Fighting Styles

Kerrigan · Post by **Kerrigan** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 10:29 am

What kind of fighting styles are used in the SCA? I am not completely shure which one I would like best because I hardly know of any. If you could give a description of the characteristics of the style also that would be excellant. Thanks for your time,

Kerrigan

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Without freedom of thought, ther can be no such thing as wisdom.

mavrikii · Post by **mavrikii** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 11:10 am

I would reccomend starting off Sword and shield. I know..it sounds boring, but proper training in this style will help you avoid a miriad if errors in others.

Others include - Florentine (2 weapons)= a lot of offense and less defense.
Pole arm - in varying lengths with different styles, Get good gauntlets before trying.
Greatsword - Can either attack or defend at any one time. Probably the most beautiful style, but difficult to master.
Axe - Like a short polearm

Mace - Like a sword, but no worry about orientation (but somewhat rough on wrists that are not built up)
Spear - Usually only a War weapon.

There are variations too numerous to really mention.

But I would start weapon and shield....with a trainer that teaches footwork and movement. Concentrate on accuracy and style first. Power will come as your body gets used to the new motions you will be using.

Mavrikii

Otter · Post by **Otter** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 11:16 am

Greetings:

This is the web page for your local SCA group:

http://charlesbury.atlantia.sca.org/

Follow the link for "Meetings" to find contact info and and directions for fighter practice.

The rules for Heavy fighting in the SCA Kingdom of Atlantia can be found here:

http://marshal.atlantia.sca.org/Rules/ArmoredCombat.html

The SCA usualy requires Sword and Shield as your first weapons form. Although Atlantia does allow Spear as an alternate for a first authorization.

Hope this helps...

Otter.

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Cry HAVOC !!!, And let slip the MUSTELIDS of WAR !!

schreiber · Post by **schreiber** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 12:02 pm

Since you're in Atlantia, you're going to have to start with sword and shield. Atlantia has separate authorization processes for each weapons form. I don't know whether or not it's hard coded that you have to; I think at one time it was possible to authorize spear first without sword and shield.

The idea is that they want newcomers to work first in a style where it's easier to keep from getting hit, ie, you have a large board in between you and your opponent. It allows you to learn the basics without getting seriously hurt. Having a shield in war can be a big advantage when 1500 lbs of human flesh decides to fall on you at the same time.

The spear authorization is probably because in war, if you're going to get hit while fighting spear, you're most likely going to be singled out, and most likely it will be in the head.

If you were referring to a specific style of combat, then you may be a little disappointed. There are several established "styles" of fighting in the SCA, mainly dealing with sword and shield. I don't know their names, as I do not fight sword and shield (I got the authorization, fought a couple times, and then picked up spear).

There is at least one person I know in Atlantia who is making an effort to learn the secrets in Talhoffer's manual and the I33, but he generally doesn't use them for SCA combat, since it involves alot of grappling and wrestling.

I live in Atlantia, too (Northern VA)... I only fight in wars, generally, but I'll be happy to answer more questions if you email me.

HELMUT

Constancius · Post by **Constancius** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 1:44 am

For just starting, go with sword and shield. It's alot safer and is actually fun, most of the time.
Just remember the most important two rules:
1: Play hard AND safe
2: Have fun

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Constancius of Lincolnshire

animis corporibusque

Owen · Post by **Owen** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 7:17 am

I prefer fighting spear and shieldman, myself.

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Owen
"Death is but a doorway-
Here, let me hold that for you"

hjalmr · Post by **hjalmr** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 10:14 am

MADU! Don't forget Madu....

(^_^)

Trystan von Adler · Post by **Trystan von Adler** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 11:50 am

Also, just looking at sword and board , there as many variations on style as there are people in the SCA. Each person, IMHO, should learn at least two styles. If you learn three or four, you may not fight that style but you know it's strengths and weaknesses. Try it out. I feel that your first four years is when you learn the most and make the biggest improvements. I don't mean this as a rule, just an observation. I have trained a few fighters in eleven years and this is what I observed.

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Constancius · Post by **Constancius** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 2:18 pm

My favorite sword and shield style: Toe-to-toe.

Also the most deadly......for me sometimes.

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Constancius of Lincolnshire

animis corporibusque

hjalmr · Post by **hjalmr** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 6:00 pm

Trystan von Adler:

I agree with you 110%! I continually play around with different styles as well as using diferent shield just for this reason. I also try to talk others into this tactic, but since I'm a nobody -they never listen.

Thanks for posting this important thought.

(^_^)

Trystan von Adler · Post by **Trystan von Adler** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 7:33 pm

Someone once said that when you stop trying, you stop learning.

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Winterfell · Post by **Winterfell** » Mon Jun 24, 2002 12:47 pm

"I think at one time it was possible to authorize spear first without sword and shield."
Yes it still is possible to authorize in spear first.
It has been a while since I did SCA heavy and so somehow I got shanghied into doing spear for my local barony. So I am just going to authorise in that for now.

[This message has been edited by Winterfell (edited 06-24-2002).]