Armored combat in the SCA resembles a historical foot tournament. Combatants can face each other in single combat in tournaments or can take part in large melee battles with dozens or even hundreds of combatants on each side. SCA combatants wear real armor and use swords and spears made of rattan wrapped with duct tape. Like bamboo, but with a solid core, rattan is springy enough to absorb some of the force of the blow without snapping, and light enough to approximate the weight of a steel sword.
The Shire of Iron Ox holds a weekly practice to teach newcomers the art of combat, and to hone the skills of our authorized combatants. We have loaner gear to help you get started, and can guide you through obtaining your own equipment.
