An Interview with
Lord Llywellan ap Rhys
How and when did you start fencing in the SCA?
I began to get in shape to play Macbeth. Within two weeks, I was hooked and the play was an entirely separate consideration.
Do you have other combat arts experience?
I had done a considerable amount of stage fighting/fencing and spent about a year at the Fencer’s Club (very on and off) using a foil.
Have you brought anything from stage combat into your fencing?
Mostly a fancy salute and, when my arm gets really tired, a way to flex tired muscles by stepping back and doing fancy blade flourishes instead of just admitting that I'm an old fart and I tire easily.
What do you enjoy most about fencing?
The dialogue with an opponent. Like all marshal art forms, swordsmanship is a very intimate exchange because of the total concentration on somebody else. The best moments are when you both leave the list laughing and there is no reason to verbalize anything because you both understand what has just occurred.
What's the perfect mindset for a fight?
Being in the moment to as great a degree as possible. The only thing that exists is the reality right in front of you. Hopefully, not too close in front of you.
Do you enjoy in-fighting?
Not particularly. I like fencing and that is more like knife fighting with very long knives.
What would you change about your fencing or about the SCA fencing community?
I would like to see more basic work and fewer tricks. There are people it is fun to lose to because they are just that good.
What has kept you fencing over the years?
Shear joy! This has been true of everything I have seriously devoted myself to: acting, flying, writing and painting, as well as fencing. It’s about those moments when you are completely involved and can’t do anything wrong. That’s not about winning or losing, just the engagement in the act.
Name three people who have influenced your fencing.
Alexandre and Pascual, and Derrin, who is not an active member of the SCA.
Do you prefer teaching or marshalling?
For me, marshalling has morphed into teaching. Running a practice will do that. I can’t say I really enjoy marshalling. I don’t find it odious in any way and I see it as service. Teaching can be frustrating in the extreme but it’s always a thrill to see the light bulb go on over someone else’s head when they finally get it.
Melees or single combat?
I'm not a big fan of melee. Historically, it seems a little questionable to me. I think of the rapier as a civilian weapon. Melees can be fun occasionally and really interesting when there is real team work in play, but I prefer one-to-one duels.
Do you favor one rapier form over others?
Yes, case is by far my favorite form. I am also coming to like cape more and more.
Do you study historical combat?
Yes, to a limited degree, mostly by reading Renaissance manuals. It is interesting to reread them and see how much more I understand (but not necessarily agree with) as I fence more.
Which manuals do you enjoy?
Di Grassi, Saviola and, mostly for fun, Silver.
How do you apply what you read to your fencing (or your fencing to what you read)?
Sometimes not at all, and rarely with much scientific effort. Mostly what happens is I discover that something is working (or not) and wonder where that came from. Then I remember that I saw it in a manual and didn't really get it when reading. It's when I apply it that the light bulb finally goes on.
Describe an outfit you would love to fight in if safety were not an issue.
Something lighter, especially the shirt, and made out of a material that breathes better than the Gypsy Pedlar shirts. I am working on a Morion to turn into a fencing helm.
With regard to fencing, or the SCA in general, do you have a favorite accomplishment?
Yes, two or three years ago, I set out to better the relationship between the local SCA fencing community and another medieval group, the MSR. There was some very old bad feeling and it was time to let go on both sides. By serving as MSR Captain of Fence and simultaneously Ostgardr Marshal of Fence for the past two years, I think I have succeeded pretty well in doing that and in keeping fencing alive and well in both groups.
Do you consider yourself primarily a mercenary, or are you more loyal to groups?
Given the offices listed above, I clearly have group loyalties—but I’m a mercenary at heart.
How can you be bribed?
Cheaply! With attention from attractive women.
How can you be defeated?
By fencing better than me.
Whom do you admire?
Alexandre, Pierre, JP, Pascual.
What qualities do you admire in each?
In all, skill, humility, graciousness to opponents and kindness toward learners—and the uncanny ability to get attention from attractive women.
Favorite opponents?
All of the above and the occasional heavy list fighter who picks up a rapier, particularly Sir Tanaka and Sir Valgard. I remember one fight with Dona Marion that was a real pleasure. Unfortunately, never got to repeat it.
Name three behavioral qualities you most admire in list combatants.
Courtesy, ceremony, honor.
What advice do you offer new fencers?
Don’t depend on speed and don’t learn tricks. Learn basic technique (body memory).
Without naming the speaker, give me a quote from someone in the fencing community.
"If I’m getting bruised, I don’t need heavier armor and I don’t need lighter calibration. I need practice parrying."


Interview from July 2007.