Hundreds of years ago, long before the phrase extreme even applied to sports, two knights astride heavy chargers would enter into the most breathtaking and recognizable contests of strength, skill and agility. They challenged each other for the sake of bravery, honor, courage, respect and even the favor of the court. Imagine what it would be like to learn the sport of kings....

Welcome to the American Jousting Alliance. James Zoppe has been training both people and horses for more than three decades. He has worked with professional actors and stuntmen as well as beginning students who are interested in the increasingly popular sport of jousting. The Alliance now offers a complete Jousting Training program open to riders of all ages and skill levels - men, women and youths!

Explore our website and see what we have to offer. There's more than just jousting: hand-made equipment, trail rides, basic riding lessons, youth horse camps, event performances and much more all fall within the range of our work.


Claudius ridden by James Zoppe, "The Red Knight,"
Founder and Director of the American Jousting Alliance

The American Jousting Alliance presents safe, entertaining, exciting and competitive jousting tournaments and shows. We do this in conjunction with pre-existing Renaissance Festivals as well as establish new tournaments and shows held solely for competition and entertainment. The tournaments we present contain all the excitement that should be expected at a true medieval jousting tourney, but we take every precaution possible to ensure the safety of our horses, riders and - of course - spectators.

The Alliance facilitates the training and development of qualified Men- and Women-at-Arms so they compete in a friendly, gentlemanly manner in AJA sanctioned tournaments and events. Comradery and good will are an integral part of each competition. We also place great importance on raising and training quality jousting and tournament horses for future knights and warriors.

Although the organization was started primarily to reestablish authentic and competitive tournament style jousting, the Alliance keeps another goal in mind: the importance of a positive role model. In today's sometimes turbulent world, positive role models are often overlooked. We believe in changing that. We believe in heroes.

The Knight has always been a symbol of bravery and courage, dignity and respect, courtesy and fairness. We believe that all people, of any age, should have the chance to experience these ancient, noble qualities. If we can help inspire these qualities in others, then we are doing a great deed. One is truly exceptional, and should feel a great sense of pride, when inspiring the human spirit.

Whatever your primary interest in the Alliance - whether a jousting Knight, a skill-at-arms competitor, a performer, a member of the support team or perhaps simply a jousting fan or spectator - the AJA has something to offer you! Our work ranges across the board to include Jousting Tournaments and Shows, Sword Fighting Demonstrations at a wide variety of events and numerous special projects:

  • Renaissance Festivals
  • State and County Fairs
  • Horse Shows
  • Polo Events
  • Circuses
  • Football Games
  • Homecoming and Pep Rallies
  • School Shows
  • Reenactments
  • Parades and Holiday Exhibitions
  • Promotional Events
  • Corporate Events


  • Feature Films
  • Music Videos
  • Short Films
  • Television Shows
  • T.V. Commercials
  • Print Ads
  • Stunt Shows
  • Theater
  • Forestry Work
  • Hosting Birthday and Bachelor Parties
  • Hosting Youth Equestrian Camps




Lady Kaelyn riding Ariel
Frazier Park, California, September 18, 2004

Give us a call today and find out what we can do for you!

American Jousting Alliance
(661) 245-4000
Inquiries may be emailed to:
James Zoppe, Founder and Director
Brenda Zoppe, Event Coordinator