Preparation for a Bout
Consent is key
Before you fight, it is crucial to agree upon what your passes will include. Assumptions around historical norms and combat may or may not include use of a gloved hand to catch and restrain an opponent’s blade.
While our main group does not normally allow this variant, if you and your opponent agree to that historical variation before a bout, it can be acceptable. What matters is that both parties have recognized and agreed to the variation.
Rapier (and dagger)
We have loaner rapiers available for fighters, but if you bring your own sword, we reserve the right to ask you to use a sword from our armoury instead.
Weapons
English Longbow
For those interested in trying out historical longbow, we allow guests to practice archery, and you potentially can explore and even purchase one of the Jake Fenwick bows we carry.
Longsword
We have quite a few longswords and feders around the armoury. Remember to bring your own protective equipment until your armour is ready to test and enjoy in this context.
Rules for a Bout
3 Minutes Max
Fatigue can have a serious impact on performance, and we would rather that fighters halt after three minutes of combat to recover before continuing. This is mandatory and will be enforced.
Be a Gentleperson
Our default assumptions for combat are that all fighters behave with respect and with courtesy. While we are practicing a deadly art, and we acknowledge that historically its purpose was ultimately to kill a foe or declared rival, in the present day we insist that all fighters behave with respect for their partners.
Salute before you begin, salute when you conclude, and thank your dance partner for circling around the metaphorical dance floor.
Don’t die
This sounds obvious but it is a core element. Combat here demands that opponents treat the weapons as deadly, and therefore counterattacks are frowned upon and to be avoided.
This means that you must learn to be comfortable with discomfort. The urge when you get tired in a pass is to try and end it and this leads to sloppy approaches to fencing.