Medieval fighting

[Toshido]

These pictures are of SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) heavy fighting, along with a rapier fighting picture for good measure.
The SCA is a medieval re-enactment group that keeps its standards for authenticity very low so it is more openly available for newcomers to join in the fun.
For more information you can got to www.SCA.org for all the information you could want.

For more of my pictures from it see my galleries.

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636550218_BNiJh-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636547181_UgRfY-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636522183_rJyxe-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636530633_SpLCe-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636531089_USTYx-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636522968_bH84J-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636516947_GkzAT-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636517192_yCo35-L.jpg

http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636506425_aoPuF-L.jpg

And finally King Roak still fighting despite being on crutches.
SCA Kings are determined through heavy fighting tournaments.
http://tag-photos.smugmug.com/photos/636541730_tRGBo-L.jpg

As always C&C is welcome.

[dbaker1221]

very interesting photos

[rainbow]

Looks like a lot of fun -- both to participate and to photograph.

So are they engaging in scripted fights or is it a true contest where you are trying to score a hit on the opponent?

[Toshido]

Nothing choreographed about this.

The weapons are made out of rattan and hit hard enough to dent steel at about 16 gauge on a regular basis. That is the minimum thickness for helms, most helms are either 14 or even more commonly 12 gauge steel or stainless steel. Just FYI, 12 gauge is SLIGHTLY thinner than 1/8" thick. 11 ga is 1/8 but 12 ga is more common and is regularly used as 1/8".

The shield I had was 3/4" thick (I think) plywood made of two pieces of 3/8" thick sheets glued together and slightly bent. That shield only lasted about 2 months before it started falling apart. Like I said we hit hard, that armour is not just for show.

And yes, lots of fun.