Oda Shōnagon (called Umi)
Office that oversees all rapier combat activities in the Middle Kingdom.
Email: [email protected]
Mission Statement
The mission of the Youth Rapier Program for the Middle Kingdom is to provide a safe and fun environment whereby the Youth of the Kingdom from ages six (6) to seventeen (17) years can participate in martial activities, which mirror adult rapier combat, at a level appropriate to their age.
The goal is to introduce and reinforce the ideals of chivalry, honor, courtesy, service, and heraldic pageantry, both on and off the list field.
The program stresses good sportsmanship and significant parental participation. It is designed to allow the youth to learn more about all aspects of the Society and above all, HAVE FUN!
Reporting Schedule
All disciplines are now reporting using the same form. Group marshals are required to report each quarter. Marshals of the Field and Marshals in Training are required to report once a year at the Domesday. Please submit reports here: https://tinyurl.com/midrealmmarshalreport
- Event Reports: The Marshal in Charge has one (1) week to send reports to the Deputy for Youth Rapier within a week of the event via email at [email protected].
Marshals of the Field & Marshals in Training | Dec 1 (Q4/Domesday) |
Local Marshals | Mar 1 (Q1), Jun 1 (Q2), Sep 1 (Q3), Dec 1 (Q4/Domesday) |
Deputies to the Youth Rapier Marshal
Deputy | Vladimir Grigorovich D’ragoun |
Useful Links
- Current Edition of the Youth Rapier Rules
- Background Check Procedures (5/10/23)
- Documents and Forms for Youth Martial Activities at Midrealm Document Library
Latest News
- Heat and Air Quality Policy
- The Pale – July Letter from the DEM – Youth Rapier
- Deputy to the Kingdom Youth Rapier Marshal
- Youth Rapier Experiment
- Youth Rapier Program Update
Experimental Weapon Youth Rapier (Division 2)
What: An experimental weapon trial for division 2 (ages 10-13). The majority of the Known World uses epees for this division but the Middle Kingdom has disallowed that weapon in our Kingdom. An alternative weapon to bridge the gap between plastic swords and metal rapier blades is needed while these children age out of the plastic weapon but are not strong enough to wield a metal weapon. Parents are responsible for reporting after the weapons are used. Marshal in Charge should report as well after the weapons are used. The data will be collected for 2 years at which time a review will be conducted.
Actual weapons to test: Using commercially available weapons from suppliers Purple Heart and HEMA – the Padded saber and the padded broadsword. These links will take you to the 4 total weapons to be used in the experiment.
Purple Heart Armory:
- https://www.woodenswords.com/product_p/pad.rapier.htm
- https://www.woodenswords.com/product_p/pad.saber.h.htm
HEMA Shop
- https://www.thehemashop.com/go-now-training-rapier
- https://www.thehemashop.com/training-sabre-medium
Who: The Middle Kingdom Youth Rapier program
How:
- All combatants, marshals, and parents/guardians must consent to the use of the weapon or material before combat begins. If any of the marshals or combatants, or parents object to the use of the material or weapon, the material or weapon may not be used in that fight or battle. All experimental materials and weapons shall be marked with alternating bands of red and green tape totaling 6 inches in length. Bands shall be visible during weapon usage.
- Experimental weapon experimental reporting is required after every practice, event, tournament, and melee to be completed by both the parents and the MIC of the activity.
- There is a google sheet to report testing and must be filled out every time the weapon is used.
- Once per quarter a report needs to be sent to Middle Kingdom Earl Marshal, MIddle Kingdom Experimental weapons deputy, and the society Youth combat marshal.
- Length of experiment – proposed 2 years.
- At no point will an experimental fight/sparing be between different types – not against plastic or metal swords – only experimental swords.
Questions and concerns about the experiment can be directed to me at [email protected].
Oda Shōnagon (called Umi)