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Knight's Challenge

As part of the various Events we will be running we hold a historically inspired fencing challenge and tourney.  Like Knights of old our Champion will set out his shield and take-on all comers to win glory and renown.  Each challenger will face off against the Champion of Kunstbruder (the Brotherhood of the Art of Defence).  Once each challenger has faced him down the best challengers will face-off against each other to determine the Victor.
 
This event will follow the rules of the Belgian Longsword Guilds of the 16th through 18th century:
The event will use longsword simulators approximately 120cm (48") long and 1.5kg (~3lbs).  These are two-handed swords.
 
The challenge will be conducted entirely with weapons and equipment provided by the Historical Boffing Association.  The weapons used are similar in safety to typical boffers but provide a more realistic feel for combat.  They have a defined edge, and the blades are made to slide; additionally the forte is more rigid to improve parries and binding.  The thrusting tips are closed cell foam, not open cell foam.  Challengers will also be provided with face, head and throat protection.  Groin and hand protection are recommened but not required and will not be provided.
 

Conduct of the Tourney

The tourney will be conducted according to the rules of the Belgian Longsword guild.
 
Prizes will be awarded to the best players.
 
Each challenger will play ten passes against the Champion or his Second.
 
After all challengers have played ten passes the top players will participate in a standard single-elimination tournament.  Each match of the tournament portion will be played best out of five.
 
Good Luck.

Important Information

Players planning to participate in the Challenge should sign-up in advance as space is limited.  Please sign-up by sending an email to magic dot jar at gmail dot com.
 
There are several significant differences between typical boffer rules and the Historical Challenge:
  • The Face, Head and Throat are legal targets (protection will be provided)
  • The Legs and Forearms (and Hands) are not legal targets
  • Each pass is played to only a single hit
  • Limited grappling is allowed - any action which may injure the joint or bear the player to the ground is forbidden.  Other "wrestling at the sword" (ringen am schwert) and disarming (schwert nehmen) techniques are allowed
  • The weapons are longswords - two-handed swords about four feet long and three pounds.

Advice

The following advice is freely given.  The objective is a fun an interesting fight. 
  • The king can perform the after-stroke against any attack, so every attack should be made so that you are safe as you perform the attack and immediately after.
  • Don't swing harder because the weapons are heavier or the system isn't lightest touch.  Moulinets and wrist cuts work just as well and a well placed cut will score.
  • Attack with combinations, threatening different openings.  Single attacks are too easily parried and are more vulnerable to the after-stroke.
  • Do not stand still.  Move into range and then withdraw before you endanger yourself.
  • Step sideways to attack and defend.  Doing so allows you to close your opponent's line to you while they are left open.

For more advice you can attend practices before the event.  Simply join the Historical Boffing Association Google group/list.