How longsword fighting is forging popularity in Kahnawà:ke – CBC

Jun 23, 2023

It’s to ‘reinvigorate the warrior spirit,’ says Iokennoron McComber

In Kahnawà:ke, where lacrosse and hockey reign, longsword fencing isn’t the first sport to come to mind but Iokennoron McComber hopes it gives new energy to the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) traditional warrior spirit.

“It’s an outlet. It’s for mental health. It’s camaraderie, and… it’s what Mohawks are made for,” said McComber.

“We didn’t win the War of 1812 with our beadwork and moccasins, you know?”

Unlike the long, thin weapons in Olympic fencing, longswords are two-handed, double-edged weapons. McComber brought Ardimento, a historical European martial arts academy, to Kahnawà:ke, south of Montreal, in 2021 after trying out the sport in a neighbouring city.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kahnaw%C3%A0-ke-longsword-fighting-1.6881493