The Red Kaganate - Rules of Combat

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Last Page Update: August 17, 2001

Rules for Martial Activities in the Red Kaganate
This text is presented while in the process of development in order to facilitate comment and revision.
Comment is invited by posting in the public Forum or by E-mail to [email protected].

Quick Index of Rules
The Rule Paragraphs apear consequitively in the document and can be read in sequence. This paragraph, however, provides a hyperlinked index to specific rule sections. Each individual section may consist of one or more than one paragraph.
All "Goal, rule, and procedure" statements are included in this document
This "Rules for Martial Activities" ("RMA") document is an integral part of the "Goal, rule and procedure" document.
Thus, all statements, rules, and directives of that document shall be considered implicit in all of the following "RMA" statements.
Aplicability of this document
The rules for Martial Activities as described herein apply to tournaments, contests, events, and similar that are sponsored and conducted by the Red Kaganate. A Red Kaganate member participating in Martial Activities carried out by a different organisation is expected to fully comply to the rules of that organisation and that contest or game.
Rule Interpretation
All rules are to be interpreted in a way as to make them consistant with the other rules as set forth here and in the "Goal, rule and procedure" document.
If, after the above has been undertaken, the rule remains vague, it is to be interpreted in a way to conform to the prevailing standard of the "industry" -- ie: the customs and rules of the reenactment community at large are to be examined for input.
Types of Martial Activity
This refers to all reenactment activities that represent or are intended to represent hunting, military, and personal combat activities. It includes, but is not limited to:
- Equestrian Activities
- Archery Activities
- Wrestling and other Unarmed Combat Games
- Games representing Armed Combat
  (including Combat Games with Weapons on Foot or on Horseback)
- Choreographed Exhibition "Combat" activities
This does not refer to table games like chess or Shesh-Besh (aka "Backgammon", "Nardi").
Martial Activities are inherently and unavoidably dangerous!!!
The activities discussed herein involve strong physical exertion and the use of instrumentalities and equipment that is dangerous when used improperly and, even when properly used, may fail and create further dangers of physical injury.
These activities carry risks including but not limited to broken bones, dislocations, damage to muscles, to the skin, and to organs of the body, and could cause paralysis or death. Furthermore, failure of armour and/or other equipment can cause these and other serious injuries or death.
Potential participants must agree to accept all risks involved
Potential participants will be allowed to participate in exchange for their agreement that they accept and assume all risks of injury to themselves and their property. To this end, all potential participants will be provided with a copy of this document and the "Goal, rule and procedure" document,
as well as the Agreement for Participation in Martial Activities and Release from Liability (also refered to as the "Waiver"). They will signify their understanding and acceptance of the agreement by signing that Waiver.
A Martial Activity may not be enganged in before a set of safety rules is established for that activity
Red Kaganate members are encouraged to provide rule suggestions in those activities where they have expertise and experience.
This is All a Game !!!
All Martial Activities shall be governed by the philosophy summarized by the statement "This is All a Game!!!".
All participants in any activity are friends and coleagues, sharing in the goals of The Red Kaganate expressed through friendly and fun games.
Speaking in personna -- All participants are the good and loyal subjects of the Great Kagan of the North, nobles who are meeting together in friendly contests of prowess and skill in celebration of the peace of the Kaganate.
Safety and Good Sportsmanship are Fundamental
The safety of self, opponents, and bystanders is the primary consideration in all potentially dangerous activities, and is the responsibility of all participants. Victory in the contest is a far away second.
Marshals shall be appointed
Any event, practice, or other Red Kaganate gathering where a Martial Activity is undertaken shall have a sufficient number of marshals (the minimum being one) to oversee all of the Martial Activity.
Overseeing duties are enumerated below. Different individuals may share marshaling duties.
