For those of Us in Upper Canada that have recently dug out of a long winter, only to face the return of sub-zero temperatures tomorrow evening, We really envy those in the community that can practice their arts outdoors year round. Australia particularly.
On the other hand, there is something to be said for one being accustomed to the feel of frozen-mail and helms on frozen-bitten skin as you attempt to determine if 'this guard' will actually work when the “Battle of Towton” weather is not cooperating – and the less said about that particular subject, the better.
Time to learn a new skill
DAILY RECORD (Ellensburg, Washington) 11 April 14 Ellensburg man brings medieval history and combat to life (Andy Matarrese)
The Veritas Swordplay Academy continues to conduct their Fencing for Fun youth program in Ellensburg; all the while engaging in serious swordplay study. The upper end swordplay classes practice together, and go over the context of Middle Age fighting to better understand how and why moves work … “does it work against somebody who’s not cooperating?”
Master instructor Eric Slyter says authenticity is important to his group. He works period manuscripts, and tests those methods in live bouts with fellow aficionados.
“Short of a time machine, we aren’t going to know 100 percent for sure, but we can get a really good idea of it,” he said.
Killer Koalas ... in Kilts?
MAROONDAH LEADER (Australia) 27 March 14 Swordplay at Ringwood Highland Games on Sunday cuts to the heart of Scottish celebration (Thomas O’Byrne)
Attendees to the Ringwood Highland Games will have the chance to watch martial artists display highland swordplay and wrestling techniques … and then dress and put into action what they learned short time before.
“There will be times for the public to put on the protective gear and have a try,” Games organiser Sue MacLeod said. “It was very popular last year and will be expanded this year, with more guys to assist.”
Unfortunately, there’s no word what group is providing the period demonstration.
MACARTHUR ADVERTISER (Australia) 08 April 14 Macarthur's wild women
And in the interests of ‘fair play’, a way-too-short item highlighting the swordswomen of Swordplay School of Theatrical Fencing.
Field Manual 100–5 Fight Outnumbered and Win
SOUTHERN MARYLAND NEWS (Waldorf, Maryland) 09 April 13 Stage combat instructor helps Cyrano fight 100 men at Port Tobacco Theater (Sara K. Taylor)
Casey Kaleba has studied stage combat with the Society of American Fight Directors since 1992, and currently provides his unique expertise to several Washington, D.C.-based theaters.
Currently he’s involved with the Port Tobacco Players Theater in designing his masterpiece – a scene within which Cyrano de Bergerac fights 100 swordsmen in defense of his friend. But, because the cast is made up of only 10 performers, actors portraying different characters have to come in from the wings, get their butts kicked in a believable, entertaining and safe way, stumble off stage and return in other guises.
“Ninety percent of my job is making sure the actors are safe,” Kaleba said. “The other 10 percent is telling a story with violence. It’s a really fun career.”
“This is ridiculously fun.”
Lost and Found and Protected
WETZLAR NEUE ZEITUNG (Germany) 28 March 14 1500 Jahre altes Schwert restauriert (Siegbert Bender)
A 1,500-year old Merovingian "spathe" sword found in a graveyard has been restored from rust-covered pieces to display status and presented to Germany’s Office of Historic Monuments.
Snippets
- Jousting is when two people in full armour mounted on horses charge at each other with lances
“There's nothing natural about jousting”
- Canadian sword heritage
- And clean up the salle when you’re done please