About this Event
Ever watched the Blaviken fight and wondered what it would feel like to hold that sword?
Blade & The Path is a 2.5-hour hands-on workshop. It pairs the cinematic swordplay of The Witcher with the real historical martial art it’s built on. Every swing, guard and step you see on screen has its roots in European longsword fencing, recorded by medieval masters such as Johannes Liechtenauer and Fiore dei Liberi. In this session you’ll learn those techniques properly, then put them together in a duel of your own.
What you’ll learn
- The four core guards: the high “Roof” stance, the Ox, the Plough and the Fool, the ready positions behind every on-screen standoff.
- The master cuts: the Wrath Cut, the Crooked Cut and the Thwart Cut, real historical strikes that double as attacks and defences.
- Footwork: the passing and triangle steps fighters use to move, evade and close distance.
- A choreographed duel: a short eight-move sequence inspired by the Blaviken alley fight, learned step by step with a partner.
- How screen fighting works: how film choreographers adapt real technique for safety and camera.
The session ends with a showcase where each pair performs their duel for the group, which makes a great moment for photos.
Who it’s for
Complete beginners are welcome. You don’t need any fencing, martial arts or stage combat experience. The workshop is suited to fans of the show, the games and the books, anyone curious about historical swordsmanship, or anyone looking for something genuinely different to do with friends.
Is it safe?
Yes. This is a controlled skills class, not sparring or full-contact fighting. You’ll use blunt training swords. All partnered work is pre-agreed and built up slowly under instructor guidance, the same way real screen fights are rehearsed. The session is run to recognised HEMA safety standards throughout.
Your instructor
The workshop is led by Jason Hulott, Chief Instructor at Canterbury Medieval Combat and a published historian of medieval warfare. Jason teaches historical longsword week in, week out and has presented at English Heritage sites and universities.
Good to know
- Duration: 3 hours, including a 10-minute break
- Age: 16+ (16–17-year-olds need a signed parent/guardian consent form)
- Group size: 10–20 people, so places are limited
- Included: training sword
- Bring: closed, flat-soled shoes and comfortable clothes you can move in. Please don’t wear jewellery.
- Fitness: a reasonable level of mobility is needed, as you’ll be on your feet and moving for most of the session
This workshop is inspired by The Witcher and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Netflix, CD Projekt or Andrzej Sapkowski.
Event venue & nearby stays
St Dunstans Church Hall, 80 London Road, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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