This is a shout out to anyone who is interested in traditional European weapon combat. I used to be part of an armoured combat society back in my home country and I’m looking for people here to train with. The style of combat is training weapon styles from Europe and learning how armour (chain, scale, plate, leather, etc) was created and try to replicate the various systems and designs into genuine combat-ready armour. This culminates in actual combat duals with armour and blunt weapons (mainly swords).
Is there anyone who does this in Taipei? I heard it was becoming popular in eastern Asia. I know large numbers of pieces of armour are being produced in India, and many blades are being produced in China. Asia is definitely making lots of medieval European combat items.
As an FMA instructor from a sword-based lineage (Ilustrisimo) and being British I have been interested in this for a few years. I loved the documentary “Reclaiming the Blade” and some of the quarterstaff and other vids I’ve seen on-line. Those med-evil knights really were “Supermen” !
Unfortunately I’m based in Taichung County so it’s a bit far but I wish the best of luck with this interesting pursuit. Also, please post back if you find out where we can get stuff made in Taiwan as I could do with getting some gloves made and other equipment…
I was always under the impression that the swords and stuff were more for intimidation than anything else. The real killing was done with a dagger thrust into the nutsack area. Still, it looks like fun.
FREEDOM!!!
“They said I was daft to build a castle on a swamp, but I did it anyway.”
Sandman: You’re half right. Swords were not always used in combat, but usually carried as a backup weapon. The majority of killing was done by spears, warhammers and, to a lesser extent, (based on who was fighting) axes. Daggers were also present but, like swords, usually kept as spare weapons.
Prodigal Son: I will keep my ears open and get hold of contacts I know back home, as some of them order items from Asia. I’ll let you know if I hear of anything.
I formerly made arrows (SCA target, heavy duty, award-winning) and chain mail for this kind of combat and did live combat archery (SCA tennis ball & golf tube experimental) – Gawd, I love shooting real people! – and still have my chain mail gear here (and occasionally make a bit) but am not aware of any groups here practicing it.
Not yet. I’m about to return to Taiwan, as I’ve just finished a holiday in South Africa where I met with my old sword club, battled in armour and gained a few more scars.
Although I am keen to get this set up in Taiwan, it’ll take a lot of preparation. Firstly, I need to find a workshop I can use to cut, bend, and rivet metal for making the armour. Then I need to find people who’d be willing to meet up, as well as a place large enough to meet in, where we could practice sword techniques. For this I’d also like to get hold of Paul Chen and see what deal he can offer us. He makes some amazing swords, but I can only find ways to order them from sites in America. He must ship them here, but they may be on Mandarin sites. I’ll need to research it. His range of Hanwei swords are probably the best quality for money, without spending a fortune on blades.
If I’m lucky I’ll be able to get something sorted out this year. Time will tell.
