Martial Activity

Armored Combat

Armored combat in the SCA resembles medieval foot tournaments. 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.

Combat Archery

Combat Archery In some SCA battlefield scenarios, you will see combat archers taking part. They wear armor, and use handbows and crossbows to fire specially designed arrows and bolts at armored fighters and other archers.

Target Archery

Throughout the time period that we recreate, archery was used for hunting and in wartime. In addition to shooting at traditional archery “bullseye” targets to score points, SCA archery competitions are often designed to mimic situations faced by medieval archers. These might include shooting at painted targets of charging warriors, or shoots where archers must hit targets representing the small slotted windows on a fortress.

Youth Combat

The SCA’s Youth Martial program gives children from ages 6 through 17 the opportunity to participate in a kid-friendly version of adult armored and rapier combat. The program emphasizes courtesy, honor, and service as well as skill and safety. Youth fighters participate in a variety of tournaments and melees.

Minister of the List

Ministers of the List work with the Marshals at events by verifying combat authorizations and running tournaments. Find information about MoLs and sign up at the virtual MoL table ahead of time!

Rapier Combat

SCA Rapier Combat is our attempt to recreate the style of unarmored combat that took place from the medieval period to 1600 A.D. Participants engage in this sport for fun and fitness! Many also study the extant manuals and theories of combat from that time period, in order to more accurately recreate the style of pre-17th century swordfighting.

Thrown Weapons

In addition to archery target competition, you can find additional target weapons styles at War of the Wings! Particiants throw common medieval weapons such as axes, knives, and spears at solid wood targets.