Dressed in medieval garb, members of Columbia’s Galahad Medieval Combat Society duel as curious passersby stop to watch, drawn in by the energy and laughter that ripple across the field.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, the group gathered just north of the Agora sculptures at the south end of Grant Park. Spread across the grass were swords of various classifications and shields personalized with members’ fighting names. One shield, painted with red hearts, belonged to co-president Shawn Tumbokon-Flowers, who goes by “Hearts of Morva” in combat.
“Even though these swords are made of foam, they can actually hurt you if you’re not careful,” said Tumbokon-Flowers, a senior audio engineering major, while demonstrating the power behind a simple swing.
Founded in 2014 as the Morva Realm, the club began as a way for Columbia students to experience medieval combat beyond the classroom.
What started as a casual pastime has grown into a competitive outlet, with some members joining battles across the city against groups such as the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society at Northwestern University.
“I had some experience with it in high school, and I’m glad I found a chance to do it here at Columbia,” said Dylan “Incendio” Hines, a first-year audio major.
The Galahad Medieval Combat Society meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at East Balbo Drive and Michigan Avenue and on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. near the Agora sculptures on Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue.
For its members, the group is about more than just fighting; it’s a community built on mercy, respect and friendship.
Copy edited by Manuel Nocera