A Marshal is an individual who is proficient and experienced in the mode of Martial Activity he is charged to oversee. For the time being (as this is a new organisation) this shall be defined as having Marshall level skills in pre-existing societies practicing roughly equivalent Martial Activities. As examples of such equivalents:
- For Restricted combat with Schlagger or Epee - SCA rapier.
- For Practice Sword, Saber, and non-Restricted Schlagger and Epee - "modern" or "classical" Saber together with SCA rapier.
- For Rattan Battons - SCA or MSR rattan.
- For Target Archery - SCA, MSR, or "modern" target archery.
Marshals shall be obeyed by all participants
They are charged with enforcing safety and smooth functioning of an activity.
One or more Marshals shall be in place at each instance of a Martial Activity
Each individual contest or competition shall have one or more Marshals (as necessary) on hand to directly observe the action. The Marshal is there to assure that the activity remains safe -- as elaborated below.
Barriers shall be established
The contest area shall be delineated and separated out by a visible barrier to protect bystanders from contestants.
The current standard for combat games with weapons on foot, as expressed by the common usage of most reenactment clubs, is for ropes, stretched between poles at the aproximate waist level of an average adult to fully enclose the area of combat. This is not always used at small practices, where one or more marshals are deemed sufficient.
The above shall be the minimum standards for The Red Kaganate as well.
Participants are responsible to assure that Barriers are observed
Contestants must keep vigilant to assure that no one, other than those who must be inside the contest area, will enter the contest area.
They shall also insure that neither contestant and none of the contest equipment leaves the contest area.
Where there is a danger of either of the above occuring, the contestant who notices shall stop the action in order to prevent the possibility of injury.
It is recognised that contestants, involved in the contest itself may not have the full ability to assure Barrier integrity, therefore the Marshal on hand for the particular contest has final responsibility in assuring that the Barriers are observed and final authority to stop action.
Participants are responsible for the safety of themselves and others within the contest area.
The contestants shall keep vigilant and stop the action if in their opinion there is a danger of injury to themselves or others. As examples, the danger may come from damage to equipment, from contestants being in an unsafe position (like about to trip or caught with a limb in danger of breaking), contestants loosing controll of equipment, or any similar matters.
It is recognised that contestants, involved in the contest itself may not have the full ability to assure safety on the field. Therefore, marshalls observing the contest will stop the action if in their opinion there is a danger of injury to the contestants or others.
Equipment must be inspected before use in Martial Activity.
Any equipment to be used in a Martial activity will be inspected by a qualified Marshal during the same event or gathering as the said activity and prior to engagement in said activity. Such equipment must conform to rules enumerated herein and be safe for use.
Equipment found unsafe or otherwise not acceptable for the given activity will not be used.
Authorisation of perspective participants.
Marshals shall assure that perspective participants have at least minimal competence in the Martial activity before being permitted to participate in such activity. This rule does not apply to training -- where the attaining of competence is precicely the purpose of the situation.
Minimal competence is defined as sufficient skill to perform the given Martial Activity safely. It does not require sufficient ability to win.
Perspective participants who are not fully in conformance to rules for the given Martial Activity will not be permitted to participate.
Participants may be ejected from a Martial Activity if found unsafe.
Those participants found by the marshal overseeing a given activity to be unsafe for any reason (as for example: inattentiveness to direction, dangerous use of equipment, purposeful or accidental cheating, excessive use of force), at the discretion of marshals and for the promotion of a safe environment, may be warned or ejected from the activity. At the discretion of the marshals, they may be further forbidden entry to any Martial Activities at the given event or gathering. Moreover, if found necessary, their names may be circulated to assure that they are forbidden entry in Martial Activity at other events or gatherings.
Types of Combat with Weapons on Foot
The following are the different types of combat with weapons on foot that are currently recognised and undertaken in the Red Kaganate.
