Dan Glass

Oil up and strip down to your finest wrestling gear. Wrestle with your crushes. Establish dominance or give in to submission. Become an oily bender.

Timings:

Doors at 7pm: come early, bring some food and a (non-alcoholic) drink, peruse the Bender Defender merch table and chat with some bendy friends.

7.15pm. A short queer-power talk: learn about the history of Bender Defenders as a community from Luca and Dan.

‘Karaoke-style’ wrestling from 7:30: you can sign up as a pair and wrestle a specific person, or if you want to wrestle but don’t have a partner, find our expert Matchmakers and they’ll set you up. Anyone is welcome to wrestle: you don’t have to have done it before, and all skill levels are welcome.

‘Tournament-style’ wrestling from 8:30: The rules are the same. It’s still silly and fun, but one competitor will leave with a prize. The tournament will be hosted by Ray Filar, who will offer expert live commentary.

Information for wrestlers:

How it works: you’ll both be covered in baby-oil before wrestling for 90 seconds. You get points every time your opponents’ shoulders touch the floor. Most points wins!

If you’d like to wrestle, bring a towel for after and clothes you’re happy to wrestle in (baby oil may stain some types of clothes).

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in! It works best if you’ve got some bare skin for the oil to stick to. Previously people have wrestled in anything from a vest and shorts to a funky wrestling outfit. Costumes encouraged but not required.

Please read the wrestling ground-rules for more information.

Spectators are warmly welcomed and encouraged! Come watch some oily benders in action, buy a shedload of raffle tickets and show your face at the hottest queer night in town.

Why:

We’re raising money for Bender Defenders. Our coaches are incredibly passionate about bringing martial arts to the queer and trans community. They have been volunteering their coaching time, with all funds from ticket sales going towards venue hire. As the classes have grown in popularity this model is no longer sustainable.

All money raised will go towards buying more equipment and paying the coaches for their time so that costs for the classes can stay low.

Acess information:

The event will be a mixture of seated and standing. If you need to sit, we will make sure there is a chair for you. The entrance to the venue has a ramp leading up to two double doors. There is a small (1 inch) lip between the ramp and the pavement. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet on the ground floor of the venue. The event is being held in the basement, which is accessible by a flight of stairs, or by a lift. There is a small outside area. Please message the event organisers to discuss any particular access needs in more detail.