Step back in time and experience the excitement of medieval-style combat at the Thaundor Annual Tournament Day VII. This unique event, hosted by The Realm of Thaundor, transports participants and spectators alike to a bygone era filled with brave warriors and epic battles. Held at Dirtbag Ales on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Thaundor Tournament promises a day of thrilling action and fierce competition.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere as fighters from all over North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia come together to showcase their skills and vie for victory. Dressed in era-appropriate attire, these warriors are ready to engage in medieval style combat using foam weapons. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time spectator, the Thaundor Tournament offers an exhilarating experience for all.
To participate in the tournament, fighters must be affiliated with a Foam Fighting Association or demonstrate adequate training and knowledge of the rules and guidelines for foam fighting safety. However, the tournaments are free to observe, and spectators are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing in medieval attire, although it is not a requirement.
The tournament day kicks off with check-ins at 10 a.m., where fighters will have their weapons inspected and sign up for the tournaments. Warm-up scenarios will take place at 11 a.m., providing an opportunity for fighters to loosen up before the main battles begin. At noon, the series of tournaments will commence, running consecutively throughout the day.
The tournament structure follows a bracketed format, with seven tournaments for each weapon category. Two fighters will be called from the bracket to engage in a best-of-three, one-on-one battle. The winner advances to the next round, while the loser is eliminated. This continues until the finals, where the two finalists will fight a best-of-five battle to determine the champion of the bracket.
While the focus of the event is primarily on the tournaments, there will also be sparring and small scenario style battles to keep fighters entertained while they wait for their turns. Additionally, participants and spectators can look forward to a raffle at the end of the event, offering the chance to win some exciting swag. After the tournaments conclude, an award ceremony will be held to recognize the winners.
If you're interested in joining The Realm of Thaundor Group and getting involved in foam fighting, you can show up at their practice location at College Lakes Park on Sundays at noon. They also have a Facebook group that provides updates on upcoming events and practices. See their Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Thaundor. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of a vibrant community of medieval combat enthusiasts.

(Photos: Top and Above: The Realm of Thaundor attendees fight using medieval-style techniques. Photos courtesy of Tyler Joseph Hancox from the Realm of Thaundor)