- Combat with Steel Weapons
  - Lightened Rebated Weapons
  - Full Weight Rebated Weapons
- Combat with non-metal "weapon representatives"
  - Rattan Batons
  - Wooden Batons
  - Wooden Wasters
General Types of Protective Equipment for Combat with Weapons on Foot
Protective Equipment may generally be classed as "Heavy Armour" and "Light Armour", as described more fully below, with certain additions and modifications as listed for specific types of combat.
Terms used for "Light Armour" components
1. Abrasion resistant material - Material that will withstand normal combat stresses (such as being snagged by an unbroken blade) without tearing. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  1. broadcloth
  2. single layer of heavy poplin cloth (35% cotton, 65% polyester; "trigger" cloth)
  Nylon pantyhose type material and cotton gauze shirts are examples of unacceptable materials.
2. Puncture resistant material - Materials that will predictably withstand puncture under relevant conditions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  1. Four-ounce (2 mm) Leather
  2. four layers of abrasion resistant material
  3. commercial fencing clothing rated to at least 550 Newtons
  Kevlar is not an acceptable material, as it degrades rapidly.
3. Rigid material - Puncture resistant material that will not significantly flex, spread apart, or deform under pressure of 12 Kg applied repeatedly to a single point. Examples are:
  1. 22 guage (0.8 mm) stainless steel
  2. 20 guage (1.0 mm) mild steel
  3. 16 guage (1.6 mm) copper or brass
  4. Eight Ounce (4 mm) Leather
A set of "Light Armour" shall consist of the following
The following list sets forth the general set of what is necessary for a complete harness of "Light Armour". Additional components may be required for different types of Combat and will be listed where the specific type of combat is discussed.
1. Front and Top of Head - The front and top of the head to below the jaw line and behind the ears must be covered by rigid material. Standard 12 kg fencing masks are known to meet this standard. Fencing helmets built to this standard are also permissible.
2. Face - must be protected by a standard 12kg fencing mask or by perforated metal. Perforated metal must meet the definition of rigid material, it must have holes no larger than 1/8" (3 mm) in diameter, with a minimum offset of 3/16" (5 mm).
3. Mask or helmet - These shall be secured to the head so that they cannot be easily removed or dislodged during combat. A commercial fencing mask, properly fitted, unaltered, and with all parts intact will meet this standard. A fencing helmet shall have a chinstrap or equivalent device -- snug fit shall NOT be sufficient.
  If there is any evidence of metal fatigue or impending failure, the mask or helmet must be tested for conformance to the 12kg force standard.
4. Hood or Curtain - The neck and back of the head must be covered by puncture resistant material. This Hood (or "coif" -- a hood separate from the headgear) or Curtain (or "aventail" -- a drape that extends from and is part of the headgear) must be of sufficient length that there is never gapping between it and the clothing on the body.
5. Torso - This whole area must be covered by puncture resistant material.
  The torso is, for the purposes of this rule, defined as the chest, back, abdomen, groin, the sides up to and including the armpits.
  For the purposes of this rule, the armpit is defined as the area covered by a triangle with its base at the joint of the underside of the arm to the body, its point one third the distance from the base to the elbow, with the base edge covering the underside of the arm extending from the center-line of the bicep on the outside to the center-line of the bicep on the inside.
6. Hands - Gloves of abrasion resitant material must be worn. Gloves will include a sufficient cuff to overlap sleeve openings.
7. Groin - Males shall wear rigid groin protection. A commercial "Athletic cup" is strongly recomended. Any ventilation holes large enough to admit a broken blade must be covered with puncture resistant material.
  Females shall wear puncture resistant groin protection.
8. Breasts - Female fighters are strongly encouraged to wear additional breast protection such as commercial fencing "breast protectors" or the equivalent.
9. Areas not specifically referenced - All areas of the body not otherwise mentioned shall be covered by Abrasion resistant material.
10. Overlap Areas of the clothing must be sufficient to prevent gapping in any position - While discretion is here permitted to participants and marshals, a common standard for overlap at rest is 2" (5 cm).
