Jib

For the past 5 years I have done a free kids game at the Minnesota Renniassance Festival. For the first time in a few years I have the weekend open for Port Washington Pirate Festival and I'd like to bring the game to share. I am having no luck contacting the organizers. The first fellow I dealt with stepped down from his role with the Port Washington Pirate Festival. The person he suggested I contact has not returned my emails (with photos of the kids game). Just wondered if any of you are "in the know" of who I should contact. Note: I am not asking for any money, just permission.

What is a navajas?

What is the history of the Mortuary Sword? I know that it was used in the English Civil War and was a favorite of the Roundheads.

Hogarth always had a little story that followed his pictures. Often small details had deep meaning.

Any wenches for a bodkin?

Woah! Sorry for all the heat this topic has caused. Not my desire to have fellow pirates angry and emotional at each other. A friend and vetran suggested this book to me about 6 years ago and I just got around to reading it. I do suggest that if you feel passionate about this topic you check the book out the next time you visit your local book store or library. It may surprize you.

Have you seen one too many "Sparrow" at the local Ren Fest? How about the "Hot Topic" pirate wench with the spiked heel boots? Or the cheap dollar store pirate with the plastic hat and boot covers? Dread the pirate who bought the shirt, hat, and cutlass to match his jeans and white high tops? Now we all love pirates of all types but let's face it... some times you just want to give these blokes a few pointers.

So what blade beside a sword do you carry? Dirk? Dagger? Main Guache? Stilletto? What sort of "small blade" do you favor?

One other thing that I feel I must add is that Stage Combat entertainers can learn a lot from historical Western Martial Arts perfomers. While the reverse might not always be true. I consider myself an entertainer. My goal is to appear to be trying to kill someone who I very much like with a sharp pointy nasty blade. We do things slightly slower so the audince can see the blows land and attempt to go 'over the top' with the actions and expressions to make it interesting. Safety is always a consideration and concern. One slip and someone could loose an eye! Western Martial Arts performers often wear some form of protection and use blunted weapons (I've seen rabbit blunts on rapier tips). They want to attempt to re-apply old techniques and see if they work in a melee. The goal is to score a hit that would be considered fatal had not the performers pulled shots and taken protective measures. An entertainer who attempts this can learn a few tricks to his or her fight and keep it in a more historical context. As a side note: Nice to see so many interested in stage combat! While I do it for the audience I also do it for me because it is so much fun!

Interesting comments... The book does speak directly to the test that Hurrincane mentions and states that people will do certain things they deem immoral under the direction of a figure of authority. Grossman is a former Ranger and most of his research is from speaking with former vets. He also mentions the book "Face of Battle" that uses military history as a theme. On Killing talks about the distance factor that a couple of you mentioned (easier to kill from a distance as opposed to with bare hands). Grossman also speaks about the Jewish Holocaust and other atrocities (without sounding callous he states the benefits of of the dark powers of atrocity). On Killing also shows meaures that can and are being taken to have soliders fire at the enemy 95% of the time. While a bleak subject the book is easy to read and well presented. Gives me insight into our service men and women who return home from the Middle East. I think pirates may have used another factor Grossman speaks about... Posturing!

I'm currently reading a book that explores the nature of taking a fellow human's life by Dave Grossman. While not 100% pirate period it does bring up a factor that might add to discussion. Grossman states that 98% of people who take life in combat are deeply bothered by this. 2% seem to be immune to the feelings of guilt and may even relish the encounter. I was wondering if these 2% might just have found themselves on pirate ships at various times in history. The book has a lot more statistics and research into warfare, distance between foes, and training to get a solider to fire his weapon at his foe. If you like military history or are curious about the taboo of taking a life this book might be for you. I caution: not for the meek. It is available on Amazon.

One point no one has touched on is that stage combat is for entertainment. I've done a few stage combat fights at MRF and my goal was always to create something visually fun for the audience. Here is a link of a street fight I did against an Italian Actor. We got together at least once a month for 3 months before the show opened. http://picasaweb.google.com/photojordan/JibSFight#

How much of this war was fought in Europe?

so does it help soak up the sweat or just itch?

That is fantastic. Best of both worlds!

Would this mean that you would be outside the fortress walls (beach side, I've only been to PiP once)? Would the small pub that was placed in a corner gun emplacement move or are these two different vendors? When my wife and I attended PiP in 2006 we spent a good amount of time in the gun emplacement tower that was converted into a pub. That place had real atmosphere! The dripping candles, the rough benches, music that echoed off earth, and the view of the sea from behind stone windows had the feel of a place taken over and claimed by pirates. Not that I'm trying to rain on you Hurricane. Just curious.

Pictures would indeed help. When did these neck clothes first appear?

Looking for bit of history concerning Queen Annes War. Anyone have some suggestions for books or links to web sites (yeah I saw wiki already)

What is the proper term for the neck tie, neck wraps, that I often see worn in the 16 and early 1700's?

here is something of interest.

Thanks! I hope to do more in 2009!

Here is a few of me while working a street fight at MRF in 2006. Oh, I'm the fellow with the head rag. Visit My Website Visit My Website

Not enough rope in the world?

Oh I imagine that they would be very costly if they were in good shape. I will have to take a look just for the heck of it!

Does anyone remember the action figures released right around 1974 known as the Fighting Furies? Captain Hook and Captain Pegleg, a pair of gentlemen of fortune who could hurl knives and swing a cutlass! They had various costumes/ adventure kits that you could buy for them. These toys had real class, cloth garb and distinct appearance (Hook was Asian and Pegleg a swarthy skinned fellow!) I got them both for Christmas 1974 and sold them in High School (like a fool) at a yard sale. Pleasant memories that these action figures were "the" toy for me that Christmas long ago.