American Sword of Chivalry

By
Scott Farrell
Published: May 23, 2008Posted in: Sports

Pointed Lessons About The Code of Chivalry

Jousting is more often thought of as a “show” rather than a “sport,” but when six competitors gathered in Poway, Calif., for the American Sword of Chivalry 2008 jousting tournament, American audiences got a very rare opportunity to see knightly skills in action. Most jousting shows, while colorful, dramatic and delightful entertainment at Renaissance Faires and dinner theaters, are a display of theatrical talents and stunt riding, not actual skill at hitting an opponent with a lance with accuracy, grace and sportsmanship.

The jousting tournament was covered in Episode 22 of the Chivalry Today Podcast — including interviews with many of the riders, and the winner of the weekend’s competition. Below are pictures and video of this exciting and educational event, that posed the question: Can a modern athlete learn a lesson in sportsmanship from the days of chivalry?



Video: The Mounted Melee

YouTube Preview Image

Video: Jousting — Dominic Sewell v. Arne Koets (and shaking hands afterward)

YouTube Preview Image

Video: Jousting — Frederick Piraux v. Jeffrey Wasson

YouTube Preview Image

Related posts:

  1. Episode 29: Campaigning to Live with Chivalry
  2. Episode 20: Chivalry Behind the Badge
  3. Prince Caspian & Chivalry – Podcast 21
  4. Come Join Us Live!
  5. Episode 22: Zombies, Time Travelers and King Arthur

About the Author

Scott Farrell is the founder and director of the Chivalry Today Educational Program. He gives dozens of live presentations on the history and values of chivalry every year at schools, libraries, and civic and professional organizations throughout Southern California. His thoughts and conversations on chivalry can be heard worldwide every month on his Chivalry Today Podcast. His essays on the code of chivalry have appeared in numerous magazines and books, including Living A Life Of Value (Jason Merchey, editor) and the forthcoming Martial Arts And Philosophy (Damon Young, editor).