This weekend the Okotoks Ford Agri-Plex was taken over by swords and shields.

The Heavy Armoured Combat Sports Association hosted their Winter Cup over the weekend of Saturday, the 18th and Sunday, the 19th.

The Cup featured polearm duels, short and longsword duels as well as sword and shield fights.

Throughout the event, contestants battled in preliminaries, quarter, semi and finals to earn their spot on Team Canada.

HACSA member Warren Neilson says safety is their primary concern before anything begins.

"We are very strict about safety, make sure guys are head to toe covered in armour, make sure their armour is sufficient enough to take any damage that is coming their way, we are very very strict about that."

Each and every weapon is examined beforehand to ensure they are blunted and non-lethal

Neilson says the tournament is one of many they hope to host.

"We are accepting donations to help cover the cost for putting this one, we are still new so renting facilities, try to make sure we can do as many of these as we can and grow the sport."