The Decline of Traditional Martial Sports: Jousting and Swordplay in Modern Times

Nearly everything people call 'martial arts' is in fact martial sports. Boxing, kickboxing, karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – while some of these can be practiced as complete martial systems, in modern times when people claim to 'fight professionally,' they usually mean they 'duel' professionally. Often these duels are unarmed, but sometimes they involve swords. However, the traditional martial sports like jousting and swordplay, despite having plenty of protective gear available, have declined in popularity in the modern era.

Why Jousting and Swordplay Have Decreased in Popularity

Two key reasons for the decline of these traditional martial sports are cost and lack of applicability. Jousting, for instance, is relatively easy but incredibly expensive. To participate, you need to invest in high-quality armor, not to mention the expense of maintaining and updating it over the years. Additionally, while jousting on foot can be relatively forgiving, the complexity and expense of horse riding add another layer of difficulty. As a professional jousting rider, I can teach you the basics of couching a lance in just one afternoon, but I am still an advanced beginner after 35 years of practice.

Jousting: The Cost and Skill Aspect

The primary factor in the decline of jousting is the financial burden. Traditional jousting requires sophisticated and expensive armor, including padding, whipping, and a diverse array of protective garments. These can be costly, and without the right tools, achieving a high level of skill can be challenging. Moreover, jousting requires a deep understanding of horse riding and the mechanics of jousting, which not everyone can afford to learn.

Swordplay: The Complexity and Historical Uncertainty

For swordplay, the situation is even more complex. Historical fencing, as practiced in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), is a massive undertaking. We have no direct evidence of how swordplay was conducted in the past, so we must recreate techniques and movements based on historical manuals. While these manuals are valuable sources, their reliability is often disputed, leading to a lack of consensus on the most accurate methods. This uncertainty makes it harder to establish a definitive way of practicing swordplay.

HEMA and Modern Fencing

HEMA is not a martial art. It is a modern pursuit aimed at recreating historical fencing techniques. While the manual accuracy is important, the accessibility of this sport and the belief in its historical authenticity may not be enough to compete with modern martial sports and combat sports. In HEMA, there is a strong belief that the fencer should be as little protected as possible to enhance the accuracy of the practice. However, if one opts for full armor, techniques from full-contact sports are not suitable. This means that HEMA practitioners often focus on manual accuracy over full-contact sparring.

Jousting and Swordplay as a Martial Pursuit vs. Sport

From a personal perspective, I do not agree with tournament and rules within HEMA. Instead, I view martial pursuits as a means to develop skill and understanding of swordplay or jousting, rather than as a competitive sport. My focus is on Ringeck, a significant historical fencing manual, while I have also studied methods from Saviolo, Meyer, Dobringer, Vd, Von Speyer, and Fiore's manual. While these sources cover a wide range of techniques and combat scenarios, I have found that the core tactical concepts carry through all weapons, but there is still much to explore.

The Future of Traditional Martial Sports

Despite the challenges, there is hope for the revival and continued development of traditional martial sports like jousting and swordplay. With the growing interest in historical recreation and living history, these sports continue to find a niche audience. Moreover, advancements in materials and technology could make these sports more accessible and affordable, potentially increasing their popularity in the future.

Conclusion

The decline of traditional martial sports like jousting and swordplay can be attributed to their high costs and the complexities involved in recreating their techniques. However, the passion and dedication of practitioners like myself ensure that these sports continue to thrive, albeit in a different form. Whether through HEMA or other historical recreations, the legacy of these martial sports remains a vital part of our cultural heritage.