Thanks Seblaise and others!
Well, it's funny to me that apparently this originated with TPLA? I wonder how much they seriously back this ruleset or whether they see it as a stepping stone to something more true to combat? I know there are some members here so maybe they can shed some light on it.
Greetings! Let me explain a little about our relationship with this rule set and rule sets in general:
First things is first, TPLA is a learning and service based organization. We hope to be able to serve the needs of anyone involved in any rule set or league. All our material is from professional martial arts instructors, thematic coaches, and martial arts scholars in our ranks. We try to vent it as completely as we can through the use of free play and sparring and use a number of rule sets to to teach basic swordplay principles. Some focus on skills development, some focus on strategic play, and other that are basically free fights with limited restrictions. In free sparring practice, experimentation, or “lab” we allow grappling, hand to hand, weapon strikes etc. to test our ideas.
So to your first question of what do we prefer a constrained system or an open system, I am afraid I don’t see that as a dichotomy. There are various levels of freedom of technique that every rule set contains, for the simple fact that we cannot or will not actually injure and kill each other in this activity. Any sport is going to be an abstract analog of combat with rules to force specific behavior. Therefore I don’t see either one as terribly “real”. Some rule set are more fun to play than to watch, some are too complicated to be much fun, but most are strong in one area but have a difficult time in another.
So to us, the French rule set is just another rule set. It is based on our system of progression and safety, as well as some stylistic stuff, but it is Cedric Giroux’s hard work that brought it in to being. We absolutely stand by it as a very cool and fun rule set. We have not yet had a chance to try it out with many people, but when we do a video will be in order. We re very proud of Cedric and his accomplishment. But while the system is based off our system, the rule set its self is the ASL-FFE system. We do not lay any claim to the rule set it’s self.
The ASL-FFE rules are designed as a spectator sport. The rules are concerned with the pace, Ruth and look of the matches as a form of entertainment for an audience. AS such it has some attributes of choreography in it. But also it creates a more easy to follow dynamic of interplay. Large sweeping announcement movements cue not only the fighters but the audience and spectators as well.
Is a stepping stone to something more true to combat? I don’t really know what that is. Every rule set will take their own attitude to what defines “real” combat. Just because you cant just do things randomly doesn’t make it more free a system. Most martial arts start out with a “first hit” type of idea. That becomes limiting very quickly, and you get lots of “whack a mole”. While the French system does require you to telegraph or announce your attack, as an exercise that can be very valuable. It makes you more aware of your opponent and what they are doing rather than just being wrapped up in what you are doing.
In a real battle we can only do a few things that will both keep us safe and allow us to attack the other person. In games like Duan Bing and the first hit rule, doubles and messy exchanges are far more likely. Is that more real? Maybe, but in reality both would die, so I guess maybe not? Being forced to do certain things because the situation dictates it is a part of real combat. But as we said, no competition rule set is really very real. It’s all abstract from out point of view.
Some draw backs we have with it is it is difficult to self score. Refs are sort of needed to judge exchanges. This is not a problem for the FFE as it is for competition. But for casual practitioners, it can be a challenge. It might take a longer time to get used to the rules set being that there are so many fine details. Also, it may take people a bit of time to gain the skill to keep up with the play. Being able to identify when you can start and not start your attack can have a learning curve.
As I said, we are very proud of Cedrics work in getting this accept through the rigorous French Sporting system. It was a huge accomplishment on his part. How seriously do we stand by this? Very seriously. It is a huge deal for this to be accepted in the French Sporting arena. DO I think this is the end all and be all of rules sets? No. It is one that has a specific goal that it accomplished very well. A goal which I should say is shared by a good number of other organizations. To create something that is like a dynamic staged fight with out being that. While that question is one for another time, I don't really see things as being this or that. It is always a a continuum.
We all play our own games and these games are designed to create the type of play that we want to see and experience. This is not really real combat. Real combat has tings forced on you and if you fail, often you are maimed or die. We are forced to used points, thank goodness. So it will always be a toss up in my mind.
I hope this is clears up some things. If not, ask away!
Happy Sabering!