[Ansteorra-rapier] BOD ruling

[David Hughes]

IagoAH at aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 8/3/03 11:27:46 AM Central Daylight Time, 
> b-richard at houston.rr.com writes:
> 
> 
>> Does this imply that single rapier will be on the decline in favor of
>> rapier and dagger since there is no prohibition of using a parrying
>> dagger to parry the opponent's hand/arm/wrist?
> 
> 
> 
> There is still the rule that you can't strike your opponent with a 
> weapon or part of the weapon not intended or designed for striking an 
> opponent.
> 
> 
> Iago
> 

Not quite the wording used.

"3. USE OF WEAPONS AND PARRYING DEVICES
A. Blows are struck by: thrusting with the point of the blade 
(thrust); sliding the edge of the blade by drawing (draw cut) or 
pushing (push cut); or by placing the tip of the blade upon, and then
drawing it across an opponent (tip cut).
B. Chopping or hacking blows are never permitted. Fast circular 
movements (such as moulinets) may, however, be used to place a blade 
for tip, draw or push cuts.
C. Parrying devices may be used to move, deflect, or immobilize an 
opponent's weapon or parrying device, so long as such use does not 
endanger the safety of the combatants.
D. Striking an opponent with any part of a weapon or parrying device 
not approved for that purpose is prohibited."

Given this wording, you can strike an opponent with the weapon, but 
not part of the weapon not approved for striking.
Blades are ok, they are approved for striking under A.
Quillions, pommels and guards are not ok.
A parry with the dagger against the hand/arm/wrist is also either a 
draw cut or a push cut.

C. can be interpreted several way under this discussion.  While direct 
contact with the weapon during the parry is clearly indicated,  moving 
deflecting or immobilizing the weapon by parrying the hand/arm/wrist 
is neither directly permitted or forbidden.

Also:
"4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BLOWS

G. Parries may be performed with weapons, parrying devices, the gloved 
hand, or any other part of the body. Though the gloved hand may be 
used to parry, it shall not be used to push, grasp or strike an opponent.
H. Fighters may choose to grasp, rather than parry, heavier types of 
blades (i.e., schlagers and fiberglass blades). If the blade that is 
grasped moves or twists in the grasping hand, that hand is deemed 
disabled. Grasping techniques shall be used only to immobilize a 
blade, not to bend it or wrest it from the opponent's grip."

The critical word here is "strike".

2 a : to aim and usually deliver a blow, stroke, or thrust (as with 
the hand, a weapon, or a tool)
3 : to come into contact forcefully

Blow  : 1 : a forcible stroke delivered with a part of the body or 
with an instrument

Stroke:  1 : the act of striking; especially : a blow with a weapon or 
implement

Thrust:  1 a : a push or lunge with a pointed weapon

IMO, strike as used here implies a level of force intended to injure.


Side Note:  It would make more sense for  G. and the first and third 
sentences of H. be includes under
3. USE OF WEAPONS AND PARRYING DEVICES
rather than
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BLOWS

The second sentence of H. does belong under
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BLOWS

David Gallowglass