03-31-2007, 06:03 AM
Excellent points, and I'll humbly attempt to add to them with some basics that you probably already know (but non-Scadians might not).
Ansteorra has a long tradition of combat with big scutums, mostly between 2-3 feet wide and 3.5-4.5 feet high. Almost all of them are side-strap because you can carry the weight in the crook of the elbow where you have greater leverage and use the hand grip for control. The elbow is also the swing-point (I'll get to that).
We often use what is called a "boxer" stance for 1-on-1 combat. Stand slightly crouched, left leg toward the enemy (assuming you're right-handed) with the shield held at an angle. The upper right corner is just above head level and the lower right corner is sticking out just past your knee. Make sure you can feel the tap of the shield on your left knee and keep it close. You should be able to see the enemy just around the right edge. You should present a sloped shield face to the enemy. Keep your weapon's hilt near the side of your head and your right elbow tucked in to protect it.
(BTW, anyone with USMC training will remember this arm position.)
Typically, you will use your left leg as a pivot point and use your right leg to control turning. Pivot the shield right and your body left to defend right, and vice versa to defend left. The corners of the shield are your main defense. Get used to swinging the bottom of the shield like the clapper on a bell by raising and lowering your control hand. Hand down, tail swings left to protect the lack of the legs. Hand goes up, tail swings right. Simple but it takes practice to get used to it.
To defend the upper body, you will fold the right edge toward you, and lean slightly back and to the left, just like a kid peeking through a door (using your left shoulder and knee as the hinges). If you're quick, you will only lose sight of the enemy for a split second, and should be able to see part of his back over the top of your shield. As long as you keep a good stance and you're not close enough to kiss him, your right side will be fairly well protected from common attacks. Avoid punching unless the enemy is right on top of you (or you're feeling spunky).
Yes, this is really going to give your forearms and lower back a workout.
It's true that 80% of all SCA kills go to the head, but this provides the maximum defense while keeping visibility. Your weapon is the last-ditch defensive line, and don't be afraid to put the hilt on top of your head and drop the blade down your back to protect from close-quarters wrapping shots. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about shin-shots, but greaves are still an excellent idea (love the knees, and they'll love you back).
Next post... doing this in a wall.
Ansteorra has a long tradition of combat with big scutums, mostly between 2-3 feet wide and 3.5-4.5 feet high. Almost all of them are side-strap because you can carry the weight in the crook of the elbow where you have greater leverage and use the hand grip for control. The elbow is also the swing-point (I'll get to that).
We often use what is called a "boxer" stance for 1-on-1 combat. Stand slightly crouched, left leg toward the enemy (assuming you're right-handed) with the shield held at an angle. The upper right corner is just above head level and the lower right corner is sticking out just past your knee. Make sure you can feel the tap of the shield on your left knee and keep it close. You should be able to see the enemy just around the right edge. You should present a sloped shield face to the enemy. Keep your weapon's hilt near the side of your head and your right elbow tucked in to protect it.
(BTW, anyone with USMC training will remember this arm position.)
Typically, you will use your left leg as a pivot point and use your right leg to control turning. Pivot the shield right and your body left to defend right, and vice versa to defend left. The corners of the shield are your main defense. Get used to swinging the bottom of the shield like the clapper on a bell by raising and lowering your control hand. Hand down, tail swings left to protect the lack of the legs. Hand goes up, tail swings right. Simple but it takes practice to get used to it.
To defend the upper body, you will fold the right edge toward you, and lean slightly back and to the left, just like a kid peeking through a door (using your left shoulder and knee as the hinges). If you're quick, you will only lose sight of the enemy for a split second, and should be able to see part of his back over the top of your shield. As long as you keep a good stance and you're not close enough to kiss him, your right side will be fairly well protected from common attacks. Avoid punching unless the enemy is right on top of you (or you're feeling spunky).
Yes, this is really going to give your forearms and lower back a workout.
It's true that 80% of all SCA kills go to the head, but this provides the maximum defense while keeping visibility. Your weapon is the last-ditch defensive line, and don't be afraid to put the hilt on top of your head and drop the blade down your back to protect from close-quarters wrapping shots. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about shin-shots, but greaves are still an excellent idea (love the knees, and they'll love you back).
Next post... doing this in a wall.
Globuli Non Ludibrii
-- Felix Canus_____
-- Cedric Einarsson
-- Felix Canus_____
-- Cedric Einarsson
