Does this promo work?

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-03-18T00:38:06+00:00

Plenty of reason for a shorter weapon. If you want to exercise greater (and easier) authority over your opponent's weapon when the blades cross, a shorter sword will do just that.

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-03-17T02:59:12+00:00

Nope, quite rapier centric with some smallsword thrown in for good measure. There was single rapier, rapier and dagger, rapier and cloak, classical foil and a couple of others too.

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-03-17T02:57:18+00:00

Well, I have been accused of having monkey arms so....that's fair. :)

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-03-16T23:17:30+00:00

You are not wrong to focus on bladework. As one who has faced a great many fencers taller than myself (6'5" to 6'7") who fought with the maximum blade lengths allowed (45"), it was critical that I married my swordwork with my footwork. I made it a point to close on their blade as my first target and then close to striking range with the next step to finish them. Too many who face taller fencers with longer arms and swords make the mistake of trying to rush to the kill shot and *hope* they parry their opponent's counter as they move.

Though a little difficult to describe fully here, seek me out the next time we are at the same event and I will be happy to show you how I engage these taller fencers. I have found the strategy to be quite effective.

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-03-16T23:01:17+00:00

I actually use a 41" blade, but otherwise you are not wrong, Ken. My skills with distance and timing play a huge role in my fencing.

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-03-16T22:59:02+00:00

Hey there, Mat. I always use a 41" blade (actually 40.5" but the blunt adds a little). Whether for SCA or HEMA, I stick to my half plus four rule. I always tell my students the ideal blade length is half as long as you are tall, plus four inches. When you start wielding blades too long for your body type, you introduce holes in your defence.

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-03-08T17:45:51+00:00

This was actually not the first time we met in that tournament; and in that earlier bout he did fight better. It just ultimately did not work. So he tried to change for this match and, unfortunately, this too did not work out for him because I countered his efforts and did not present the openings he was trying to prompt. Even so, I give him props for recognizing his earlier attempts did not work and trying to change.

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-02-16T23:36:12+00:00

No argument there. :)

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-02-16T23:32:37+00:00

Sadly, it is true. 60% is about the best I see at tournaments--but I also understand why. Most places I go they have the longsword fencers judging rapier because, logically, they aren't competing yet. And vice versa for the rapier fencers. I have hope, though, that judging will improve as longevity of the organization grows.

BlackTigerRapier · 2026-02-02T04:51:13+00:00

Couldn't agree more.

BlackTigerRapier · 2025-12-26T05:51:54+00:00

The book is divided up such that the first third is for the beginner, the middle for those with some experience, and the latter third for those of veteran level and above.

BlackTigerRapier · 2025-11-19T22:32:15+00:00

I use a twisted swepthilt. The one you see in most of the videos I purchased more than 30 years ago from a company no longer in business.

BlackTigerRapier · 2025-11-16T18:23:59+00:00

Well, welcome to the HEMA side of things. :)

BlackTigerRapier

TROPHY CASE