A number of nonprofit and professional organizations study and practice period swordplay. The Society for Creative Anachronism is but one such nonprofit organization and possibly the one most easily accessible by the average population.
An enjoyable and personally fruitful activity to engage in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is the study and reenactment of rapier combat. The term used to describe this activity is fencing. Yet, what is fencing? The most commonly recognized version of fencing to come to mind for the average individual is that of standard collegiate/Olympic style fencing practiced in modern sports. The modern form of fencing has three forms based on weapon types and is conducted in linear fashion between two lines on a strip with electronic equipment signaling the registration of scoring touches and mediated by judges. In the SCA, the pursuit of rapier combat is fought in a fashion that is referred to as "in the round." Instead of having the activity limited to a back and forth movements of modern fencing, historical fencers are permitted to circle each other in attempts to create openings in the defense of their opponent and to avoid attacks. This constitutes changes in footwork, parries, and attacks from the modern version. There is also the incorporation of the use of the offhand in course of blade deflection, which is held out of the way behind or at the side of the collegiate/Olympic style fencer. In addition, there are variants forms of weaponry studied for use in the offhand such as the buckler (a small shield), the cloak, the main gauche (represented by a flexible practice version similar in construction to the practice swords used, essentially equating to be a small 25 inch flexible blade), and the use of two blades in simultaneous concert. The appearance of the equipment reflects the goal of reenactment, as does the point scoring system. A blow that would constitute a kill with a real sword is acted out as a kill in tournament, and an incapacitating wound is treated in similar fashion. Instead of the utilization of electronic scoring and the calls of judges, SCA fencing relies upon an honor system of blow recognition between participants.
Originally, the weapons of SCA rapier combat were the foil and epee blades used in modern sport fencing. Over the years, these sport blades were set aside as better and safer practice rapier blades were created. This trend originally started with the adoption of schlaeger blades, which are practice blades developed for use in the German fencing form known as the Mensur and have a remarkably realistic look and feel to them and are extremely durable blades; however, these fell by the wayside as practice rapier blades were developed and proved far better simulators for rapier fencing. The more appropriate design of practice rapier blades eventually led to to institution of the Cut and Thrust combat form. Whereas SCA rapier combat does not permit percussive blows, Cut and Thrust fighting form make allowance for percussive blows. The guards, grips, and other blade effects used in SCA rapier combat reflect the attempts at emulating the appearance Renaissance and Elizabethan weaponry.
If your interest is piqued, please refer to any
of the sites below for further information.
These statements are wholey the interpretation
of the author of this page and in no way are intended to be interepreted
as official policy or statements of the Marshal of
Fence of the Society for Creative Anachronism or as representation
of the Kingdom of AEthelmearc.
For more information on the Society of Creative
Anachronism, please refer to these pages:
Martinez Academy of Arms
The Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts (AEMMA)
