Results and comments from the Aug/Sep 2003 survey.

	Ýves’ big SCA rapier survey #1 ~ Authenticity comments: Movement and technique
	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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# of Responses
by Kingdom
 
AEth.  = 34/235
Anst.  = 36/240
An Tir = 56/347
Art.   = 12/124
Aten.  = 27/460
Atl.   = 60/425
Caid   = 49/400
Drach. = 21/76
Eald.  = 12/77
East   = 46/480
Loch.  = 22/120
Mer.   = 27/140
Mid.   = 52/640
Nor.   = 25/164
Out.   = 26/214
Tri.   = 46/237
West   = 14/70
Unk.   = 2

The gist

The comments below were sent in response to Question 15.

Respondents share their input on Period/authentic/historical movements in SCA rapier combat.

The comments

Note: Any remarks in the comments below from Yves look like this.

Other comments from this question are on separate pages.
See the links at the bottom of this page.

Choice picks

Φ East ~ Without blades that are authentic in weight and balance, and length, authentic moves only look authentic.  ``Alain

Φ Tri. ~ 'Period' fighting with the weapons we use involves moves that are illegal in the SCA.

Æthelmearc

Φ I am trying to get more authentic moves. It's a long process.  ``Illadore

Φ I am just starting to focus myself primarily on proper historical form, with an emphasis on correct execution of the movement rather than just 'poke-and-pray'.  ``Jean

An Tir

Φ It seems to me that the fencing described in period works and our fencing do not usually combine well. One reason being that the pictures show the fencers leaning forward. This is a quick way to lose a bout in SCA fencing.

I thought that too. I'm informed that many such images depict the end of a movement.

Φ Most of the training I have received for authentic schools of rapier has been with Dameon Willich of the Seattle Knights and Seattle Swashbucklers starting in 2001. Why him? It is his business to know. He makes his living purely off of period fighting techniques. It is done for the stage, TV and movies; however, it still has to be authentic as possible or he won't get work.  ``Caiaphas

Atlantia

Φ If the Provosts would harp on period techniques in regular practice, rather than just at Universities...  ``Celric

Φ I try to focus on Saviolo and Digrassi... Cappo Ferro also kicks [buttocks], but I believe he is outside the SCA time period.

Φ I'm not educated enough to judge if my movements are authentic. I'd like to beleive that they are but it's more likely that I only have 2 or 3 movements that are truely authentic.  ``Royce

Φ Authentic looking movements are those that keep you alive in a fight.one must deduce that those who fought frequently used a lot of these movements.in other words, if you win a lot, you are probably doing an authentic movement regardless of wether or not it is in an old manual.  ``Rufus

Φ I'm probably not into periodicity as much as I should be. I must admit I'd rather use an effective move then a period one. Alot of the weapons we use simply aren't heavy enough to be effectively joined with a period manner of voiding, and one-tempo opposition parries <shrug>. At least I think so :). I pretty much fence epee/foil with my schlager since it is light enough to do so. I know <smacks back of own hand> ;-)   ``Gunther

Caid

Φ I study the various treatise (Capo Fero, Marozzo, etc) but do not feel I follow a specific form.

Φ I hope to continually keep learning Period movements and styles, but I enjoy the game the way it is played now as well.  ``Eogan

Φ I have only recently begain to explore moving into a more authentic stle of movements. I've found a couple of manuals on line and am trying to make heads or tails out of them with help from some fellow fencers.  ``Colwyn

Φ There is no such thing as "one best style", and true to that end my own is an amalgam of styles ranging everywhere from the Far East to Europe. To unlock his potential a swordsman must learn everything and use all that feels right or makes sense. The rest is to be discarded. In this way you will acquire "YOUR best style" and ensure you are living up to your fullest potential.  ``Tora

East

Φ The heavier weapons allow for the use of more authentic (looking) movements.  ``Fei-Hong

Φ I know I have much yet to learn... and that my style is very "modern" in flavor, not influenced by any particular "school" or "style" of fence.

Lochac

Φ My period fighting is improving as my self taught stuff has got me pretty far, and I want a bit more style in what I do.  ``Gregory

Φ The barrony where I reside has limited fencers. Of those with more experience none (yet) have pointed me to material which would allow my movements to be more period.

Midrealm

Φ I'm more for period movement than period clothing/speech.

Northshield

Φ I've picked up some movements but am terrible at remembering the names of the moves.  ``Faelan

Φ I prefer to combine modern, authentic, and my own movements into an effective style. Good fighters in period did this too. The ones that made it became the guys who wrote the books :)  ``Cy

Outlands

Φ Working on having MORE authentic looking movements.  ``Charles

Φ It is very difficult for me to do period movement as there is little on Middle and Near Eastern styles. I am constantly on the look out for anything relating to sabre use and attempt to use more a draw cut oriented game. I've studied many, many sabre treatise and keep getting better at it, but it's still miles to go.  ``Jalid

Trimaris

Φ While my group does look at period technique we tend to train with the mindset of "do what works for you".  ``Silvain

Φ I play the game and utilize my martial arts back ground as a basis for movment. I have studied some techniques for swordsmanship and take what i like. i teach my studants using what basic movments that they have and use to make learning easier for them and familierarity of movment makes for a happier studant. if its not fun why are we doing it?

Your feedback is most welcome!

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Original page posted: October 18, 2004. Last tweaked: July 1, 2006.

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