reenactment combat- how does your group do it?

[Wil]

Hey all

The group we started last fall, Nordhere, developed a system of six blows inspired by the Jomsvikings. Theatric blow to the head (which is never landed), thrust to the belly (which is delivered past the belly, then done as a draw cut on the return) two shots to the biceps and two shots to the thighs. Things will likely get more freestyle as time passes, but we're limiting ourselves to these shots for the time being. Shots are delivered full speed, then pulled and turned flat at the last minute.

There are no other reenactment groups around here, so my introduction to reenactment style combat was teaching it to a half dozen people But my impression is that it's fun, and looks good once you get a group going, lots of action and flash.

Some groups fight more aggressively, some less. I'd be interested in hearing what else is out there.

~Wil

*edited, I think that was the most spelling mistakes and typos I've ever made im my life*

[JJ Shred]

We do two different things. We have an ARMA group that practices at my place every Tuesday and works straight out of the fechtbooks. When I go to a show, I will use those techniques against two of the guys I seldom see I know are not only familiar with them, but are better than me. A couple of the others I only do theatrical combat, which is either out-of-line or out-of distance. We do the theatrical in the schools, although we do explain the difference to the kids if we have time.
So far I haven't done Regia or The Vikings English-style combat.

[MichaelAAF]

Hi Will
We do a more freeform version. Our target areas are basically any part of the body legs and arms that isn't a joint (and no Groin, neck or front of shin shots) with the head we allow only vertical blows(With helmets obviously).

We start by teaching 8 basic blows, Vertical head, down to the upper arms rasing blow to the thigh and flat shots to the torso and a gut thrust. We add lower legs and forearm as they begin to fight and slowly fighters add more blows away from the basic eight as they get safer. We try to land blows with the edge and point but allow flat shots for safety. We allow limited grappling (no throws, punches or kicks).
We try and judge our fighting on the idea of what would of happened with a sharp sword swang with intent. So we are looking for blows that are swang from the shoulder or use the legs and arms to get a good hit and cut, not just flicks for touches. Same as you we swing fast and slow the blow before we hit but aslo teach to swing through the target rather then stopping on it. Blows should be hard enough to be felt but not bruise but most trainings you come away with some bruises and not unusual to get a few that last a week or two. More serious injury's (Breaks or long lasting bruises) are very rare (ive never broken a bone or broke one in 15 years)

Minimum amour is gauntlets (Not just gloves) and helmet but we recommend body armour or protection when fighting steel.
We treat amour fairly lightly it only stops draw cuts or flicks not a good swing or stab. (we mostly Dark age mail and leather stuff)
But we do some counted blows or acted wounds if your got amour stuff to give them some historical advantage.

We try to base our styles on historical accounts and manuals to try and prevent us from just fighting to the rules of the game.
We look at some sources ourselves and rely heavily on some great work coming out by better scholars then us (Currently doing I33 with Paul Wagner and starting to work that into my re enactment fighting an changing the club stuff to account for the ideas).
We also need to do more test cutting at the moment

One thing about being so freeform it allows us to fit in with other clubs fighting rules/styles when we go away.

Sorry that's so long winded,
Michael
AAF

[Stefan ap Llewelyn]

Our group starts off training with the fives - head and each limb.

All blows should be telegraphed but especially the head shot, if you are receiving a head shot that you are expected to parry it and not try to land a cut under it.

After people are comfotable with that then pretty much anything goes with mutual consent - when I bought my new helm I had several full comtact fights which included full power head shots.

Minimum armour is a good pair of gloves, we have a glove bag to loan newcomers.

The restrictions are no thrusting with swords and no straight face punches (looks rubbish to the crowd and we had several accidents with them). We teach not to hit below the elbow and knee and if someone does hit you there ignore it as a hit (hopefully removing any incentive to do it). Apart from that we are a 'never say never' type of group. The emphasis is on good showmanship rather than competitive success.

[Signo]

We do it that way from 4 year, and other people do the same here:
Before handling a steel sword we train the "apprentice fighter" with long and short staff, then we focus our training to "control the blows", only light touch or no touch at all is allowed, fighting is done at reach distance, so control is a must.
When practicing with steel swords or other weapons the rule is: no thrust to the head, off side thrust to the body, the other blows are all reported in "flos duellatorum" and other books.
Grappling and other tricks of short distance combat are allowed after a specific training in doing it and receiving it (it's very important to know what the opponent is trying to do to your body so you can move accordly).
The main rule to avoid injuries and wounds is ,especially at short distance ,NO COMPETITION,we fight only for fun, not for display our skill.
The minimum protection are gauntlets, usually we do it with or without armour without difference. Again There is no need to touch the body of the opponent to make it react to the blow, when the shot is into the guard, is a valid shot with or without touch.
The number of blows and how the fight evolve is decided on the moment to increase the show.
All blows are usually delivered with large rotation of the blades, and movement of the body and with paces more than short wrist movement, because we consider those blows non effective against heavy clothing or armour. Blows delivered with the body are controlled and stopped with torso muscles and arms, it permit very strong blows if you want, but at the same time a perfect and safe control. Control is almost invisible from outside.
I hope that helps.

[James B.]

Well Grey's at MTT this weekend just said don't hurt you buddy and pull you blows and we went at it.

Oh and we grapple.

[Wolf]

we grapple? you body slammed Ruel and then laid on him you ogre!! i'z got killed cause i was the onlyone dumb enough to go up against the fully armoured Squre Jim