The Arte of Combat
It has been called Rapier, it has been called Fencing. But the Arte of Combat is the art of understanding the sword and its most intricate secrets. Over the years the SCA has slowly drifted to more and more historically accurate representations of the Arte of Combat within the period that the SCA researches.
Now, in the Kingdom of Atlantia, the Arte of Combat has moved beyond the 'foil' type of blade. And although the 'foil' and the 'epee' blades are still acceptable, the general drive is to move to the 'heavy' blades. You see, the 'foil' and 'epee' blades were practice tools for students but are also not very durable. The 'heavy' swords are a bit heavier and look like an actual sword blade.
Unlike the more popular and easier to find form modernly known as 'Olympic Fencing', SCA fencing allows techniques using the 'off-hand' (the one not holding the sword). This translates to a different level of combat as you or your opponent may use the 'off-hand' for blocks or other techniques.
Also unique to the SCA form is the acting out of wounds. For example, when a combatant is injured in the hand, the hand becomes useless and unable to grasp anything. When injured in an arm, the limb can no longer be used to block. When struck in the leg, you must fall to your knees and continue the fight from a sitting or kneeling position.
Because the SCA is attempting to recreate the middle ages, many combatants study the styles of various masters of old. Because of safety rules some of the techniques can't be used in the SCA form, but most of their teachings are used.
The Arte of Combat is a progression of the knowledge of the sword, at its heart are two concepts known as distance and timing. Knowing distance is to know whether or not you can hit your opponent from where you stand, and more importantly, knowing if your opponent can hit you. Timing is the understanding of when you should begin your action. A fight has a rhythm, timing is the understanding of when to break that rhythm and thus gain the upper hand.
In the Kingdom of Atlantia resides the Academie d'Espee which exists to promote the practice and enjoyment of period style combat with the rapier well as service to both Atlantian Rapier and the Kingdom of Atlantia. Membership is open to any who participate on the rapier field of combat. Within the Academie are three levels of recognition. First is the level of Scholar, a Scholar has taken an oath of learning and service to the kingdom of Atlantia. A Scholar wears a blue scarf to show their commitment to the Academie and to Atlantia. The second level is that of the Free Scholar who has proved his worth on the field of combat and has taken on the additional task of mentoring others in the Arte of Combat. A Free Scholar wear a gold scarf as a symbol of their achievements and rising value. The third and highest level of the Academie is that of the Provost who is given his title and position at the discretion of Their Majesties. A Provost wears a white scarf as a symbol of their purity of purpose and as a sign of their devotion to the Arte and to the Kingdom of Atlantia.
If you wish to learn more about the rapier and the Arte of Combat you should contact your local group and ask about their fighter practices. Or you can simply go to an event and introduce yourself to anyone on the rapier field, any one of them would be happy to help.