[MR] That was then, this is now

[Charlotte Johnson]

A very minor quibble...

It is very true that throughout the years the SCA has been turning out
some excellent work in costuming, woodworking, historical martial
arts, increasing our historical study with side sword, etc. A lot of
this work has been catching the eye, or being used by "respectable"
living history organizations, and there has been a lot of crossover
between the two groups.

However, SCA combat, as a whole, is not really part of that. Oh, sure,
there are a handful of tournaments, like the Combat of the Thirty,
which have a "reenactment" type feel to them, and are receiving notice
from living history geeks. But those occasions are few and far
between. Yes, in the SCA we're doing more Pas d'Armes, and surrounding
those tournaments with more historical accuracy and those are
absolutely splendid. But SCA combat is one area where somebody who
would crossover between SCA and LH would absolutely have to switch out
gear, and usually methods and techniques as well.

First of all, SCA combat is SCA combat, and I'm not sure that it
should be a goal that it turn into "a respectable living history
experience." As you say, "there is a science evolving in our combat
sport and it continues to grow." This is true. SCA combat is the one
thing that is truly unique to the SCA. It has it's own science, it's
own rules, and within that context, history usually takes a back seat
to what has become the SCA system.

Apples to oranges. Living history is the SCA done better. They're just
done differently. And in the example of armoured combat, the goals are
usually completely different.

Cheers,
Mathilde
OL, Barony of Dun Carraig
Lord Grey's Retinue, War of the Roses living history
La Belle Compagnie, HYW living history

>
> ... more that sca sport combat has
> become a legitimate for of arts martial and not just a bunch of guys
> swinging at each other without a real concept of what they are doing.  there
> is a science evolving in our combat sport and it continues to grow.

...  the sca is growing and becoming less and less of a
> simply dress up party and more and more like a respectable living history
> experience.  we still have a very long way to go of course but the more we
> improve the more enjoyment it will surely bring.
>
> regards
> logan