Grapling, grabbing, and blows with hands and feet are forbidden in Combat with Weapons
This includes, but is not limited to such techniques as chocking or tripping the opponent, body checking, throws, sweeps, punches, kicks.
Permitted bodily contact during Combat with Weapons
The hand or forearm may be interposed to control the opponent's weapon hand or forearm. The opponent's arm may not be held in the process. The "block" may not be carried out with sufficient force to raise to the level of attack.
Only the Blade of a Weapon may be used to deliver an attack (or blow)
The purpose of this rule is to forbid strikes with the cross-guard or pommel of a sword, or equivalent situations with other weapons.
For the purposes of this rule, the "head" of a mace or axe shall be included in the definition of "blade".
In the case of Combat with non-steel weapons, a "weapon stand-in" may be constructed in a fashion where such strikes are acceptible. This is detailed in the rules specific to those activities.
"Shield Bashing" or other attacks with "defensive Weapons" are forbidden
Types of Blows that may be delivered in Combat with Weapons
The following is an atempt to define the various possible blows that may be delivered by a weapon. The specific types of combat will further discuss what blows are permitted or forbidden.
1. Thrust - An attack where in a real combat situation the point would have pierced and pushed into the target. In a futile attempt to verbally describe further -- Where the point or tip of the weapon connects with the target and the blade was traveling in a direction aproximately perpendicular to the plane that was hit.
2. Draw Cut - This includes the Push and the Pull cuts. This is where the edge makes contact with the target and is pulled along the target -- so that a sharp weapon would have made a cut (the blade contact is parallel to the plane of the target). The Push cut is where the blade travels in a direction away from the attacker, the Pull cut is where the blade travels towards the attacker.
3. Tip Cut - The tip makes contact with the target, but rather than being pushed into the target, the tip is dragged along the plane of the target in a motion that with a sharp point would have produced a cut.
4. Chop or Slashing Cut - The usual type of cut made in "modern sports Saber" (as, practiced, for instance, by member groups of the United States Fencing Association (USFA)). To attempt a description - the blade travels in perpendicular to its own length making contact with the target at one point of the blade. This is similar to the kind of cut made with a cleaver. Training for less than fully armed, full force combat, must emphasize the safe use of only sufficient force in delivering this cut.
  For the time being (as this is a new organisation) only those trained in "modern sports Saber" will be authorised to train others and participate in combat that involves less than fully armed, full force combat using this cut.
  When an individual who is experienced in fully armed, full force combat wishes to switch to one of the other types of combat where this cut is used, extreme care must be taken in reconditioning the style of delivering this blow.
5. Flat Strike - This is relevant where a weapon stand-in has a definable blade "edge" and "flat". A "flat strike" is a blow with the "flat" of the blade. These are never counted as valid blows. Care must be taken not to deliver these, as with some weapon types these type of blows may cause the blade to act like a whip - causing pain to the recipient (see further under "whipover").
6. Whipover - This may happen when a flexible weapon blade flexes excessively -- possibly curving around a parry for the point to land on target, and possibly causing the blade to whip the recipient of the blow.
  Whipover strikes would not work with real weapons and therefore are discouraged and will not count.
  Further, the whipping action is dangerous, as it may cause undue pain. A substantial amount of whipovers are to be treated by Marshals with suspicion and the participant is to be considered for suspension from the combat game.
Blow Force Calibration Standards for Combat with Weapons
The following terms describe different levels of force that may be delivered with a weapon in Combat with Weapons on Foot. The specific types of combat will refer to the force levels required or forbidden when practicing that type of combat.
1. "No force" or "Defence penetration" - No actual touch is necessary to score the blow. The blow must penetrate defense and be recognisable as one that would have impacted had the attacker so desired.
2. Touch - The weapon much touch the body to score. No force is necessary.
3. Positive Pressure - Quite slight. Often described as the amount of force needed for a very sharp blade to penetrate unprotected flesh. For the thrust, this is the equivalent of the amount of force required for a valid thrust in "modern sports Epee" (as, practiced, for instance, by member groups of the United States Fencing Association (USFA)).
