Nah, I'm not a fan of certain SCA aspects (like the 'play a character' part), but I still respect alot of their goals and the depth of their cultural coverage.
I'm in a 14thC 'heavy' re-enactment group based in Sydney - basically we use metal weapons with really regulated and pulled blows, so we only
have
to use a gauntlet, helmet and shield. But its reeeeally fun to use (and make, here's hoping) the different styles of arms and armour. I loooove sword and shield (and single-sword is awesome!), but I'm learning spear atm.
And also the sling, of course! In my spare time, though, not at our weekly training.
Tough luck about the machoish kids you had to put up with. I reckon its a clever move to disallow head or neck shots though, (sorry!
) - adrenalin is a MARVELOUS thing, but it wouldn't last nearly as long as paralysis, I suppose.
Do you still have someone to train with?