Heavy Fighting
Armored Heavy Combat is a full contact sport which is just as rough as say, professional hockey, boxing, or martial arts. The risk of personal physical injury is almost guaranteed to some degree as participants often walk from the field with bruises and sore muscles. However they usually walk away with smiles on their faces as well! It must also be said that it is very rare for anyone to walk away with a serious injury, and hospital visits are almost unheard of in any form.
Now, if you are truly interested in learning more about Heavy Fighting you should go out to your local fighter practice or go to an event and simply watch. Although the SCA standard uses rattan (kinda like solid bamboo) instead of swords, its still quite spectacular to watch. And if you can watch the fighting and still be excited about getting into armor and getting out there on the field, then you should take the next step.
So once you have observed the heavy fighting, now its time to get into armor. There are many different types of armor and none of them will fit right. It will take you years to get a suit of armor that you feel is just right, and by then you will find something else about it that needs to be changed or upgraded. But for now, just put it on and get out there. You will find that heavy fighting has a rather sharp learning curve. But for those who are dedicated, they can rise to the top, and take just about everyone who comes against them on the field.
Some pointers for new fighters:
1) Remember the Knight's code. Things can get heated when you get out there, but don't let it come to rage. We are all out there to do our best, enjoy the fighting, and improve our skills.
2) Keep your shield angled slightly, don't press it flat against the front of your body. This invites a shot called a 'Wrap', which literally wraps around you to hit you in the back or butt!
3) Practice on a tree, pole, post or something similar. It takes alot of time to learn a shot and to create the proper power. Time in practice will equal huge leaps on the field.
4) Listen to the knowledge of the experienced fighters around you. Everyone has some piece of wisdom to offer, so pay attention to everyone, they may give you what you need!
5) Have fun!! Afterall, what is the sense in all this conflict and violence if we can't enjoy being the Man-at-Arms, the Squire, or the Knight? When its all done you should be able to sit down with your opponents and discuss strengths and weaknesses openly and with a smile on your face!