  A "chopping" cut that would be felt by a reasonable participant through a standard "modern" fencing jacket is sufficient.
  With a "draw" or "tip" cut, discretion must be used -- it must travel in strong contact with the body for some minor distance to establish a cut rather than a glance.
4. Telling Blow - Relevant to "choping" cuts and thrusts (draw and tip cuts are not effective in combat requiring a "Telling Blow"), this is some level of force that may roughly be described as that force necessary while using a sharp sword to incapacitate a lightly armoured opponent.
  Until this definition is further developed -- this is the level of calibration expected for a lightly delivered good blow in armoured fighting with Rattan in the SCA (the lightest level of force required in SCA Rattan).
5. Excessive force - A level of force that may cause injury in the particular style of combat and with the particular armour worn. Normally, this is not very far above the level of force set for a valid blow. A participant must therefore endevour to deliver blows of minimal force -- just sufficient for the valid level of force.
  Depending on the frequency and specific level of excessive force delivered, the participant responsible may be warned or further disciplined by the Marshals in charge.
The weapons represented in combat with weapons shall be stand-ins for those that were commonly used within the Scope represented by Red Kaganate
The various practice weapons and "weapon representatives" used are stand-ins intended to create a safe and effective representation of those weapons which would actually have been used within the time-period and locations represented by the Red Kaganate. Examples of such weapons are the Saber, the Longsword, the Straight Saber (sometimes called a "Palash"). Examples of inapropriate weapons are the Rapier and Smallsword.
Courtesy permission for "rapier" use
As an extension of courtesy to our fellows in Western European reenactment, visitors to Red Kaganate events shall be allowed to use their weapons and weapon furniture which may represent Western Weapons like the Rapier -- provided that these weapons and their other equipment meet all Red Kaganate safety regulations.
This is a limited-time courtesy intended for visitors only! This exception shall not apply to individuals engaging in Red Kaganate combat activities on any sort of regular basis. This rule shall not be read in a way to undermine the Scope and Intents of the Red Kaganate.
This exception is aplicable only to those rules which expressly reference it.
Use of the Foil is Expressly Rejected as incompatible with the aims of reenactment Combat
The foil's extremely light weight promotes subtle modern "sports" technique without connection to historically relevant techniques of swordsmanship.
While a weight objection can be raised with respect to the "practice saber", that light weight allows for the practice of saber techniques in an unarmored (lightly equiped) situation.
With respect to the foil, the "practice saber" is obviously superior for the practice of saber technique, while the practice of more "thrust focused" technique in that safe, lightly equiped situation may be achieved with Epee, which is substantially heavier than the foil, and thus closer to historically relevant weight.
"Sword furniture" used shall be consistant with Red Kaganate Scope apropriate weapons
"Sword furniture" refers to such items as guards, grips, and pommels. These shall, as closely as possible aproach the design and functionality of Scope apropriate equivalents. Red Kaganate scope apropriate sword guards seem to have generally been simple cross-guards and small disk guards. The Courtesy permission for "rapier" use creates a limited exception to this rule.
Use of "swept hilts" is prohibited
The "swept hilt" is a basket-work guard as used most commonly on Western European swords of the latter middle ages (rapiers, smallswords, and the like). There is no evidence of similar guards used within the Scope of the Red Kaganate. The Courtesy permission for "rapier" use creates a limited exception to this rule.
Use of "bell" or "bowl" or "shell" guards is prohibited except as noted below
The "bell" guard is a guard constructed of sheet metal, shaped into some form of bowl to cover the hand. Modern "Saber" and "Epee" guards are examples of the type. These guards seem to have developed either in the very late middle ages, or the beggining of the "modern" period in Western Europe. There is no evidence of similar guards used within the Scope of the Red Kaganate. The Courtesy permission for "rapier" use creates a limited exception to this rule.
