Rope Jousting
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Rope Jousting is a martial sporting competition between 2 jousters, that resembles a Tug of war. In this event, 2 Cinder blocks are placed a distance apart. The 2 jousters stand upon the blocks with a rope stretched between them. The objective for each jouster is to either a) cause their opponent to fall off their block, or b) to take their opponent's end of the rope from them.
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[edit] Two Primary types of Jousts
Jousting "dans dehors" indicates that the combat takes place in an outdoor setting. Jousting "à l'intérieur" takes place indoors. Usually the type of joust being performed determines the length of rope to be used, and therefore the distance between the 2 jousters.
[edit] Origins
Rope jousting was invented by a group of individuals who attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Specific identities were not available to further define its history. It has since spread to many other college campuses (most notably Texas A&M University), and is now not an uncommon activity for college students to watch and participate in.
[edit] Equipment
[edit] The Blocks
Two standard Cinder blocks are used. These blocks need not be, but are preferably different colors so that the jousters may be referred to by the color of the block upon which they stand.
[edit] The Rope
Depending on the type of joust and the amount of space available, a different rope should be used. While jousting "à l'intérieur" typically a Nylon synthetic rope of 30 to 50 feet is preferred, although a natural fiber rope may be used. Jousting "dans dehors" uses a dynamic climbing rope of around 60 meters in length, and can be made of Spectra, Nylon or a myriad of other synthetics. The dynamic climbing rope differs from others in that is has a certain amount of stretch built into it, which come into key play during a rope joust. Synthetic fiber ropes are generally used as a protective measure as they tend to cause less rope burn than ropes made from natural fibers such as hemp.
[edit] Setting up
Regardless of the type of joust setting up begins the same way. The 2 blocks are set up with their flat side facing up, and pointing lengthwise towards each other. The midpoint of these 2 blocks is them marked in whatever way seems fit, usually a heavy object, or stake. The rope is then stretched between the blocks with the center of the rope corresponding with the marker indicating the midpoint of the blocks. All excess rope is coiled, or set, neatly on the ground to the side of the blocks. Each jouster holds their end of the rope at what they deem to be the appropriate length, with the excess remaining on the ground so that the rope between the jousters is taut.
[edit] Jousting "dans dehors"
Whilst outdoors, a spacing of approximately 40 meters is used between each block. This allows for roughly 30 feet of excess rope at each end. When choosing a location outdoors, one must be cautious of the terrain. Excessively sloped land will cause uneven footing for the blocks, and can give an unfair advantage to one jouster. Also, with such a large length of rope, care must be taken that a location is chose in which onlookers/passers-by will not be bothered. For example, stretching the rope across a sidewalk is considered bad form, but stretching one parallel to a sidewalk not only does not interfere with commuters, but allows a front row view of the action.
[edit] Jousting "à l'intérieur"
When jousting inside, generally a long hallway is chosen, with the blocks 15 to 20 feet apart. This spacing causes a much different atmosphere than Jousting "dans dehors".
[edit] Variants
In its original form, each jouster would start with one end of the rope in their hands, and upon an appropriate starting signal would begin to furiously pull in as much slack as they could before the rope became taut, thus attempting to start off the joust with more excess rope than their opponent. This variant is still commonly used while jousting "à l'intérieur".
