For the first time, European martial arts are hosted in the cultural program of the European Games. An exhibition, an invitational gala tournament, and two conferences will offer the visitor of the European Games insights into the multifaceted aspects of European martial arts heritage and traditions brought back to life.

Conference "Historical European Martial Arts: From the page to the gym"

Historical European Martial Arts have been documented in the corpus of fight books since the fourteenth century, and fight books are still written today. Several revivals of past martial arts practices are documented throughout history, but especially in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The recent movement started in 1990s has become global in the last twenty years. Learn more about this movement through the conference with 12 international lecturers (English).

Location: Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery, Plošča Svabody, 15

Schedule: 21 June, 09:30-17:30

Price: Free

Invitational Gala Tournament: Historical European Martial Arts

In the past twenty years HEMA has turned into a global phenomenon. Worldwide, nation-wide and regional tournaments, competitions and events have helped in the spread of this movement. In Minsk, 4 of the most popular weapon categories (longsword, sword & buckler, rapier, rapier & dagger) will be presented to the public with an invitational tournament with top athletes of the sport from around the world.

Location: Belarusian National Technical University, sports complex (Vulica Bahdana Chmialnickaha, 9)

Schedule: 22-23 June, 09:00-21:00

Price: Free

Public demonstration of Historical European Martial Arts

Discover how women and men fought in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Our public demonstration will showcase re-constructed martial practices from the study of fight books, by renowned researchers and expert martial artists. From the ancient manuscripts and printed books to a modern combat sport. 

Location: Fan-Zone "Sports Palace"

Schedule: 22-23 June, 19:00-20:30

Price: Free

Exhibition: European Martial Arts: From Vulcan’s Forge to the Arts of Mars

By displaying both objects (ancient books, arms and armour) and intangible cultural heritage (martial arts), this special exhibition offers the visitors of the European Games a unique experience in rediscovering a forgotten martial culture. The ancient ways of the sword will be celebrated through a visualisation of the processes behind the development of martial ethos, from the forge to the use of weapons.

Location: Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery, Plošča Svabody, 15

Schedule: Opening time during the Games: 12:00-21:00. Exhibition on display: from May 1 to September 15

Price: entrance fee of the museum