Wasn’t alien to me

“I do not love the bright sword for it’s sharpness, nor the arrow for it’s swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend” J.R.R. Tolkien

My experience in college with foil and epee has helped me starting out be comfortable with rapier in the Society. As it wasn’t alien to me, as heaving fighting was for the first time, I felt no real -new- fighter worries just a desire to get in and mix it up. I was never good with the ‘right of way’ thing anyway, so fighting in the round is really exciting.

Getting comfortable (but safe) gear is also very important. Fighting outside as opposed in a nice air conditioning gym is a big change and of course much more period. Fighting with the sun in your eyes is a real issue. Besides sunlight a rapier fighter much be aware of the heat (like any fighter in the SCA) Last rapier practice was in the evening but even the heat at the end of the day in July can be a bit harsh. So wearing the correct armor that breathes is a good very thing. I borrowed a doublet which i think is the way I am going to go. It protects the body well leaving the arms to be covered but cooler. Just need to make sure I hydrate before rapier practice and afterwards.