Sullivan Gym serves as a place for students (mostly commuters) to get a solid free weight workout, a nice run in, or get a pick-up game of basketball going. However, many students don’t realize the other activities they can be involved in at the Portland campus gym, and one of these activities is the USM Blade Society.
The Blade Society is a student run organization that trains students or members of the general public how to use a variety of medieval martial arts fighting techniques. They are in affiliation with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), which is an organization that holds competitions that feature the fighting styles taught at Blade Society Practices.
People who are interested in medieval warfare (students or members of the general public) can come to Blade Society practices to learn everything they need to know about competition.
If they wish, members of the Blade Society can use this practice to prepare them for competitions at the SCA level.
Types of Equipment used: Heavy List (Pole axes, broad swords, etc.)- Heavy duty weapons.
Fencing- Traditional fencing swords
Rapier- classic medieval sword
On average there are 20-30 participants every week. The participants are mostly people who aren’t affiliated with USM, so the demand for student involvement is high.
Muske and Whitney will train participants how to use weapons, and teach safety and technique.
Use the same rules that were in effect during medieval combat.
For more information about the USM Blade Society and the Society for Creative Anachronism, contact Raymond Whitney, at [email protected]