The Caddo Commons in downtown Shreveport rang with the clash of steel and cheers of spectators as the knights of the Haughton Hussars and Shreveport’s chapter of Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA) fought in a tournament demonstrating Medieval combat on Sept. 20.

Members of both organizations fight at full speed with actual steel swords with dull edges and armor. The HEMA members practice a style resembling modern fencing while the Hussars’ style is closer to the actual combat of the era. They also employ melee weapons such as maces. It is quite a show!

The tournament was sponsored by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) as one of a series of events held throughout the year at the Caddo Commons. The eclectic series has featured everything from opera to big band music as well as events such as Sunday’s tournament. Every event sponsored at the Caddo Commons by the SRAC is family friendly and free of cost.