This year, Sterzhaw brings you not one but two new competitions! On the one hand, we’re hosting the Styrian Longsword Championship, and on the other, we’re introducing a Technical Solo Event for the first time. Of course, the classic Sterzhaw Tournament will also take place again. You can find all the details on this page.
Tournaments are only possible thanks to many, many volunteers! Referees are especially important. By the way, you don’t necessarily need the ÖFHF referee training to support us in this role at Sterzhaw! You enjoy judging? Sign up as a referee! Prefer fighting? Then motivate all the referees around you!
Longsword Tournament
Once again this year, the Sterzhaw Tournament will follow the familiar Sterzhaw format.
There is no early elimination—instead, you can fight as many opponents as the schedule allows. You pay for the whole tournament, you get the whole tournament! A match is not limited by total time or the number of hits by the better fencer; instead, each match consists of a set number of bouts. If you’re hit (whether it’s a clean hit, double hit, grappling, etc.), it counts as a penalty point on your tournament record. At the end, you’ll receive not only your ranking, but also direct feedback on your performance based on the ratio of penalty points to total bouts. This format results in an intense tournament without waiting times.
Information on weapon and gear requirements can be found here
Technical Solo Event
Longsword, rapier, saber, sword and buckler
The perfect tournament for anyone who wants to compete without contact, for people who regularly work on their technique and want to present and have it evaluated, and for those who want to compare their technical skills in a friendly setting. Participants will be judged on their execution of a selection of techniques that will be sent out in advance. Then, the fencer performs a free sequence of movements that should include a broad range of effective fencing techniques (guards, cuts, thrusts, plays, footwork).
The Styrian Championship 2025
Hard Facts
- Tournament type: State Championship, open to all genders
- Weapon category: Longsword
- Number of participants: limited to 16 (first come, first served)
Ruleset
The applicable rules can be found on the ÖFHF website under “Overview for Fencers” + “Download ÖFHF Rule Modules”
Which rule modules will be applied?
- Module Group I: Simulators, protective gear and safety – Longsword
- Module Group II: Fighting rules – points and time
- Module Group III: Points – unweighted hit zones
- Module Group IV: Tournament format and ranking – group stage and finals
- Ranking: wins/fights
The Styrian Championship 2025 takes place with the kind support of the Styrian Federation for Historical Fencing („HEAST“) and is an ÖFHF ranking tournament.
It is possible to participate in both the Styrian Championship and the Sterzhaw Tournament, as the events will be held consecutively. If there are not enough registrations for the championship by September 30, 2025, it will not take place.