Fencing in Eplaheimr

.A fencer with two swords faces a sword and dagger armed opponent (left), and two single sword armed gentlemen look for an opening to attack (right).

Rapier Combat
There are three forms of rapier combat fought in the SCA in Europe. They each to a greater or lesser degree recreate the civilian self defence style of the renaissance. A gentleman of stature in society was expected to be skilled in the use of the rapier (a long thin sword used mostly for thrusting). The rapier on your hip would have been a status symbol, and you would have trained in martial arts schools in its use, both as a means of defence and as an exercise. There was little actual duelling in the renaissance. Usually one participant or the other sobered up before turning up for a duel. Duels were also illegal just about everywhere and when. Some did happen but Hollywood has given a poor indication of their frequency.

The most common style we fight here is fought with recreation rapiers that are blunt and manufactured to rigorous safety standards. Only certain makers of rapiers are approved as safe by the SCA. These and a type of blunt sword called a Schlager form the bulk of the weapons we use. This style of fencing is fast and allows for a great deal of fun.

The newer style we’re adopting is called Cut-and-Thrust. It allows for more cutting than the standard forms and uses heavier swords. This allows a lot more truly historical moves and techniques to be used. With this style we can pick up a four hundred year old martial arts manual and use the techniques straight out of it. It requires a bit more padding and armour since the swords weigh more but it’s the most authentic style of historical combat I’ve yet seen.

The last style is not one you see much anymore. Modern fencing foils and epees are used in this style. It does make a good training style to start with and to adjust to the weight of the swords, but the speed at which such light weapons move makes period manoeuvres just about impossible.

The armour required is not very much for any of the styles. A fencing jacket or equivalent, a good mask, gloves and a neck protector form the bulk. We can help advise you on appropriate and affordable equipment and even help you make what parts you can. Just contact the Rapier Marshal and let him know you’re interested.

Rapier combat uses an honour system to call blows but in rapier combat any push of the tip is considered a good blow.  One may use small shields, cloaks, daggers (special safe fencing daggers), two rapiers, candlesticks or anything that you can demonstrate you are safe to fight with.

The rules and further information can be found here.

For more information on rapier combat contact the Shires Fencing Marshal.