Results and comments from the Aug/Sep 2003 survey.
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Ýves’ big SCA rapier survey #1 ~ Why do you like to fence? |
| Updated: May 24, 2005 |
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Policy blurb
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» This survey was conducted during August-September 2003. Things change over time. «
Some comments were edited for content. Certain harsh words have been changed for your amusement. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the surveyor.
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Question 1
Why do you like to fence?
The options available were: competition, health benefits, improving my skill, looking for dates/etc., camaraderie and friends, and "peer pressure". Multiple choices were allowed. I chose not to list "for fun" because, to me, it was redundant, it was a given.
I withdrew this one question very early during the survey because I discovered that I goofed on the setting up the form code for the answers. (drat) I was getting only the last box that someone had checked, not all of them. (drat drat drat)
The comments
Note: Any remarks in the comments below from Yves look like this.
For more comments and stats, see the links at the bottom of the page.
It’s fun
Φ An Tir ~ I *like* to fence. I like the feel of a sword in my hand; the swirl of a shawl/cloak as I twirl it through the air, trying to gut my opponent; the mindless drilling; the feel of a match going well... ``Laurin
Φ Atl. ~ Simply because I enjoy fencing.
Φ Atl. ~ Where is the option because it's fun? ``Gypsy Boy
Φ Atl. ~ You left off 'because it is the most fun thing to do with my time, ever'.
Φ Mer. ~ 'cause it's fun!
Φ Mid. ~ The big answer is, I fight be cause I like to. If I didn't, none of the other reasons would matter.
All but stopped
Φ [Withheld] ~ I have all but stopped fencing within the SCA because it did stop being fun-- there was a great deal of pressure upon me from many quarters to become a warranted marshal and take over our local group. This pressure burned me out, and I became quite resentful of fencing and the amount of time that it was sucking from my life. Now, as a seneschal, I am finding that a larger-than-average part of my job seems to be mediating rapier-related problems, and that is causing me to not go back to rapier, as I do not desire to get any more mired in the politics... What originally drew me into the SCA is something that I find that I have much less time and inclination for...
Bloodlust
Φ Atl. ~ Also, "Slaking bloodlust in socially acceptable venue." ``Dante P
Competition
Φ Atl. ~ Fencing is a sport in which my wife and I can compete on equal footing. I like that.
Φ East ~ No. Some people do it *just* for fun. None of the [choices listed] would really apply to them. Although I enjoy aspects of competition, I wouldn't classify it as "fun". However, I do compete. So if it's not fun, why do I do it? .. The answer is, it's possible to enjoy something, without it being "fun". ``Brokk
Φ Out. ~ I don't feel that 'because it is fun' is redundant. I know a few people that DON'T fence because it is fun; they take it too seriously to have fun with it. Then it becomes a competition. ``Seuilla
Geometry
Φ Mer. ~ I love the speed of the game and the use of angles like playing pool or golf. ``Leon
Historical/period
Φ Aten. ~ I am one of the "historical" fencers who also trains outside the SCA. I consider this a study topic and am always attempting to train in period techniques as best I can and then see how they can or cannot be adapted to the SCA ruleset. ``John Patrick
Φ Drach. ~ I also do it because it is a fun activity and I have grown to appreciate and love the historical aspects of rapier. ``Muirghein
Φ Drach. ~ Experimenting with historical techniques is also important for me; after all I see the SCA (and so the fencing too) as reenactment.
Φ Drach. ~ Another reason for fencing is particularly I have an interest in period combat techniques. Now while SCA rapier isn't the most realistic interpretation of period fencing, its still loads of fun, and the rules do work pretty realistically for late period rapier (e.g. Capo Ferro) ... Also I enjoy physical activity. (I think these are useful distinctions because 'competition' and 'improving skull' could be motivations for any activity. A question is why fencing, as opposed to say, needlework? ``Cernac
Read more comments on historical/period fencing. (Q 2,3)
Read more comments on authenticity. (Q 15)
Honour
Φ Atl. ~ To Honour my Lady and my Queen. ``Duncan
Workout
Φ Caid ~ I fence because I love it. I need the exercise and I need the mental stimulation. ``Iliana
The zone
Φ Anst. ~ There's a "transcendence" aspect that I've only rarely found. When my skill hits a peak such that I feel untouchable. A "zen" moment like that is one of the reasons I fence.
Some of the above...
Φ East ~ I don't think it gets the full extent. I've examined why I fence and all I can say is for joy and fun. it's not for competition for me but more for the mental and physical figuring things out and the interactions between blades. Competition is meaningless to me if someone isn't fun to fence. ``Astridr
Φ Out. ~ For me, I always wanted to be a Musketeer - that's why I joined the SCA, and why I started fencing in school. Exercise has become a reason, over the years, and, of course, it's always been fun. ``Guillaume
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Question 2 Let's just fence |
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Original page posted: October 1, 2003? Last tweaked:
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