Knights of the Northern Realm is a co-ed club for adults that pursues 14th century Living History. We study historical combat, teach classes, hold authentic feasts, volunteer for charitable events, perform at a multitude of events, and host an annual 14th century tournament.

Wearing transitional armour from the 14th century and brandishing medieval weapons, we are the perfect entertainment for private parties, children's birthdays, weddings, film and television productions, cultural events, conferences, or school visits.

Established in Edmonton in 2001 we were originally a chapter of Knights of the Wild Rose. Our members have performed in events from Fox Creek to Calgary and Lloydminster to Muir Lake. We have been involved in a variety of projects ranging from the Family Channel's 'Mentors' TV show to pre-movie performances for Cineplex Odeon theatres.

We have mixed and mingled with Canadian dignitaries like the Honourable Anne McLelland, Mayor Bill Smith and Miss Teen Edmonton to international stars like Sir Roger Moore and The Mediaeval Baebes.

The group continues to grow as we train with our own studies and that of the Academy of European Swordsmanship.  Several members of our club also trained with the Full Tilt Jousting Society to learn horse work including jousting, mounted sword and spear work as well as historical games.

All new members of the Knights are required to attend a beginner's class before joining. We hold beginner classes twice a year.  This class is $50 per person including three nights of class time and handouts.  We practice weekly and the dues are $40 per month or drop in at $15 per week. Membership is $50 per year.

We have informal meetings to organize upcoming shows and have practices every week on Monday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. To attend practices you must be a paid member in good standing and have taken the beginner class.

Members are those who have regularly attended practices, are in good standing and have their dues paid. We only accept those 18 or older for membership but those under age are welcome as volunteers.  We reserve the right to refuse membership.

Our signature event is a 14th century Tournament with a Medieval Market and Family Field held each July.  Our newest event is entitled Medieval May and features instruction on 14th century history to the general public.

Historical Fight

We study historically accurate techniques taught from medieval European manuscripts that feature teachings from German, English and Italian sword masters.

By studying many forms of historical combat and swordplay, and practicing in historical armour the members recreate the awesome spectacle of medieval tournaments. Each July we hold a 14th century tournaments based on historical details.

For the film industry, we use and teach realistic yet safe sword fighting techniques that have been used very successfully for theatre and movie projects.

"It is my feeling that this form of entertainment can enjoy a rebirth and growth if it is performed in a traditional manner and intent. " -- Rob Valentine, owner of Valentine Armouries and co-founder of Knights of the Wild Rose.

The main feature of our performances are knights fighting in full harness (armour) as we create the realism and skill the public loves.

European Martial Arts

In Europe there were professional schools established to teach martial arts to nobles and knights.  In fact, fighting manuals were written and illustrated to help train a fighter how to kill or disarm their opponent.  These including weapon use, armoured fight, equestrian battle and unarmed fighting.

There existed a way to exhibit the skills of knights in the medieval days which was the wonderful and spectacular Tournament of Arms. The knight would fight with dulled (rebated) or padded weapons in order to win a tournament without killing his opponents.

The tournaments we host are not to determine the next 'king' or even to get the most 'kills'. Awards are given for Chivalry, Honour, Skill at Arms, Tournament Champion, and Best Period Costumes. Prizes for these awards are judged by our ladies in waiting.  These gifts are donated by local businesses like Supply Sergeant and the Medieval Market merchants.