Medieval
Combat Rules
As
with the other rules-sets to be included on the KCT website,
the KCT editors neither endorse nor guarantee the information
contained on these pages; rather they are provided for the
consideration of groups hoping to host feats of arms or for
those who are considering attending a feat of arms held under
this rules system.
The Early
Medieval Alliance--an umbrella organization encompassing nearly
xx groups--seeks to provide a simple system for the conducting
of live steel "full contact" sparring that can be
used both to facilitate crossover between group members and
to provide a framework for the regulation of such combats
within Britain.
In Great
Britain, there has been increased pressure on the historical
re-enactment community owing to the increased governmental
interest in regulating all forms of weaponry. This unwanted
attention has caused several of the medieval re-enactment
communities to come together and create a set of safety rules
to create a sense of legitimacy and a framework for safe conduct
that the member groups hope will forstall increased regulation.
Roger
Lankford, proprietor of Lancaster Armouries of Great Britain,
himself a re-enactor for more than twenty years, has been
the driving force behind the establishment and adoption of
these rules. He reports a vastly improved safety record with
the "FAST--Fast Accurate Safe Technique", and the
author's experience bears this out.
The essence
of the system places the responsibility for safety squarely
with the combatants, relying less on equipment than do the
behourd societies or some of the martial arts groups. Surprisingly,
the only armour required is a helmet and gauntlets, while
blow regions are allowed for the head, body, upper arm, torso,
upper and lower leg, but only from particular trajectories.
Some measure of blow telegraphing is expected as a matter
of safety, though the combatants I fought exhibited the ability
to fight without telegraphing and to respond to blows without
cues. Blows on plate defenses can (and should be) delivered
with force, while those to unarmoured regions are expectd
to be delivered flat. The weapons used are rather thick compared
to other groups--3mm for swords, for example--and are also
a bit heavier unless a fuller is employed to reduce the mass.
It should
be emphasized that this combat system does not contain any
sort of point system in and of itself; but it could be applied
in a number of different victory conditions and tournament
formats. The author has only had contact with the combatants
of House Lancaster, who primarily perform for the public with
English Heritage and on private estates in Britain. The tournament
as employed has a predetermined outcome, though the fights
are not choreographed.
This rules
system is being considered by the IMA as one of the possible
formats used to form the core of an international framework;
further information should be obtained from Roger Lankford.
EARLY
MEDIEVAL ALLIANCE (E.M.A) WEAPONS SAFETY COMMITTEE GUIDELINES
The committee held its second meeting at Wolston, Warwickshire
on 13th February 1998, (chaired by Roger Lankford of MCS,
aided by Eddie Hocking of Harlech (vice chair)). The committee
consisted of 18 delegates from the following EMA member groups
who represented more than 60% of EMA members: - Escafeld,
Excalibur, Kings Commission of Array, Harlech Medieval Society,
Medieval Combat Society (MCS). Thomas
Lewis of St. Pierre and Swords of Albion. Guests:- A delegate
from Crusade Signatea.
The
aim of the meeting was to formulate a set of definitions and
guidelines agreeable to the EMA member groups present (in
conjunction with the NAReS Health and Safety guidelines).
This was a self-regulating response to the changing role of
the Health & Safety Executive (H&SE) related to re-enactment
and our need to address their (H&SE) ever increasing powers.
WEAPONS
All weapons over 18 inches, including Axe, Glaive, Bardische,
& Mace flanges should have a minimum 3mm cutting edge.
Any bladed weapon less than 18 inches (including Spear Heads)
should have a minimum 1mm cutting edge and no sharp points.
Every weapon should have their points rounded to more than
the blunt end of a pencil, with tips hammer blunted to 3mm
thickness (where its' practical).
Food Knives (sharp) should be tied into a sheath and never
ever be taken onto a battlefield.
Broken
Swords should be discarded to a safe place immediately. Swords
are to be deburred regularly and be free from rust. Sharp
blades are not permitted on battlefields. (Ed. I assume this
means all weapons; not just swords)
Weapons
Classification will fall into three group types:
Blade weapons: A Sword is generally over 18 Inches long; a
dagger is usually less than 18 inches long.
Blunt
Force Weapons: Axes, Flails, Mauls & Maces (Chain flail
type weapons were agreed banned due to a limited control).
It was recommended to use Hickory shafts on these type of
weapons & feed the wood with Linseed oil. NB: Hickory
is a fibrous wood, which usually splits down its length before
shearing off, Ash will usually shear away - allowing the weapon
head to fly off in any direction.
Pole
Weapons:
It was generally agreed to restrict pole
weapons to Scottish Lochabers and early Hook Bills, it was
suggested that a year's period of transition be allowed for
members to switch over and re-train. Whereas delegates agreed
they would prefer to see more hand weapons and less pole weapons,
it was pointed out some people like them.
RULES
OF ENGAGEMENTS/FIGHTING
Individual
Techniques are probably the most difficult subject to deal
with because each individual has a different viewpoint of
what's a good technique. The committee discussed a technique
known as Fast Accurate Safe Technique (FAST), developed at
Escafeld, and adopted by Harlech, MCS and some members of
Excalibur. It's simple common sense, and works on the principle
of - if you have an idea of what angle the blow/strike will
come, there is less chance of being injured by it. Excalibur
relayed a very encouraging picture of dramatically reduced
injuries following their switch to the Fast Accurate Safe
Technique (FAST) system. Escafeld and MCS quoted similar examples,
member groups are urged to adopt the technique.
