A SWORD fighter from Chester has been hailed as a champion after scooping up a top international title.
Neil Shellcross, of Mickle Trafford began training in European longsword just three years ago after being inspired by his older brother Nathan.
But the 27-year-old, who works as a chef at The Carriages, managed to win The Eggleton Cup last weekend at FightCamp – the highest award on offer at the international tournament.
Neil said he had been practising longsword fighting professionally twice a week, as well as being trained by his brother, who is a marshall arts instructor.
He said: “There were top guys from all over the world who came for this competition.
“There were 32 fights and a directional count, so if you lost your fight you were out, with the winner going on to the next round.
“My prize was top overall. It makes me feel pretty good about all the time and effort I put into this.
“Originally it was my brother who got me into this because he was looking online for a sword and we found this website which talked about longsword.”
The sport involves a type of European sword used during the late medieval period and is commonly held in combat with both hands.
In his first visit to FightCamp, Neil got to meet with top instructors and engage in fighting with some of the 170 students from countries including France, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the USA.
The event also included unique classes such as medieval knightly combat, using weapons like daggers and pollaxes, through to Baroque smallsword techniques and Victorian bayonet practice.
Neil added: “At the moment I train twice a week in Conwy, but shortly my brother will be opening a club at the Northgate Arena, so I will have a chance to study somewhere closer.”
The armed combat and tactics class will run every Friday from 7pm to 9pm with the first class starting on September 17. Members will study the use of European longsword, katana, bolo, knife, medium staff and spear.
For more information go to www.armedcombat andtactics.co.uk or email nathanshallcross@ hotmail.co.uk