What is the SCA?

SCA is an acronym for the "Society for Creative Anachronism".  This is an organization with some 30,000 members which are dedicated to researching and recreating the Middle Ages.  SCA members study Pre-17th century Western European art, cooking, costuming, crafts, dance, literature, metal work, science, traditions, war and more.  To learn the art of medieval combat, you fabricate your armor and weapons, put them on, then experience the joy of being knocked about with a rattan sword.

Tournament fighting is done with real armor and flexible swords, although the blows can still be quite solid.  The combatants must follow strict rules of engagement and exhibit high levels of moral fortitude and honor.

The SCA is a feudal society that got its start in 1966 and has grown to eighteen different kingdoms spread throughout the world.  These kingdoms usually encompass several states or provinces as needed to reach a suitable number of members.  Tournament fighting is probably one of the best known activities within the organization, but it's not the only activity.  Dawning your Medieval attire and dancing, merry making, feasting and attending workshops are all events that make the SCA an exciting and rewarding endeavor. 

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