Fencing, just as horse riding and hunting, was a mainstay ofeveryday life in the 17th and 18th Century, for the higher classes, Nobles and rich Bourgeois...but it fascinated the "common" people as well, and many of them loved fencing and tried their luck at it, some in the hope of becoming
"professionals", whether entering the Fencing Academy of rich Nobles, like the Prince de Conti, or becoming a Maitre d'Armes ( Teacher) or Prvt d'Armes (assistant) in one of the many Academies whichflourished in the cities. I read that around 1760 some 30 000 professional fencers peopled the numerous salles d'armes in Paris! ( though this number may beoverestimated, it gives an idea of the importance of this forerunner of today's "sports".)
In these Academies, duels, challenges, tournaments were often organised and drew crowds of amateurs and attendants.These competitions were gambled on.The best fencers, even if notMasters or Prevts, could make a living out of it. To sum it up, fencing was a favorite leisure for a great part of the population, and a way of life for others.
This shows how important fencing should be in baroque age roleplay, whether as a swordsman, or as an attendant. Besides, it's fun and the opportuniy to meet and share good moments between us.
This being said, let's be practical
The En Garde! Royal Courts Fencing Groupis ready and able to help and assist all Royal Courts Administratorswho would wish to organise fencing tournaments in their court. Please contact Myron Verne in this NING or inworld if interested.
FIRST GRAND OPEN TOURNAMENT
Look in the events: we will organise in Coeur, on the pistes near the Languedoc Tavern, a tournament opened to all fencers of the Royal Courts, on Saturday , November the thirteenth, between 1 and 4 pm.
RESTRICTIONS
Only two restrictions: 1/ No absolute beginners allowed: you need to know the moves of En Garde!, in order not to slow down the competition too much Recent beginners who know the moves are welcomed, on the contrary: that's the way to have fun and improve! 2/ Please wear period clothes( Tudor to Regency, large spectrum!)
The winner of this tournament will be awarded 2000 L$, thanks to the generosity of our hosts, The Duc and Duchesses of Coeur. The rules will be simple: 1/the winner of a duel is qualified for the nextround 2/ the loser is eliminated 3/ The Tournament Referee is Myron de Verne, and his decisions are final (lol).
BUT THERE IS MORE...
We are in touch with some Courts to organise other tournaments in later months:All these tournaments will be independant, and there is no obligation to take part in all of them, but..The Royal Courts Fencing Groupwill keep track of the results in any of these tournaments he helps organising, and points will be awarded each time. At the end of this shortseries of tournaments, the Champion who will have scored more points in the total of all these competitions will be awarded by the Royal Courts Fencing Group a bonus prize of 3000 L$, and be distinguished by the title of
ROYAL COURTS FENCING CHAMPION OF THE YEAR!
We do hope you will grasp this opportunity for your personal enjoyment and for the Honour of your Court!
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updated by @lord-myron-de-verne: 13 Oct 2016 12:25:23AM
