A counter-argument to this is that the slender, light blade of the rapier is a poor "chopping" blade and in period was often not particularly sharp. > > Ok, he is correct - heavy fighting is more exciting for the general > populous > to observe, however rapier provides an alternative to heavy fighting. The torso and armpits must be covered with a heavy fabric of some sort or leather, that is sufficiently strong to resist puncturing if a blade were to break during a bout. A wide variety of blades and sword styles are permitted, but all fall into one of two classes: "Light rapier" and "heavy rapier." An Tir has vibrant communities around three forms of historical swordfighting (Rattan/”Heavy”, Rapier, and Heavy Rapier or Cut & Thrust), two ranged combat options (archery and thrown weapons), and Equestrian combat. Some fencers argue that draw cuts are not martially sound techniques and make cutting a due tempi ("double time") action, whereas a percussive cutting action would be in stesso tempo ("single time"). > Some > people are more interested in the grace, eloquence and skill of rapier > as > opposed to hitting each other as hard as you can with a big stick. An unofficial subreddit for folks associated with the Society … Bouts usually continue until one fighter is struck by an "incapacitating" blow or otherwise becomes disinclined to continue. Many people mistakenly think of the collection of these orders as an interkingdom order. I've been fighting in the SCA since 1979, I've won a crown and a coronet. It was slimmer and nimbler than the thrusting broadsword , a feature that enabled it to grow longer, and increased the usefulness of thrusting attacks thanks to its reach. Fighters can either make their own armour (after researching styles and methods of armoury) or if they can afford it, armour can be purchased on line or at Markets held at events around the Kingdom. “F2” option is basically a too flexible blade, which is suitable for SCA, but not for HEMA. Attacks to the legs or arms are considered "disabling". Ok, so that isn't truly the point of heavy fighting, but that is how many who have not tried it feel. The fencers may move freely within a designated fighting space called the "list field". These include side-swords, two-handed swords such as longswords, and single-edged swords including Großes Messer, szablas, scimitars, and katanas. The ultimate goal of SCA fencing as stated by the rules is to safely simulate fencing "with a real blade, extremely sharp on point and edge.". The most common sca rapier armor material is ceramic. With the addition of the Cut & Thrust style and rules, this criticism no longer applies. In the April 2020 update of the rules, the sport was renamed 'Fencing Combat'. The Stile Fryd and Stile Huscarl are Calontir's awards for skill in cut and thrust. “F3” option means a … The primary focus is to study, replicate and compete with styles of rapier sword-fighting found in Europe during the Renaissance period, using blunted steel swords and a variety of off-hand defensive items. Copies of this document can be ordered from SCA Marketplace, PO Box 360789, Milpitas, CA 95036-0789 Normally this is not permitted unless it is announced before that particular match. A modern, regulation fencing mask is the most common type due to their low cost and reliability, though some fencers wear steel helmets of a more historical design. Since the entire body is a potential target, a participant's entire body must be covered. b. Historical Combat. We will re-evaluate the conditions and safety of public gatherings at … A Rapier (/ ˈ r eɪ p i ər /) or Espada ropera is a type of sword with a slender and sharply-pointed two-edged blade that was popular in Western Europe, both for civilian use (dueling and self-defense) and as a military side arm, throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.. Of course you could just modify one yourself *grin*. These categories are: 2.1.6.1 Rapier (referred to as Heavy Rapier in the Society Rules); and The fencer who is struck verbally acknowledges the blow by calling out in a loud voice, or in certain types of combat, dramatically acting out the hit for showmanship. Since the founding day of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), there was an interest in simulated combat sport with a "medieval style". The primary focus is to study, replicate and compete with styles of rapier sword-fighting found in Europe during the Renaissance period, using blunted steel swords and a variety of off-hand defensive items. Rapier combat in the Society attempts to recreate styles of swordfighting from the later part of the Middle Ages, often based on manual and theories of combat that have survived to this day. Under Cut and Thrust rules, hits to the leg or foot are considered incapacitating. Nearly any item is permitted so long as it is durable, has no sharp edges and is not likely or designed to trap an opponent's sword in an unsafe manner. SCA fencing is conducted in an open space permitting sideways movement, rather than back and forth on a linear strip as in conventional sport fencing. where the blade exits the guard) and conform to the flexibility standard for Heavy Rapier blades as defined in Appendix, section 1.B. Also make an attempt to ‘ disable ’ or ‘ kill ’ opponent! 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