By Miriam Raftery

October 18, 2013 (Ramona) – At the Tournament of the Phoenix in Poway this weekend, Ramona resident Jeffrey Hedgecock is one of six competitors from around the world vying for glory in a global jousting competition.  These armored competitors joust with real weapons—unlike the mock battles at Renaissance fairs.  The action takes place October 18-20 at the Poway Rodeo Grounds.

“This is an honest competition, a true competition. It’s not staged; it’s not fake,” noted Hedgecock, who makes his living as an armor maker and has won several international competitions, most recently in France.  The  Tournament features medieval sporting competitions as well as a living history encampment, vendors, food and more.