The Knights of the Swords of Chivalry

[Sir Edward]

Another "live steel" knightly combat group:

http://www.kingsransom.com/soc/index.html

They reference The Medieval Combat Society in England as a source for their combat system. They mention pulled blows and carefully chosen angles in fully-telegraphed moves. Sounds sort of like improvisational stage combat.

No idea where they're located.

[Sir William]

I can't even see it...just as well.  Don't even know where they are so they can't really tell us, can they?  lol

[Sir Wolf]

http://www.kingsransom.com/soc/fight.html

always look at the events page

[Sir James A]

Dale City, VA, per the contact us page

[Sir Ancelyn]

Dale city is a very short trip from my home, closer than VAF. Maybee I should look into it next saturday (very VERY busy tomorrow).

[Sir Wolf]

they came to MTT (a public viewed living history event) and well weren't received very well by the reenactors. mainly for their not being of any period, but gross exaggerations it would seem on history. I never got to talk to them but reminded me of a SCA lite group that used swords.  I'm sure they were nice people, just weren't expected at a living history encampment. they are no longer there

[Sir William]

I hate to hear that...stinks of elitism.  I understand the concept of the living history events, but there's no call to ostracize someone because they don't fit in with your ruleset.  Dale City's a little hump for me but I could do it...might be fun, who knows? 

Sir Ancelyn, let us know your findings.

[Sir Edward]

Well, Living History is about being as close to accurate as possible, so when a group that has different goals tries to participate, I can see where the conflict is. Neither group is "wrong"; there's simply a different emphasis.

I just don't like to see inaccuracies depicted as historical truth.

Most groups outside of Living History, including the SCA, will overlook a lot as long as it has a "medieval look". But there will always be accuracy-nazis to be found.

Anyway, since these guys are relatively local, it's always possible we'll run into some of them at an event or something. Might have to keep our eyes open.

[Sir William]

While I do understand the need for historical accuracy in certain areas, no one walking this earth today can say definitively what is 100% right or wrong- how could we know?  If history has taught us anything, is that it is rife w/innacuracies- even now.  I'm not crapping on anyone, mind you, I just hate nazi's of any ilk I guess.

[Sir Wolf]

ya, but events like MTA and MTT are the elite of elite living history groups. they WANT and STRIVE to be 100% right. and that's what the event is for. at MTA in Jamestown we are judged for everything: camp, clothing, cooking and public demonstration. so when theres a not so period group it's off, know what i mean? i mean every group has its place and purpose and i bet they do have fun, but at a LH event that wasn't the place.

[Sir William]

I get it.

[Sir Ancelyn]

Okay, I know I am late on this assignment. I spoke with Michelle via phone this morning. Their group gets together in Dale City every saturday once the weather improves and they practice between 10 and 4, though mostly between 2 and 4. Their emphasis is definitely on stagge combat, but it is a system derived from England rather than America. Not sure if that makes a difference or not. Since my main interest is historical swordsmanship I will keep studying with VAF for now, but it could be fun to visit SOC.

I believe they mostly visit renfaire type events based on their website. If they do the more elite events it was not mentioned specifically. I'll be going next week after class so I expect to get there around 3 ish. Anyone else want to come?

[Sir William]

When's your class, Sir Ancelyn?

[Sir Ancelyn]

The class is in Fairfax near 495 and runs from 1-2 PM. I hope to get to Dale city not much later than 3:00.

[Sir William]

Saturdays?  I might be available Sat afternoon.