FAQ for 4W

The Western Washington WMA Workshop (4W) is an intensive three-day workshop including lecture and practical training in Medieval and Renaissance combat.

Participants should be aware that course material is divided at the discretion of the track instructors who have final authority over class content, conduct and safety precautions. Complexity of course material will increase as the workshop progresses. Attendance of the first classes is obligatory to ensure a common terminology and rules of conduct.

The Event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 15-17, 2008. The times below are subject to change as events dictate. Some folks may choose to do free bouting, for example, after the end times listed.

• Friday: 9am-6pm
• Saturday: 9am-6pm
• Sun: 9am-6pm

The Brig at Magnuson Park, 6344 NE 74th Street, Seattle, WA 98115

The Brig is a community center located in Seattle's Magnuson Park. The facility offers a centralized location for classes and events but we will be sharing it with other programs and organizations.

No. The progressive nature of the classes means that the material on Saturday is dependent on the material from Friday. We understand that you have to put food on the table, but we cannot in fairness to other students ask instructors to backtrack for the sake of latecomers.

No. It's not that we don't sympathize, but there are a number of practical concerns (and painful experiences) that have led us to that decision.

Academia della Spada is compiling a list of trained sword enthusiasts as part of its preparations for the approaching Zombie Apocalypse. It is necessary so that you can return to the website after you've registered and see the classes and options for which you have signed up. It also helps prevent people from registering twice by mistake (yes, this happens).

Not even our mothers. We're kinda militant that way.

No. Now stop asking, Mom.

• Cecil Longino (206) 849-9414
• Nathan Barnett (206) 799-5069

4W staff can also be reached at

The check-in desk opens at 8am on Friday. Please plan to arrive no later than 8:30am on Friday morning for registration. You will receive a packet with additional information about the workshop.

Yes. Lunch will be served all three days at The Brig for $7.00 per person. Vegetarian/Vegan options will be made available but please let us know via email to so we can accommodate your specific requirements. Friday night's dinner will be a Renaissance feast (details below). Saturday dinner is unscheduled.

For 4W 2008, refunds are offered on the following schedule:

• Up to 14 days prior to the event: 90% refund (less PayPal fees)
• T-13 and later: No refund
• T-4 and later: No refund and we openly mock you for asking

We are hosting a Medievalish/Renaissance-era feast as a way to mingle and unwind. The feast will consist of a three-course banquet and include a wide array of foods popular in Renaissance England. The evening will also feature a variety of the arts which were considered essential to "persons of quality" back in the day: dance, music, song, courtly graces, and probably single-stick. The drinking bowl will doubtlessly be passed around once or twice and it should be an excellent opportunity to get to know your comrades-in-arms. We are encouraging those who have historical clothing from the era (plus or minus 250 years) to dress if travel arrangements allow.

Tickets for the feast are $50.00 (alcohol not included) can be purchased when you register for 4W Please be aware that seating is limited and once the feast is full we cannot sell any more tickets. Because of this, we have limited purchases to two per registered 4W attendee.

For pictures of past feasts, see the Ravenrook feast page

Those new to WMA events are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. An extra layer is recommended as some of the facility is not heated and, mild as Seattle may be, it will doubtlessly be cold in the mornings. Most historical martial arts instructors recommend a relatively smooth-soled shoe as this better simulates historical footwear than athletic shoes. Bare feet are discouraged (unless your last name is Leoni) as are short sleeves. A good rule of thumb is "show no skin".

Gloves or gauntlets are required as in the class equipment list, and are recommended for all classes.

When possible, strive to minimize the amount of equipment at the site as we do not have a room specifically for the ~130 fight bags which will arrive at the event. All rooms have either hardwood or poured concrete floors.

Each track has specific equipment requirements, which are listed with the class information. It is assumed participants will bring all required equipment. In general metal 'WMA practical weapons' or wooden wasters are recommended for all classes. Under no circumstances should sharp weapons be brought to the event. The two exception would be for vendors (and their customers) and examples brought by instructors for demonstration. Sharp weapons should never be brought to classes.

Classes are vigorous. You may want a water bottle although water is available at the facility.

All weapons should be blunted on the tip to ensure safety. Standard modes include archery blunts affixed to the point. Exceptions may be made exclusively at the discretion of a specific class instructor.

All swords and equipment are subject to approval of course instructors and 4W staff. If any equipment is deemed unsafe, you may be asked to remove it from the event. As always, safety is our foremost concern.

Do not assume that equipment will be provided. If you have specific questions about equipment requirements, please contact or call Cecil Longino at (206) 849-9414.