Shire of Shadowdale Medieval Combat Traditionally, thoughts about the middle ages don't bring formalized martial arts to mind. Popular images from modern movies and Victorian literature cast medieval warriors more as barbarous crazed maniacs than the trained soldiers they are known to have been. Combatants in some movies, for instance, are often seen swinging their shield arm as much as their sword with constantly off balance and exaggerated motions. These images are usually the result of stereotypical concepts and poorly planned choreography. It rarely looks very intentional and shouldn't appear seriously threatening.
Participants fight in single combat, melees, and wars using a variety of hand and missile weapons.
The sight of a dozen or up to several hundred armed and armored people can be pretty dramatic. Even thought we have taken liberties with the type of material we use for swords and armor, we don't announce or choreograph blows during a fight. We don't intend to hurt each other but the intent of hitting is very real. All SCA combat charges the fighter to maintain a sense of honor to fight fairly and to have regard for the safety of the opponent. Just tapping someone will not count as a good blow, but excessive force is against SCA and kingdom regulationsHands may not be used on an opponent's body and a whole variety of nasty things, like kicking, grapling or attacking a single opponent with more than four poeple at once, are not legal.