration.

On Sunday, we will have 2 long, in-depth Messer Workshops. The first will be presented by Oskar ter Mors, from the Netherlands, the second by Joeli Pokkinen, from Finland. Both of them were Messer instructors of international renown before I even started HEMA, so be prepared for a double dose of Messer wisdom on sunday.

Additionally, there will be more than enough space and time for an Open Floor for free sparring, individual exchange and spontaneous games, both on saturday in parallel to the tournament and on sunday before and after the workshops.

Details regarding the tournament and program are available on instagram ( @twerchhau or @blades.of.bjarne ).