[Ansteorra] History

[Lori Campbell]

I think we could debate SCA combat as "athletic sports" vs. "something
truer and more noble" all day long and never come to a place where we'd
all agree. 

I think I understand what Her Grace was getting at. It is the
difference between someone who pursues a martial art for the love of
doing it vs. someone driven to discipline and improve themselves vs.
someone who is just in it for the shiny trophies. Some folks can be
motivated by *all 3* (or even something totally different) but usually
only one thing serves as their primary motivation. 

The fact is, ALL medieval combat was not about killing your opponent.
And, respectfully, NONE of our combat is. Real wars are about killing,
but SCA wars are not. Our wars are tournaments on a grander scale:
tests of skill, practice for honing the arts of war, colorful
spectacles to honor ladies who had given favors, something grand for
the populace to watch and enjoy, etc. We all assume our opponents are
worthy and honorable, and we know we'll share cold drinks and stories
together when all is said and done. 

I've often been concerned that our fighting is becoming more of a "win
focused sport." 

I recall a tournament where I was headed to the field to fight... I
passed my opponent’s pavilion on the way and happened to overhear his
knight telling him "get out there and kill her because if you can't do
that, well, then you're worthless." Suddenly I wasn't having any fun.
I'd been relegated to the role of benchmark, as opposed to a fellow
fighter who was honorable and worthy of respect (regardless of his
perception of my skill level).

That moment was a real epiphany to me - the realization that for some
people the "win" was all important, all that mattered. 

It isn't a new thing though. Newcomers or old-timers alike have seen
this. When it becomes the primary motivator of the majority of
fighters, though, I think it takes a negative toll on the fighting
community. At least, it sure took a negative toll on me and it still
does, especially when I see a knight teach it to his student. 

Regardless of how it affects my mind-set, I am consoled by the fact
that shiny medallions and accolades aren't the *only* things that
motivate our fighters. They can't be, else half the fighters who enter
our tournaments wouldn't bother. They'd just defer to the handful of
"hottest sticks" and go do pick-up fights.  

One thing has always amused me... the idea that "old styles" can't
compete with the "new styles"...

You know... some new stuff *is* an improvement. Other new stuff is
just... new. I always laugh to myself whenever I hear some great new
idea or fighting technique presented because 9 out of 10 times it is
just an old idea recycled.

I wasn't at the last Crown Tournament, but I've heard the last two
standing were "old school" fighters. I'm sure they've picked up some
new things over the years, but it seems to me there might still be
something of the past worth learning... 

~ Kat MacLochlainn
Wiesenfeuer, Ansteorra



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