Duke Tjorkill at May Crown
Photo courtesy of Baroness Katya in Raudhara
Visit the complete album here!!
So, you want to fight in the SCA?
GREAT!!!!
On this page I will tell things I have learned, things I have messed up on and tidbits learned along the way. I will not, however, teach you techniques or 'how' to fight. I am a new fighter myself. You will get your best instruction by going to fighter practice, every week.
The Beginning... OR... Going to That First Practice
Introduce yourself. Don't be shy! Watch everything that is going on. Look at armor (as a courtesy, ask before handling another fighter's armor). If there is loaner armor, you just might find yourself suited up in it!
At my first practice a year and a half ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Baron Tiernan who set me up with a sword and an obliging telephone pole. He showed me two shots and had me practice for awhile. Needless to say, I was hooked! Then another fighter, HL Rognvaldr, showed me the 'why' behind the 'how'. There are reasons for technique. Technique and skill will be developed by going to practice every week.
Moving On... OR... Those Next Few Practices
So you're hooked now! You can't imagine doing anything else! You're bubbling with enthusiasm... but you get the feeling that the other fighters aren't so sure of you?? Understand that they see many wannabe fighters come... and go. I wanted to get into my own armor right away. "Let's wait and see if you're going to like it first," the Baron told me. Later I learned that a lot of our fighters had put time and energy into people who never followed through. I understood their desire to hesitate and wait and see if I was going to stick it out.
You will be able to show your dedication by attending every practice.
The Loaner Armor... OR... Gees, This Really Sucks
There's no kind way to describe loaner armor unless the loaner armor was made for a person the same size as you. BUT, you get to be in armor and for the time being, THAT is all that matters. You may get 'bites' and pinches, but the most important thing is that you are learning the basics.
A lot of times there will be other new fighers that you will share the armor with. Make the most of your time while in armor. Do not stand around - seek out fighters, introduce yourself as a new fighter then LISTEN and LEARN. Experienced fighters will understand that you are new and not in armor that fits you. Do the best that you can and try not to get discouraged.
And go to practice every week.
A Little More on Pain... OR... Have I Lost my Mind?
Getting hurt is not a matter of 'if' but when. Don't let that scare you though. By armoring yourself correctly and developing your skills, bruises can be lessened with time.
Can? Well, yeah. I have seen even the Uber Knights (translation: super skillful Knights) get bruised. I have gotten some nasty bruises on my legs, my arms and yes even on my rear (we'll go into booty shots at a later time). I have been so sore the morning after practice that I could hardly walk. And the thought going through my head? "I can't wait until next practice!!!"
I have never been afraid of getting hurt bad - but I am aware that in this sport, that possibility is there. Practice - Practice- Practice. Listen to your fellow fighters - they will give you guidance on things you can do to keep from getting hurt.
You will get this guidance by going to practice every week.
GRADUATION!!!... From the Loaner Armor
Once you have attended practices and you are determined that SCA Fighting is to be your gig then - GET THEE INTO THY OWN ARMOR!!! When fighting there is nothing better than fighting in armor that is made to fit you.
By now, you will have seen many different types of armor. You may have tried on the armor of other fighters and have formed some ideas of what you want yours to look like. Find out what you like and talk to the fighers. They will have patterns that they can help you modify to fit you. I have never met a fighter that was not willing to share their knowledge and/or time to help a new fighter get started. They will be able to help you find the right style and size of shield and sword. They can put you in contact with armorers that can get you a helm and other metal parts.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and while you are making your armor,
continue to use the loaner armor at practice every week.
Okay! Enough With the Practice EVERY Week Already!!!
I am sorry, but I just can't stress this enough. Ah, there is a story behind this you say. Well, yeah. After attending practices very regularly last year I stopped and ended up just practicing on my pell over the winter (if you can handle the pain, you can handle the cold!). A pell can not replace a moving body. I lost A LOT of time by not going to practices. I will notice a difference if I even miss one practice.
Sometimes this just can't be helped because of work or family or other important issues. And that is okay, but make sure it is a valid reason. Don't make excuses. If this is what you want to do, you have to make a goal of it. You have to put serious dedication toward it. Every fighter you come across will tell you the exact same thing... I know, they keep telling me this every week! :)
Practice at home too. You have seen shadow boxing right? Works with swordfighting too. Get a pell to practice on. If you have a backyard there are all sorts of designs that you can use. You live in an apartment? That's even easier. I bought a Billy Banks Tae Bo Kickboxing stand and put it in my spare bedroom. I have fairly high ceilings so it makes doing slow work really nice. Plus I can change the height of the stand. I drew a face on mine to get an idea of sword placement.
Go to practice and HAVE FUN! That is what is important. You are going to make some great friends, get a great workout and be able to stun your friends and co-workers with the tales of your really "weird" hobby.
Let me tell ya, there's nothing better.
Helpful Hints I've Learned Along the Way
Bring water to practice. Not just for yourself, but for the other fighters too. I got this advice from the Ironrose list a year and a half ago and follow it religiously. It doesn't take much. I bought a case of 20 fl. oz. bottles and I re-use them each week. It benefits you and the other fighters appreciate as well.
Stay tuned for updated information!!!!
HOME