Use of modern Foil "bell" guards is provisionally permitted
Because simple cross-guards and disk-guards directly scope apropriate for the Red Kaganate are currently not easily obtainable, and because the modern "foil guard" is the smallest commonly available guard, providing the most minor "bell-type" protection, it is, for the time being recognised and accepted as a "necessary evil". Nevertheless, all effort must be made to obtain a guard that as closely as possible aproaches a properly Scope apropriate guard.
All Steel Weapons shall be dull edged and "rebated"
No sharp edges or points may exist on any weapon that will be taken into the combat area. The point of any weapon must be "rebated" in a way apropriate for the weapon. Where weapons come pointed, this point must be rounded. In the case of Epees and Sabers, which follow industry standards and come rebated from the manufacturer, the folded point, or end "button" may not be altered. Schlagers may have either a rounded "point", or the point may be cut off perpendicular to the edge (in which case, the square edges formed must be rounded).
Steel Weapon Blades may not be altered in a way to weaken the temper or otherwise impair the qulity and safety of the weapon.
Epees, Sabers, and "Flexidaggers" may not be altered in any way except that the tang may be cut shorter to accomodate the grip, or the threading be altered from European standard to American standard (these are the two standards used for commercialy available pommels). Schlager blades may be cut shorter (with the shortest length allowed being the standard Saber length) but only in a fashion to assure that the temper of the blade is not impaired. Schlager points may be altered to cofirm with safety requirements -- again with care taken not to impair temper. As with Epees above, a Schlager tang may be shortened or rethreaded, but it may not be altered in any other way (as for example by reducing thickness). Epee, Saber, "Flexidagger", and Schlagger tangs may be bent to create the apropriate handle offset, but this must be done gently and without the use of heat -- only as much as easily done without stressing the blade. Other blades are to be treated in similar apropriate ways according with the standards of "the reenactment community".
Practice Saber - Definition
The term "Practice Saber" refers to the type of blade currently used as a "Saber" in "modern sports fencing" (as, for instance, represented by the United States Fencing Association (USFA)).
Only the "Y" shaped blade shall be used for Red Kaganate Practice Saber
The "Y" shape refers to the cross-section of the blade at the forte (the strong two-thirds of the blade closest to the handle). Several styles of blade are currently marketed for the modern sport of Saber. All are of aproximately equal dimensions and there is no marked difference in price based on shape.
The "Y" shaped blade, however, has the most clearly defined "edge", "spine", and even a "false edge" along the first third of the blade. It is therefore best representative of a real Saber blade.
Practice Saber Protective Equipment
Unmodified "Light Armour" shall be sufficient.
Practice Saber - compatibility of other weapons
No weapon other than the Practice Dagger may be used in the same bout with a Practice Saber.
Practice Saber - Blows and Force
All normally permissible blows - the thrust, draw cut, tip cut, and slashing cut - are permited. The Positive Pressure standard of force shall be used.
Practice Sword - Definition
The term "Practice Sword" refers to the extremely lightened swords sold for the practice of Wu Shu, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu forms. While having the overall dimensions of full sized swords, the blades are thinned so that they weigh aproximately like (or even less than) epees.
Practice Swords will be of flexible spring steel, dulled and rebated
These Swords are generally made without recognisable standards between manufacturers or even between swords from a single manufacturer. Each sword must therefore be very closely checked to assure that the blade is of a sturdy and flexible construction. The blade must bend easier and deeper than an epee, and must bend and spring back to true with no trouble.
The edges must be thoroughly checked to assure that there are no sharp areas anywhere.
The swords are almost always sold with a sharp point. Such sharp points must be ground off, leaving a dull, round point (a US "Dime" coin is recomended as a shaping guide).
Practice Sword Protective Equipment
Unmodified "Light Armour" shall be sufficient.
