Historical Fencing
For those who like style with their deadly weapons…
This is not modern Olympic style fencing, medieval fencing, as practised in the SCA, uses a wide variety of weapons and wears stylish, medieval clothing as body protection (so long as it is puncture proof) with a modern fencing mask.
All genders are welcome to engage in fencing - the Flintheath fighting community is diverse and proud of it!
Rapier fencing is, however not suitable for those under the age of 14.
Fencing in the SCA covers a variety of different styles and weapons. "Heavy blade rapier" rules are the usual starting point for new fencers who join us. This style of fighting requires less armour than others as we calibrate our hits to aim for the lightest touch with blunt, tipped weapons. This is historically accurate as a sharp rapier would penetrate an unarmoured opponent at a very light touch.
Rapier fighters may use a variety of different weapons as well as their sword. A dagger is a popular addition, held in the off-hand and used in close combat. Other common accessories include bucklers and cloaks which can be used defensively, but not offensively. Case of rapiers is a form of fighting where the fencer uses a full length sword in each hand.
The image above shows two fighters fencing single rapier at a UK-wide summer camping event in a Welsh castle.
The image to the right shows a fencer fighting with a cloak in their off-hand at our Yule event in Cambridgeshire. This is the most flamboyant style out there!
_edited.jpg)
Another popular style of fighting in the SCA is called "Cut and Thrust" or "C&T". This method allows for controlled percussive cuts to land on the opponent, and as such requires more armour to be performed safely. C&T may be fought with a rapier or a longsword (or a variety of other styles of weapon), and enables the fighter to practice cuts commonly found in period fencing manuals more accurately.
The image below shows C&T Longsword at our weekly practice in Waterbeach.
