Man Weekend 2026 Recap

 The attendees of Man Weekend 2026 could rob you and there’s nothing you could do about it.

Be grateful they’re all righteous men of principle. 

Despite a name which may conjure up images of “masculinity retreats” where broken men go to explore their feelings and “become a real man through healing their divine masculine” Man Weekend (hosted by Modern Agonistics, or agnostics depending on your reading level) is a real deal training event for any man who wants to become more dangerous. 

Despite many blows to the head I remember most of the three days, which brought together a wide array of skilled fighters and instructors. Also in attendance was a strong contingent of writers, making it (in the words of Dr. Breck) as much of a writer’s conference as a fighting seminar. I agreed to fight a five round boxing match on Saturday for the Man Weekend title. I was fighting Sean, who cut significant weight and fought orthodox (not his preferred southpaw) to allow me a slim chance. 

The weather was cold, wet and grey, which was blamed on the pagans in attendance. It created a dramatic atmosphere in the thick spring woods surrounding the house where the activities were centered. Thursday night I arrived after dark, coming into the house like a guest in the longhouse of a Viking king, finding it full of guys who were ready (and able ) to fight. The welcome was warm. I slept out on the grass in a tent listening to the incessant rain and the occasional cries of the neighboring rooster. 

Man Weekend has only one requirement for attendance, you must fight. This has a strong weeding-out effect; keeping away posers, cowards, and tourists. The men there were a motley bunch, but all part of the select few in modern society who will willingly engage in violence. A shrinking percentage of men willing to enter the arena, and I was proud to know every one of them. 

Friday we trained. Everything was covered. Firearms, boxing, wrestling, stick-fighting, HEMA, machetes, jiu jitsu, knives. All aspects of violence were drilled, sparred, and discussed. The instruction was excellent for beginners and advanced fighters alike, everyone helped each other to get the most out of the training and encouraged maximum participation. I did several rounds of boxing to prepare me for my fight, and a whole array of improvised weapons with James LaFond (special thanks to Richard Barrett for bringing the rebar). 

Saturday was fight day. Boxing came first, with a few warm-up rounds for Sean and myself interspersed with a bunch of one-off rounds for everyone and a multi-round spat for Alex the jiujitsu coach, who stayed in and took a new opponent every minute. The title fight was excellent, Sean beat me by decision but it wasn’t an easy victory. I am honored to have shared the ring with him. You can find the video on the Sevier Knox Agonistics YouTube page. 

After boxing came stick, in which most participated, then steel and miscellaneous weapons. I did a few fun spear and shield fights with Adam the Line Sergeant. Then there was the battle. Pagans versus Christians, on a narrow spit of land between two ponds. 4v4 with spear, sticks, and shields. The Christians took it 2 out of 3 but I hear the pagans are regrouping and preparing already to redouble their attacks…

Finally we did a small jiu-jitsu tournament, with some stiff competition. I wound up taking on Sean again to secure 3rd place, a small consolation for my earlier beatdown. We then ate pizza and talked late into the night, as warriors should, on an array of intellectual (and not so intellectual) topics. Jeth Randolph of the One in One journal informed me of the importance of looking “Hench”, something which I encourage anyone reading this to do. 

Sore, bruised, and elated I recall this weekend. Anyone who has the opportunity and the will to attend should. It was a rare experience and an honor to have been invited. Training for next year begins now. 

I was also greatly encouraged that many in attendance had read and enjoyed my work, particularly Reavers of the Coast. The tale of Captain Vane will continue soon!