"True Arte" and Period Style (Was Re: ARN - Tournament Styles

[j_smallw@TITAN.SFASU.EDU]

I've read lots of references to the scholars interested in the "true arte" using heavy rapier and that the heavy rapier is closer to the period model than epees.  I've got to question portions of these statements.

Regarding the epeed vs heavy rapier.  Obviously the schlager and Del Tins are closer in weight. etc to actual blades.  However, as far as movement, etc, it all depends on the blade itself.  My epee and Del Tin have almost the exact same balance point.  The Del Tin is heavier, admittedly, but it moves pretty much like my epee.  As for "period" styles,  I have yet to have explained sufficiently just what is it that our epee/foil fighters do that is not "period".  I don't see any of them "fly fishing", and the parry, beat, disengage, lunge, etc. can all be documented within period.  I've been asking this question for several years now and , as I've said, I have yet to hear a satisfactory explanation.

I've seen references regarding the "fast" epee.  To tell the truth, I've gotten into some heavy rapier fights (one at last Gulf War), that were at or near "epee" speed.  Arm justs gets tired a little sooner.  If I practiced it every day, even that wouldn't be an issue.

As for the student of the "true arte", to even suggest that they would only be interested in heavy rapier, does a great disservice to those fighters who, for whatever reason, decide not to take up heavy rapier.
It's almost akin to calling them second class citizens.
I realize (and sincerely hope) that was not the intention of the comment, but it could easily be taken as such.  I don't want to ever hear divisive comments like that in the rapier community.  It was bad enough, way back when, between the chivalric and the rapier communities with phrases like "stickjock" and "wire weenie" being thrown as veiled insults.  We don't need it in the rapier community.

Ansgar
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