I think there might be some of that with the fencing community in general or at least the fairly old fencing schools/households. Our group is kinda unique in that there are so many fencers that do other stuff, that we have "integrated" into normal society. Many of the folks cross over into cooking, sewing, heraldry illuminations and bardic stuff.
I haven't experienced much of the insular community, though I will not dispute that it exists. There is still quite a bit of bitterness with the heavies as a general rule. But here in the east where it is becoming "cool" for the heavies to cross over into rapier, it is becoming a little less so. I have not known a reign where there wasn't a royal or heir that wasn't picking up a blade, and playing with the fencers. I think it comes from the fact that we are playing with "real" weapons and live steel, and they are still playing with sticks. Let's face it, today's heavy rapiers and Cut and Thrust weapons are pretty darn close to what they actually used than foils and epees. And here in our barony, that has gone a long way to legitimatizing our sport. (So sayth the fighters themselves.)
I have told many "back in the day stories". So I think it is safe to say, I personally haven't seen any of the things that I know historically have happened. You can see the hand prints on my mask for how many times I've been patted on the head and told, "there, there young fencer, let Auntie May tell you a story".
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regna
(no subject)
Date: 2010-06-10 06:39 pm (UTC)I haven't experienced much of the insular community, though I will not dispute that it exists. There is still quite a bit of bitterness with the heavies as a general rule. But here in the east where it is becoming "cool" for the heavies to cross over into rapier, it is becoming a little less so. I have not known a reign where there wasn't a royal or heir that wasn't picking up a blade, and playing with the fencers. I think it comes from the fact that we are playing with "real" weapons and live steel, and they are still playing with sticks. Let's face it, today's heavy rapiers and Cut and Thrust weapons are pretty darn close to what they actually used than foils and epees. And here in our barony, that has gone a long way to legitimatizing our sport. (So sayth the fighters themselves.)
I have told many "back in the day stories". So I think it is safe to say, I personally haven't seen any of the things that I know historically have happened. You can see the hand prints on my mask for how many times I've been patted on the head and told, "there, there young fencer, let Auntie May tell you a story".