“Now, whoever has courage and a strong and collected spirit in his breast, let him come forward, lace on the gloves and put up his hands.” – Virgil

“To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there’s no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other in the face” – Jack Handey

The beginning of the month saw the first Physical Resistance Festival. Hosted by the Anti-Fascist Network, and inspired by events like the Polish Freedom Fighters tournament, it was a mash-up of combat sports, football and drinking.

The Saturday saw anti-fascist fighters from around the country jump into the ring to face off over the course of twenty Muay Thai and boxing bouts. The fights were a mix of novice and experienced bouts. Weeks and months of hard training paid off in an atmosphere of great mutual respect. Honours were shared between the Red and the Black corners.

After the fights were over, anti-fascists stayed at the gym to partake in a seminar run by former MMA fighter and BJJ expert Peter Irving. Peter focussed on how basic jiu-jitsu could be used in a street confrontation.

That evening saw anti-fascists pack out Brighton’s collectively owned radical social centre the Cowley Club for a much needed drink and some really fucking loud music.

Next day, nursing bruises and hangovers, anti-fascists took to the football pitches for a five-a-side tournament. After a fierce back and forth in the blazing heat, the final came down to SolFed and a team put up from Whitehawk Ultras (supporters of local Whitehawk FC). Solfed managed a relatively comfortable win of 4-2 over the Hawks, and with that the final whistle was blown on the weekend.

The very first Physical Resistance festival was a resounding success. Anti-fascists got to meet each other in a fun and relaxed environment, learn new skills and form stronger bonds. The anti-fascist movement can only grow stronger through more events like this, and we plan to make Physical Resistance a yearly event. Other anti-fascist combat sport events are being planned.

Get involved in the AFN (afncontact@riseup.net). Join your local group or help create one if there isn’t one in your area.

Big thanks to all who came, supported and helped us out, in no particular order…

Leeds Resistance Training

Hunt Saboteurs Association

Solstar

Plan C

Bristol Anti-Fascists

Berkshire Anti-Fascists

SolFed

Whitehawk Ultras

Midlands Anti-Fascists

Portsmouth Anti-Fascists

etc. etc.