Fw: Re: [MR] help

[Ian & Lauren Munro]

----- Original Message -----
From: Eric Wolfe <aodhfionn at yahoo.com>
To: Ian & Lauren Munro <ianandlauren at silverquill.net>
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2001 10:36 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: [MR] help


> Hey, all.
>
> I'm not on the MR list, so I'd appreciate your passing
> on this little tirade:
>
> Despite the claims of various individuals in the SCA
> rapier community, the foil is in fact the more perfect
> rapier fighting weapon.  Historically, the foil we use
> today is a largely unmodified descendant of the
> training weapon used by fencing masters of the
> renaissance.  The epee and schlager both were not
> introduced until the advent of sport fencing, which
> would make them distinctly non-period weapons.
>
> The foil's weight and balance are in fact almost
> exactly the same as an actual period rapier, and the
> foil was developed and used by such masters as
> diGrassi and Caranza to instruct students in the art
> without causing injury.  Modern fencing rules are
> descended from those training techniques, and SCA
> rapier combat atempts to bring back those portions of
> rapier combat that modern fencing has rejected for the
> sport.
>
> I submit to you that, given the history of the foil
> (which I will happily provide documentation of to any
> interested parties) and the historical bent of the
> SCA, to suggest that the foil is an inferior weapon is
> to suggest that those masters who gave us our art were
> in fact rank amateurs, and that we know more about
> rapier than those whose works we study to improve our
> own skills.
>
> I should point out, however, that foil blades are VERY
> flexible, and tend to wear out quickly, so must be
> replaced every six months to a year, and as Gaston
> suggests, the older blades should be checked by a
> marshall before trying to use them.  Better yet, just
> replace the blades.  I also suggest that you consider
> your fighting style.  I use only foils, because my
> style is very high-speed, constant motion fighting.
> If your style is more defensive or low speed, epees
> may be the beter choice for you.
>
> Further, I suggest that any marshall who voices an
> OPINION carefully label it as such, and make it known
> that this is not law. I mean no disrespect to Gaston.
> But i must point out that many fighters, especially
> new fighters, tend to be intimidated by marshalls, and
> regard the marshall's word as absolute law.  This can
> lead to confusion and misunderstanding, which can ruin
> the game for everyone.
>
> Aodhfionn au Diarmuid
>
>
> =====
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>
> aodhfionn at yahoo.com
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>
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