Full blown combat or display only?

[John Conyard]

Sorry I have little time over the next few days for long posts. But here goes.

The term "cavorting ninnies" comes from a thread last year regarding the value of Roman re-enactment, and the views held by "academics" on the subject. From memory a three fold classification was established. In no particular order, groups that try and get their equipment as accurate as possible, but for whatever reasons seldom share or publish their experiences and knowledge. Secondly, groups that try to be as accurate as possible and publish hard data to share with a wider audience. And thirdly "cavorting ninnies", a term suggested by Mike Bishop. It's probably not a good idea to publicly start classifying groups we come across! There is nothing intrinsically wrong with falling into any of these classifications, but the second may have a wider usefulness.

I've tried out combat in most periods and with lots of societies. I think other re-enactment periods have a great deal to teach us in terms of presentation etc. I'm sure some groups display real combat better than others. Gladiators will place much more emphasis on individual combat that the black powder societies.

I've never seen real life close up combat thank God. I suspect all recreated combat seems very tame in comparison. Very much like training, with nobody aiming for the eyes or throat, not enough blood, bone and intestine, little screaming and not enough human agony.