RAZ

I heartily agree. SCA fighting is a sport, it is not actual or realistic combat. It is fun, and it isn't choreographed. Safe, and fun, but it is a romanticized version of medieval foot combat.

Careful what you wish for Tallgeese. I remember a Baron Alfred? That is out of Chicago that is big into these. I see if I can get more info. There is a natural crossover for SCA and MA through these.

I'm with Tallgeese on this one. A lot of the drills for new students are toned way down to protect them. Why? They are going to go out and try it on their buddies. I can't wait until we can have UKE-bot.

I think this discussion can be broken into two different themes. Semantics. Does philosophy play a part in MA. Sure, even if it is simply, I train to survive a fight, protect myself or others, etc to more complex themes like finding your spiritual center and not harming people. Or is it when I get in a fight I want to stay off the ground, run like hell when I get a chance, escalate the weaponry, etc. Books are going to be bushido based: Hagakure, book of five rings, etc. They could also be warriorhood based - Living the Martial way. Strategic vs tactical. The strategic is what you develop to rationalize what you do in the tactical situation.