Head blows
(for those groups who use them), a vertical downward stroke
to the centre of the helm (of about 12 degs either side of
the centre line), delivered without force, (Horizontal head
shots and uppercuts are very dangerous).
Upper torso to the biceps/shield only, - as a downward angled
blow (of about 45 degs). Be careful to avoid Forearms, Elbows,
Neck and Shoulder joints.
Upper
thigh to the fleshiest part of the thigh, as an angled downward
stroke (between 12 to 40 degs). Take care to avoid the Pelvis
and joint bones, also the whole area of the Knee.
Calf Muscle
is the same motion as the upper thigh. Take care to avoid
the area of the Knee and the Ankle.
Thrust should only be delivered to the area of the belt buckle.
Take care to avoid the Groin, Pelvis and Solar Plexus.
Also parts
to avoid: - face, knees, elbows, groin etc.
Attitude
(the spirit) should be an important factor in our fighting.
A bad temper or a want to win at any cost! Often results in
someone else paying a price with an injury, not acceptable!
Only put sufficient force into your strokes to look convincing,
beating people into the ground is pointless.
Group
Fight Training members should nominate a Fight Trainer and
formulate a structured training program. This should be designed
to ensure each Combatant/Knight learns good skills and achieves
a capable standard with the most of the weapons in your group.
Sword type weapons should travel at least 1 meter to telegraph
(2 metres is preferable) before impact. Novices or members
who had not previously been to a battle should wear some sort
of sash to warn others to have-a-care... and be in the care
of a "buddy."
ARMOUR
The meeting agreed an EMA automatic mass battle rule of:
NO adequate
HELM - NO GAUNTLET - NO FIGHT!
Each group
agreed to actively attempt to bring every spare helm to mass
gatherings for members to borrow.
The meeting agreed rather than ban head shots, it would be
better to gear EMA members to better head & hand protection.
The meeting agreed the need for an official list of suppliers
and encourages members to sell on older equipment. All EMA
Members should be encouraged to acquire and use suitable helms
& gauntlets.
Steel
armour should be at least 18guage (NAReS recommends 16 gauge
(.065")), 4mm thick leather at non-EMA bashes is ok,
preferably with a steel lining. Wherever possible, use rivets
to join metals. Aluminium Helms are generally not suitable.
Gauntlets
can be mail, plate armour or leather, they need to withstand
a hit across the knuckles, and reduce it to merely a painful
experience.
Body Armour
should be appropriate and offer real protection, look-a-like
padded armour that isn't - could cause an injury through misconceived
ignorance.
Shields
should be 16 gauge steel over plywood or 14 gauge steel, or
banded heavy plywood.
ARCHERY
Thomas Lewis St Pierre provided a set of guidelines information,
the meeting was running out of time and it was agreed to tackle
this subject in greater detail at a later meeting. Long Bows
should be no more than 40lb ish, Cross Bows 70lb. Arrows should
have the longer flights rather than the flu-flu, speed blunts
as tipped arrows with rubber caps are not allowed. Each side
should have a head of Archery. Overshoot areas should ideally
be a totally clear area. The EMA will adopt the NAReS Archery
guideline until we formulate our own.
GENERAL
SAFETY
Health & Safety matters are under the remit of the EMA
H&S committee, however the meeting agreed to the following
principles of safety.
On Site: An on site survey should be done by the group safety
Rep;
Arena
Shows should be on level, even ground. The arena should have
a double roped cordon with a minimum 6-foot gap between the
cordons, or some other means of separating the participants
from the combatants with a safe space.
Mass Battles
should have a barrier with Marshals and an open space of ground
to separate the participants from the spectators, as seen
at the old style Bosworth and Tewksbury mass battles. Marshals
are our designated on site safety members, their requests
command mandatory obedience. An emergency vehicle clear way
should be designated and cordoned off to allow easy access
onto and off the site.
No black
powder will be allowed at Mass Battles. Host group customs
would always be observed by all members.
Group
/ Member Responsibilities
Every group should acknowledge their elected safety officers
and enforce their decisions. Group Safety Officers should
check the condition of all weapons and armour for rust &
sharp edges before they are permitted into the combat zone.
Battle
field Marshals are our "in battle - on site - safety
members", their commands carry mandatory instant obedience.
Groups
should ensure their individual members are adequately trained
to take part in combat/battles.
Individual members have a lawful duty under the Health &
Safety act to ensure they do not endanger themselves or other
people. We can all think of a time when someone's thoughtless
actions could have cost someone an eye - or worse.
Common
techniques of combat will go a long way to elevating injuries
at mass battles. Members are urged to sponsor the F.A.S.T
concept; it will make it possible for us to fight each other
safely without losing the special styles that identify individual
groups.
All weapons
should be free from rust & dirt, with exposed burrs filed
down. Don't clean weapons with toxic cleaning agents, wounds
could become infected. Also members should be encouraged to
have their tetanus injections updated.
First
Aid
Professional First Aid (Red Cross/St John) should be organised
for large events. Each member group should send their first
aid box, with their first aider to register at a central point.
It is recommended that member groups have a health record
for each member's special needs i.e. asthmatics, diabetics,
with some of their medication in their boxes. Also each box
should have bolt shears to enable rapid entry into armour/mail
and a retractable blade hooked knife to sever leather quickly.
Water
Adequate supplies of water on the battlefield is crucial,
because the average person will evaporate about 1 pint of
water an hour in a battle.
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