Light Fighting
D'artagnan. Cyrano de Bergerac. Mercutio and Tybalt.

The use of the rapier, particularly in regards to its use under the "code duello," has fascinated many from the time of its actual peak of popular use in the days of the English Tudors and Stuarts. Whether the idea is the troublesome swashbuckler or the adventuresome musketeer, the rapier is associated with style, zest for living, honor and romance. It is for these reasons, as much as martial competition, that many in the SCA choose to take up the blade and learn its art.

SCA rapier, or "light weapons," as some call it, uses live steel, and as such our concern for safety is paramount. We use blunted and tipped blades, as well as standards for body covering that leave nothing exposed in the unlikely event of a blade break. We know of no serious injury ever suffered in two decades of SCA rapier, but our vigilance concerning safety is not dulled. At the same time, we should not be confused with the rigid sport of collegiate fencing; we have no right-of-way rules and we do not fight on the strip. All targets are legal (if not, depending on the circumstance, necessarily honorable!) We endeavor to replicate as closely as reasonable the period art without sacrificing the continued well-being of participants.

It is fair to say that SCA rapier is focused on the duel, and so tournaments of single combat are the greatest part of our historical tradition. Combatants are on their honor to declare wounds they have received; there are no referees to do so for them. Marshals are always present, but their purpose is to ensure safety only. We use fencing epees as well as the heavier "schlagers" named for the German school in which they became popular. In addition, we often use objects in the off-hand, such as bucklers, cloaks, flexible (and safe!) daggers, and even a second rapier. We also appreciate good period garb -- clothing -- and the typical rapier fighter also enjoys appropriate pursuits, such as comradeship, romance, sonnetry and music, dance and wit.

We encourage anyone attracted to our art to come join us, if only for a day, if only as an observer, to see if what we do is of interest. If you are unsure, we recommend the following as a filmography that you might use to check your own interest:

The Princess Bride (1987) -- often called our recruiting film!
Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
The Three Musketeers (1993)
Othello (1995)
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
and anything with Errol Flynn, but beware of the actual fighting style!

We also commend www.plumes.org to your attention.

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