[Bryn-gwlad] championships

[rurikthered at swordworks.org]

As Lazlo states, it is my recollection that we decided not to decide and
allow each event steward to decide which championships if any to hold at
each event.

I agree with the notion that if we allow our championships to fluctuate,
it give the appearance that they are no big deal and are subject to whims
of fancy and thereby not of importance.

I believe that the desire to split up the championships stems for many
peoples desire to be able to compete in as many as possible. While this is
a grand and noble endeavor, it becomes unrealistic and unfortunately, hard
choices must be made in which championships do each of us choose to
compete in each year.

As a rapier fighter, there is some personal frustration felt with the
rapier championship to be held at Candlemas. Many of us also participate
in the A&S, not only as artisian competing, but as instructors and we are
asked to make the choice to compete in our choosen martial area or improve
not only ourselves, but hopefully others and teach classes as well.
Obviouslly we cannot do both. We do not observe this same situtation is
faceed by the Chivalric fighters.

I personnally feel we should have all martial championships held at the
fall event, Chivalric, Rapier and Archery, closing the "tourney" season
just as Steppes Warlord, in it's own way, "opens" the tourney season.
Having our Equestrian Championship at Lyst, I believe, is an excellent
idea, since I believe that Kingdom Lancer, if I remember correctly, was to
become a stand alone event. Then Candlemas can be solely devoted to the
gentler arts of A&S for all member, choosing the A&S and Bardic Champions.

I cannot speak of where Bryn Gwlad fits into the grand scheme or prestige
in the Championships within our Kingdom, but I do know that many feel that
if Ansteorra is the birth place of SCA Rapier Combat, then Bryn Gwlad, if
not where the seed was planted, was the cradle that nurtured its growth,
and in my humble opinion, should the the most eteemed Championship within
the Rapier Community of Ansteorra after the Queens Champion.

Rurik