As Rapier Marshal, I coordinate the rapier combat
activities of our shire, from overseeing weekly practices
and tournaments at events, to training new fighters and
preparing them for authorization.
Rapier combat these days encompasses more than
renaissance-style fencing. In the past thirty years
it's been around in the SCA, it's grown from olympic
fencing in period garb to a more diverse and scholarly
martial sport/art which attempts historical accuracy
within the confines of safety. Many styles of combat
are included within its penumbra: single sword (or
sword and open hand), sword and dagger, sword and
buckler, sword and cloak, case of swords and case of
daggers. As well, many different types of swords are
used within our rules—from rapier to scimitar to
two-handed sword to katana.
Rapier combat has also
given rise to a new form of combat within the SCA. Cut
& Thrust combat may best be explained as the natural
union of Rapier Combat & Armored Combat. C&T is a
transition between the two forms
which emphasizes scholarship of Western Martial Arts
coupled with great control. This combat form is not
intended for full-contact maneuvering, rather it is
somewhat more like two-man kata drills such as you
might find in an Eastern Martial Arts dojo. C&T
utilizes heavier blades more correct for combat on the
battlefield and consequently calls for a bit more
protection than does Rapier combat.
If you have further
questions about either Martial endeavor, please
contact me.
Sincerely,
Ursus