Practice Sword - compatibility of other weapons
No weapon other than the Practice Dagger may be used in the same bout with a Practice Sword.
Practice Sword - Blows and Force
All normally permissible blows - the thrust, draw cut, tip cut, and slashing cut - are permited. The Positive Pressure standard of force shall be used.
Epee - Definition
The term "Epee" refers to the type of blade currently used as an "Epee" in "modern sports fencing" (as, for instance, represented by the United States Fencing Association (USFA)).
Epee - compatibility of other weapons
No weapon other than the Practice Dagger may be used in the same bout with an Epee.
"Restricted" Epee - Definition, Blows, and Force
Combat with Epee with the following blows permitted - the thrust, draw cut, tip cut. The slashing cut - is prohibited.
The Positive Pressure standard of force shall be used.
Restricted Epee Protective Equipment
Unmodified "Light Armour" shall be sufficient.
Schlager - Definition
The term "Schlager" refers to the type of blade originally developed for the "Mansurfecht" - a European sport played with sharp pointed blades. The Schlager has been since adapted as a standard for "rapier" fencing by "historical fencing" groups - now used with "rebated" points. These are available from the same blade manufacturers who sell weapons for "modern sports fencing" (as, for instance, represented by the United States Fencing Association (USFA)).
Some "historical fencing" groups have allowed "blade equivalents" produced by sword replica manufacturers. NO such "equivalents" are currently permitted. A manufacturer may submit blades for testing and consideration. Contact the Editor for details.
Schlager - compatibility of other weapons
No weapon other than the Practice Dagger may be used in the same bout with a Schlager.
"Restricted" Schlager - Definition, Blows, and Force
Combat with Schlager with the following blows permitted - the thrust, draw cut, tip cut. The slashing cut - is prohibited.
The Positive Pressure standard of force shall be used.
Restricted Schlager Protective Equipment
In addition to the basic "Light Armour", a "Gorget" shall be worn. Breast Protection (as described above) for female fighters is required.
It is additionally recomended that a "Mirror" disk be worn.
For the purpose of this rule a "Gorget" is defined as a defense of rigid material backed by puncture resistant material which protects the neck, throat, and cervical vertebrae. It is recomended that the gorget extend to offer aditional protection to the collar bones.
For the purpose of this rule a "Mirror" disk is defined as a defense of rigid material of sufficient size to fully protect the Solar Plexus.
"Un-restricted" Epee and Schlager - Definition, Blows, and Force
Combat with Epee or Schlager where all normally permissible blows - the thrust, draw cut, tip cut, and slashing cut - are permited. The Positive Pressure standard of force shall be used.
Un-restricted Epee and Schlager Protective Equipment
Protective equipment as required for "Restricted" Schlager shall be worn. This shall be modified in that the full arm must be covered by puncture resistant material (instead of the "abrasion resistant" standard).
A "Breast and Back" and "Pauldrons" of puncture resistant material shall be worn in addition to the above described armour. Suplementary elbow protection of puncture resistant material is strongly recomended.
For the purpose of this rule "Breast and Back" is defined as the area covered by a full vest -- aproximately, this is the chest, abdomen, and back from the neck, and the sides of the body from below the armpit, all down to just below the belt.
For the purpose of this rule "Pauldrons" are defined as protection covering from the shoulder down to just above the elbow.
Practice Dagger - Definition
The term "Practice Dagger" refers to the type of blade recently developed for use as an "off hand dagger" for "rapier" fencing by "historical fencing" groups. The standard is commonly called "Flexidagger" and is a blade similar to the foil but significantly shorter. These are available from the same blade manufacturers who sell weapons for "modern sports fencing" (as, for instance, represented by the United States Fencing Association (USFA)).
Some "historical fencing" groups have allowed "blade equivalents" produced by sword replica manufacturers. NO such "equivalents" are currently permitted. A manufacturer may submit blades for testing and consideration. Contact the Editor for details.
