One fighter dressed in the most fancy clothes raises an eyebrow at their opponent and settles into a comfortable stance, sword aloft. Their opponent matches their energy and gives a nod before the two begin the dance that is rapier combat.
As an observant spectator, who has always been charmed by scenes in movies where folk are fencing, you note that the weapons appear heavier than usual and the fighters aren’t restricting their movements as much as you’re used to seeing on screen. Intrigued and a bit nervous for the fighters, you keep watching and note the places they wear armor and that their swords appear to have rubber tips on the end. Relieved, you lean in to see where this fun goes.
Steel flashes and you hear their swords clash and the fighters strike blows. You note that one fighter acknowledges that a blow was ‘good’ and realize they would have lost more than the round if it weren’t for the safety of the blunted blades and the rubber tips on the swords, and it occurs to you that these fights clearly aren’t staged. The excitement builds as the combatants continue their fights, bringing all their skill as they fight for the honor of being the next Rapier Champion of the Barony of Aquaterra!
If you have always wanted to be the sword fighter with the most finesse, or watch as others give it their all, this is a sport that you, too, can take part in! If you have questions about SCA rapier combat, this is the event for you! Aside from the tournament, we will have some of the gear on display and folk ready and eager to answer your questions and help you find your way into the sport that can be played year-round.