It’s quiet out there (again) … too quiet (still). But, there are whispers of sword-sounds in the far off distance – though We had to dig hard this week to find them.
Playing the Prize in Poland
GAZETA (Warsaw, Poland) 26 July 13 Znów powalczą o miecz króla Kazimierza. Turniej rycerski w Szydłowie (Paweł Mączewski)
It’s difficult for Us to discern within this item what is actually HEMA/WMA and what is historically-inspired ‘demonstration’; but what can’t be denied is the interest that the Polish people have in their medieval fighting history.
The Sword of King Casimir Knights Tournament in Szydłów has swordplay demonstrations, duels and a massed fight taking place on the grounds of a properly authentic and motivating 15th C castle.
In addition to the local talent as represented by the Brotherhood of Knights of Szydłów, the organisers of the tournament have invited Slovakian historical swordplay group "Cohors" and Hungary’s Szent György Lovagrend to join in the fighting festivities.
Mutton dressed as Leicesterian
DAILY MAIL (London, UK) 24 July 13 Stone coffin at Richard III site set to be opened - and experts say it could contain the remains of a 14th century knight (Rachel Reilly)
An unusual stone coffin found close to the recently discovered grave of Richard III – might hold the remains of a 14th century knight. And with all such excavations, there’s always the chance of a long-buried sword being brought once more into the light of day.
Believable Bashing?
WORLD-HERALD (Omaha, Nebraska) 25 July 13 In movies like 'Wolverine,' sword-fight scenes play big role, say local stage pros (Kevin Coffey)
And for those developing stage combat skills, Vincent Carlson-Brown describes how he sets out to replicate ‘believable but safe sword fights for the recent ‘Wolverine’ movie. He combines an effort at character development (in this case going against the norm of a swordfighter always trying to keep their cool), creating an exciting believable event that captivates and audience … and making sure that all participants come out of the effort with their hide intact!
Of related note, Carlson-Brown criticises the fights in ‘Gladiator’ as not very realistic - “If you watch a fight, there's not a steady tempo.”
“If you do it right, it feels real,” he said. “… stage combat is … pretty terrible most of the time. ... It's two people banging their swords together in a pattern and going back to acting again.”
“Good fighting tells a story,” he said. “It's not the most dangerous, most flashy, most special effects thing you can do.”
Tactical Teens
WHSV (Harrisonburg, Virginia) 12 July 13 Medieval Battle Tactics Camp (Ryan Tice)
Stuart Hall School ‘Going Medieval’ camp teaches both swordplay and medieval battle tactics. Hopefully, some of the young participants will remain with the study long enough to become regulars within the HEMA/WMA community.
Snippets
Swords of Honour to Honoured Places
Our peers across the border are fortunate in that two more blades that saw active service are now in venues that are appropriate to their place in history. Even better, there’s a representative from both sides of their Civil War.
BLIC (Belgrade, Serbia) July 13 Mašta i sport udružili snage: Svetsko prvenstvo u mačevanju kao nikada pre (D. Nikolić)
Courtesy of the marketing genius behind this year’s World Fencing Championships in Budapest … you have the posters, featuring current competitors, to compliment the video link We waxed so purple over last week!