Welcome to the vibrant world of martial activities in the SCA.
Whether you’re drawn to the thunderous clashes of armoured combat, the elegant finesse of rapier duels, or the precision of archery and thrown weapons, you’ve found a welcoming community eager to share their passion for historical martial arts.
Both armoured and rapier combatants participate in tournaments for individuals and teams. Tactical “melees” involve multiple combatants fighting on either side and even include massive field battles with thousands of participants. Unlike reenactments of battles from history, our combat activities are unchoreographed and the outcome is entirely based on the skill and training of the combatants involved.
Combat in the Society is based on a system of honour and chivalry. Because the combat is full speed and unchoreographed, the combatants themselves determine if the attacks they receive were successful based on the angle, location, and force of the strike. Safety officers, known as marshals, are always on hand to ensure that the combat is performed safely and to ensure that all equipment used meets established safety standards.
Ben Dunfirth meets for weekly Fight Practice every Monday at 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Youth Combat Practice is held bi-weekly at the same time and location as Fight Practice. Please contact the Youth Combat Marshal for further details.
If you would like to attend fight practice and require loaner gear, please contact the respective marshal to let them know you plan on attending.
Time & Location
Every Monday from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
The Hamilton Aviary
85 Oak Knoll Dr.
Hamilton, ON
L8S 4C2
The Hamilton Aviary
Types of Martial Activities
Armoured Combat
Armoured combat in the SCA resembles medieval tournaments. Combatants can face each other in single combat in tournaments or large-scale melee “wars” with dozens or even hundreds of combatants on each side.
Rapier Combat
SCA Rapier Combat recreates the style of pre-17th century rapier sword fighting. SCA Rapier Combat differs from modern fencing in its use of a wide variety of weapons, and even encompasses large-scale melees.
Youth Combat
Youth Combat allows children aged 6–17 to participate in a kid-friendly version of armoured and rapier combat by using highly-padded foam “boffer” weapons, with a focus on safety, courtesy, honour, and skill.
Archery
SCA Archery is a target-based style of archery that uses period bows such as recurve, longbows, and crossbows. Archers may participate in tournaments to test their expertise and accuracy against other skilled archers.
Thrown Weapons
SCA Thrown Weapons is a target-based style of martial art where participants may use a variety of different throwing instruments including axes, knives, and even spears or javelins to hit solid wood targets.
Upcoming Mega Practices
What is a mega practice?
A Mega Practice is typically held by a one barony on a weekend or holiday in place of (or in addition to) their regular scheduled practice. Mega Practices typically include multiple groups, cantons, or baronies and provide an additional practice day for armoured and rapier combat.
They are often held in a larger location than the barony’s typical practice hall to accommodate visiting fighters and may sometimes be sponsored by a particular household within the barony.
Depending on availability and space, some mega practices may potentially include other activities such as archery, thrown weapons, and A&S classes.
No upcoming mega practices.
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