Andrea of Clear Mount:
Men get a long ways on strength alone — they can swing the sword hard enough without much technique. Then they get stuck at the “solid unbelted” stage for a long time — often forever — because at that point they really think they have nothing more to learn, because it was so easy up to then. Women have a greater challenge to reach the “solid unbelted” stage, because they are for the most part not as strong. If they reach it, it is by technique, and learning that technique sends them along faster afterwards.
Bolverk of Momchilovich:
I was gone for about 12 years and when I came back, Antir had made only 1 woman knight in 15 years. That was disheartening. I’m watching the new styles and seeing talented young women fight and, unlike when I fought before, I now really encourage women to fight. Somewhere out there is a super star that will kick everyone’s butt. It will just take time and genetics.
Britta MacGregor:
A fighter is a fighter, male or female. Everyone has challenges to overcome. Whether it be physical, mental, or whatever, it’s about the journey we take, for there is no end to the path unless we quit. My path has not been about knighthood, but being the best fighter/person I can become, and so my quest continues. Do not let the skill of chivalric fighting become a game of the number of kills/wins. It matters more what you learn from the fight and what you do with the experience you gain. Be confident and comfortable in who you are.
Elizabeth Mortimer:
About Knighthood: I thought it was the end of my journey, but it turns out it was just the start. The goal is not to be a knight, but to be a Good Knight.
About Fighting in General: You have to get some kind of enjoyment out of it. I know it isn’t always easy, but you should always get some enjoyment from it. For me, there were times when fighting wasn’t fun, when I didn’t get anything from it. So I took a step back so I could find what made it good for me.
Fern de la Foret:
The best thing about fighting is that you can use this skill to make friends in the SCA. Victory isn’t the important thing; having a “good fight” is the most important, and challenging, outcome. The fights you will remember longest are the ones where both you and your opponent leave the list field saying “I really enjoyed that fight. I’d like to do it again.”
Gwenllhian Rhiannon of Dragonkeep:
Be patient and accept all about yourself. If you keep the truth from yourself you will never find your path. Accept all about yourself - good, bad and the very dark. It is who you are and to truly become a knight you must be true to yourself.
I have been on a long and glorious journey. I have made mistakes and continue to learn from my failures and achievements. My students are my greatest teachers. If I stop being able to learn I will stop being a teacher. I am amazed that arthritic as I have become I am still becoming a better fighter. One day I will be too old to swing a stick. I think I will take up Combat archery and my Squires can load the crossbows for me. I never tire of this wonderful game we call the SCA.
Hilary of Serendip:
When you’re starting out, set your own victory conditions - things that can happen in a fight to show that you’re getting your own way at least part of the time. “Make the opponent take three steps backward before it’s over” is a good one….
Ismenia O’Moulryan:
Don’t Give Up! When things get hard get your armor on and try again.
Listen to everyone, try it and use what works.
Kolfinna kottr:
SCA fighting is a way to be and feel glorious, while you fight you should revel in this. Make this game what you want it to be!
Kytte Meliora Stevenson:
Be careful what you wish for - being a knight can be way more difficult than you think and I do not mean physically.
Leah de Spencer:
If you are on the field to prove anything except that you are a dedicated and honorable fighter, get off the field.
Rauokinn eyverska Starradottir:
Dedication and determination to being the very best fighter you are capable of being is the greatest asset you have. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you too.
Richenza von Augsburg:
It is really hard to look at yourself and see were you need improvement. Most of my time is spent not defeating myself. You are your strongest foundation. You need to have burning desire for what you want in your life. You can have self pride and still have humility.
Rowan de la Garnison:
Take a break but don’t give up. You earn other fighters respect just by putting on the armor and not whining. Ask questions of opponents that knocked the snot out of you even if they are someone you’d love to hate. Fight the most frightening opponent first, they usually are the easiest to kill.
