Scott & Deb's Place

Aspects of SCA Heavy Combat

Over the last few years of my fighting career I have been paying more and more attention to what it is that makes a successful fighter and also what makes an unsuccessful fighter. I have noticed certain traits or aspects that can influence the success of a fighter. This article is an attempt to compile all these observations together. While I have included several ways to improve each trait the suggestions are by no means exhaustive.

Speed

This is the ability to get the shot in the opening before your opponent can block or counterstrike. This also covers the ability to quickly counterstrike or parry. The weight or balance of the weapon can effect speed. The weight of armor on the arms can also reduce speed. Another factor is how much the armor restricts the motion of your body as you throw the strike. Doing pell work trains your body to 'memorize' strikes and increases speed. Pell work also builds the strength necessary to carry the weapon and arm armor. (The latter would require pelling in armor.)

Agility

This is the ability to move around on the field. Footwork and dodging blows fall in this aspect. Armor effects agility both in weight and in its restriction of movement. Basic martial art training teaches how to maintain balance and how to move. Practicing movements in armor will also build agility. Proper stretching before combat helps as will a light daily stretch routine.

Strength

Strength is the ability to hold weapon and shield in place and hit the target with solid force. Pell work is the easiest way to build strength in a sword arm. Shield lifts and blocking drills will build the shield arm. Wearing leg weights either in training or when walking around town builds leg strength to hold the leg and body armor.

Accuracy

Accuracy is the ability to hit the target where you want, preferably without actually looking at the aim point.. Pell work designed to aim at specific points build accuracy. This type of pell work usually starts out slow first and then builds in speed as your body 'memorizes' the flow for each particular shot.

Conditioning

Conditioning is the process of building your lungs and heart so that they can keep you going during a long fight or battle. Conditioning occurs through fighter practices and other in-armor exercises. Some people have run in armor. Gradually increasing the length of your practice sessions or having multiple training sessions in a week will increase your conditioning. Be careful about pushing too hard though or the result can be physical injury.

Tactical Sense

Tactical sense is the ability to analyze what's going on in a fight and react. It is also using this knowledge to create opportunities. Observing others fight and analyzing how they react is a basic way to learn tactical sense. Talking with other fighters, especially knights, also helps. There are also written sources of tactics that one can study.

Equipment

Equipment is the armor and weapons you use while fighting. The best armor is light and allows maximum flexibility while still properly protecting your body from real physical harm. (How much you use modern materials to achieve this is a personal preference.) Weapons should be well balanced and properly weighted. Properly weighted is as light as you can make the weapon and still have your blows recognized. Shields should be light. They should also be strapped so that they allow a full range of comfortable motion in use.