ART, SCIENCE AND WARFARE
It was a late Texas spring evening at Carl Levin park, about a dozen or so people start to gather in the back field near the playground, each greeting each other with a smile, a handshake and a sword...what?
I was spending time with the a few members of the Stronghold of Hellsgate, our local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism a medieval reenactment group that meets every Thursday at Carl Levin Park in Harker Heights for their weekly fighter practice. A gathering that gives those interested in learning and practicing the martial game of combat a chance to hone those skills and possible learn a little. After 10 or more minutes of putting on their hand made armors, individual members of the SCA start to pair up and take turns sparring in either heavy combat, rapier, or the cut and thrust combat game. While rapier and cut and thrust have the finesse and grace of ancient sword fighting, the heavy armor combat is what really draws the crowd. The sound of metal clanking together, the grunts as the warriors lift their shields and swords trying to smack the other, it's with this combat that the group really starts to draw a crowd. Imaging this, two, steel armor clad folks, with shields and padded swords push, whack, and beat each other until the other either gives up or wins through a series of blows and points.
It's quite the sight to behold.
While i think the immediate drawing factor to the SCA is the combat, there's much more to this group than just that. Members less inclined to weary heavy and slightly smelly, sweat stained armor find themselves researching any craft that was popular during the middle ages through the Arts and Sciences branches of the Society. Things from weaving, looming, cooking, brewing, calligraphy, leather working and illumination are all meticulously researched and practiced by these members.
If you're looking to learn more, check them out every Thursday at Carl Levin Park, or find them on Facebook at the Hellsgate Common room.