Practice Dagger Protective Equipment
Where only practice daggers are used without other weapons present, unmodified "Light Armour" shall be sufficient.
However, Practice Daggers are generally used in conjunction with other weapons. Where this is the case, the higher protective equipment standard for these other weapons will govern (see compatibility rule).
Practice Dagger - compatibility of other weapons
The Practice Dagger may be used in the same bout with Practice Saber, Practice Sword, Epee, or Schlager. Standards for these other weapons will govern the bout.
Practice Dagger - Blows and Force
All normally permissible blows - the thrust, draw cut, tip cut, and slashing cut - are permited. However, (special danger of blows with the cross-guard) due to the small size of the blade, special care is advised in training and combat so that in performing a cut, parts of the daggger other than the blade do not make contact with the opponent's body.
The Positive Pressure standard of force shall be used.
Full Weight Rebated Weapon - Definition
Until further development, Full Weight Rebated Weapons shall be defined practiced according to the weapons standards of the Academy of European Martial Arts (AEMMA) as specified at their rules section http://www.aemma.org/misc/medievalTournament.htm.
NOTE: The adherence to AEMMA weapons standards does not include culture and style specific rules, where the goals of the Red Kaganate govern.
Full Weight Rebated Weapon - Compatibility
Any Full Weight Weapon may be used against any other Full Weight Weapon.
No Contact Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons
Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons where the "No Force" or "Defense Penetration" standard of force is used. Accidental "Touch" force hits are expected, allowed, and will be counted.
- Nevertheless, a participant who touches too often shall be cautioned.
- A participant who is having trouble acknowledging attacks which have penetrated the defence, but have not touched, shall be cautioned. It is at the Marshal's discretion whether the level of lack of acknowledgement rises to cheating.
- Any force higher than "Touch" is considered Excessive and dangerous.
Protective Equipment for No Contact Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons
Protective equipment as required for "Restricted" Schlager shall be worn with a modification of the standard for face protection.
The face will be protected by a perforated mask of 16 guage mild or 18 guage stainless steel. The largest holes permitted will be 1/4" (6 mm) in diameter, spaced so that there is a minimum of 1/4" (6 mm) of metal remaining between each hole.
Touch Force Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons
Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons where the "Touch" standard of force is used.
Any force substantially higher than "Touch" is considered Excessive and dangerous.
Protective Equipment for Touch Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons
Protective equipment as required for "Un-restricted" Schlager shall be worn with a modification of the standard for face protection.
The face will be protected by a perforated mask of 16 guage mild or 18 guage stainless steel. The largest holes permitted will be 1/4" (6 mm) in diameter, spaced so that there is a minimum of 1/4" (6 mm) of metal remaining between each hole.
Full Force Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons
Until further development, Combat with Full Weight Rebated Weapons is currently to be practiced according to the rules of the Academy of European Martial Arts (AEMMA) as specified at their rules section http://www.aemma.org/misc/medievalTournament.htm.
NOTE:
- Combat a outrance is NOT permitted at this time, but full body targeting and thrusts are permitted.
- The adherence to AEMMA combat rules does not include culture and style specific rules, where the goals of the Red Kaganate govern.
Combat with Rattan Batons
Until further development, Combat with Rattan Batons is currently to be practiced according to the rules of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Based on the geographical location of the Red Kaganate event, the relevant "SCA Kingdom" rules will govern.
NOTE: The adherence to SCA combat rules does not include culture and style specific rules, where the goals of the Red Kaganate govern.
Combat with Wooden Batons (or Cudgels)
Until further development, Combat with Wooden Batons is currently to be practiced according to the rules of the Academy of European Martial Arts (AEMMA) as specified at their rules section http://www.aemma.org/misc/medievalTournament.htm.
NOTE:
- Combat a outrance is NOT permitted at this time, but full body targeting is permitted.
- The adherence to AEMMA combat rules does not include culture and style specific rules, where the goals of the Red Kaganate govern.

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