[MR] Why we fight

[Wayne Remes]

Yesterday the Salesberie Glen Seneschal and I attended a meeting of the Granite Quarry NC Town Board to get the approval for Canton use of a Granite Quarry Park for our weekly fight practice. At the end of our presentation one of the board members asked us "What is the goal of this fight practice you wish to hold."  We, of course, had already said at the beginning of our presentation that that the SCA was a group that studied the Medieval and Rennassance era skills and crafts by actually doing them, and that we were looking for a park to hold our medieval combat training sessions in. We had also passed around a photo album showing them pictures of SCA events. Additionally all the board members had received a email I had sent to the Town Manager with extensive info on the SCA and links to online photos showing what we do. Still most of them seemed to have trouble getting their head around what we wanted to do, or why. I said well, the goal is to practice so we can win tournaments. Upon reflection I do not think I gave my best answer to the question. I have had this question asked me in various forms throughout the 25+ years I have been fighting in the SCA, usually by people who have a problem with the apparent violence of what we do when fighting. It might be a good idea to think about how best to respond to this kind of question now, before we are asked, and are fumbling for an appropriate explanation. I think individually, we do it for the joy of competition, and to test ourselves against other people in a skill that we find fun and rewarding. Fighting wise I think our organization provides a set of rules and structure not unlike YMCA, Churches, or Parks and Recreation Departments do with organized adult flag football, vollyball and basketball, softball and baseball leagues. Everyone particpating in activities supported by these groups are basically doing it for the same reason we are.  We do it for recreation and enjoyment ....exactly like people who play golf, basketball, baseball and flag or tackle football.  

Axel