Never Yield
2 years ago
Thursday, December 8, 2011
It has been a while since I last posted. Mostly I've been puttering around at home, grumpy, waiting on my body to heal up enough to do something other than sit. It did, however, give me ample time to study for all of my final exams this term. Now that those are over it's time to start training again.
A couple of things that are important regarding a fight:
Being able to recognize when someone is trying to set you up for an attack is one of the biggest steps in being able to prepare yourself to stop it. the greater this ability, the faster you can perceive a threat and decide whether it is real or not.
Changing our everyday paradigms to creating an alternative mind set for combat situations. Most of the time you brain runs on autopilot using preset structures about human behavior and critical thinking. These guide our everyday actions but limit us in a fight. In combat you don't have the luxury to sit back and think about what is happening so it is important to precondition yourself to notice aspects of your surroundings, of other people, and of spacial positioning.
There is an aesthetic in combat that should be considered. The fighting community does recognize the "thug" fighter versus "non-thug", or what might be call a skilled fighter. To deal with thugs one must consider that they may not be fighting, but trying to immediately render you incapable of resisting. While the set up may take time, the attack is going to come at you fast. Preconditioning will help deal with this but it is difficult to prepare for. A few ways that help include: trying to provoke an attack by make them attack when you are ready, and by countering patterns to breaking up their combinations.
A couple of things that are important regarding a fight:
Being able to recognize when someone is trying to set you up for an attack is one of the biggest steps in being able to prepare yourself to stop it. the greater this ability, the faster you can perceive a threat and decide whether it is real or not.
Changing our everyday paradigms to creating an alternative mind set for combat situations. Most of the time you brain runs on autopilot using preset structures about human behavior and critical thinking. These guide our everyday actions but limit us in a fight. In combat you don't have the luxury to sit back and think about what is happening so it is important to precondition yourself to notice aspects of your surroundings, of other people, and of spacial positioning.
There is an aesthetic in combat that should be considered. The fighting community does recognize the "thug" fighter versus "non-thug", or what might be call a skilled fighter. To deal with thugs one must consider that they may not be fighting, but trying to immediately render you incapable of resisting. While the set up may take time, the attack is going to come at you fast. Preconditioning will help deal with this but it is difficult to prepare for. A few ways that help include: trying to provoke an attack by make them attack when you are ready, and by countering patterns to breaking up their combinations.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Sometimes you feel tired, and when you feel tired you feel weak, and just want to give up. You've got to look deep down inside and find that inner strength and pull that shit right out of you. Find that motivation to not give up, no matter how badly you just want to fall flat on your face and collapse. Every move, every blow, every breath, every step, agony. Broken down, beaten, bested. And this is when you stand back up, take a breath, and come at them again.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
At the beginning of the four week training course I was determined to take my time and focus on each task at hand. This also meant slowing down and holding back against opponents struggling to practice new skills. A trip to the hospital and some stitches later forced a hard lesson down my throat. All training with opponents, skilled or not, requires good focus and concentration. Newer opponents lack control and regulation of power in their shots which can lead to accidental injury to themselves or others. By being lax in my focus I not only lost vital training time but received a decent injury for my trouble.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
| As promised! The patterning for me was the most difficult part of making this piece of armor. Having failed several times, due to lack of/vague instructions found on the internet, it finally occurred to me that my approach was all wrong. I just asked a friend on mine with a fashion degree, and he had an extra one laying around. Total cheat I know, but after 5 failed attempts to pattern out my own belt I felt I was due for a bit of help.The biggest problem was thinking it needed to sit lower on the hips like a pair of hip hugger jeans. Nope! |
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| Arming point: Front, leg. |
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| Designer C-belt |
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| High on the hips under belly button |
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Mental Models: Impact on training, sparring, competition
When approaching an opponent it is good to have a plan, one that addresses the size, speed, and ability of your opponent. Noticing distinctions allows mental skills to be developed and perfected. Much like physical skills, mental skills, can be thought of as a three-phase process (Fitts and Posner 1967).
The cognitive assesses the nature of the threat in front of you without being overwhelmed and "receives what comes", or is ready to handle what your opponent throws at you. It is important to not focus too much on previous fights or future fights as it distracts you and separates the physical and mental connection needed to focus on what is happening right now. Through this we create mental models that shape expectations within the fight. We analyze, compare, contrast, evaluate, synthesize, reject ideas or integrate those we choose to retain. This can impede or advance our mental model and overall mastery of the skill set we desire to learn.
The development of better proprioception and kinaesthetics comes from an understanding of how biochemistry works within the brain. However, this can also be referred to as a fight or flight response coupled with lots of practice. Understanding and analyzing opponents movements and reactions are one thing, but without actually sparring to familiarize the brain with repetitive body movements your chances of improvement in these areas is low. This ties heavily into the autonomous process. The combination of cognitive assessment and associative integration lead directly into the autonomous process. This means we make sense of the sequence and connectivity of events, and our interpretations of them, and act based on our physical familiarity and mental model of a situation.
References:
FITTS, P. & POSNER, M. (1967) Human Performance. Belomont Brooks
When approaching an opponent it is good to have a plan, one that addresses the size, speed, and ability of your opponent. Noticing distinctions allows mental skills to be developed and perfected. Much like physical skills, mental skills, can be thought of as a three-phase process (Fitts and Posner 1967).
- Cognitive: focusing on the nature of the task.
- Associative: development of better (1)proprioception and (2)kinaesthetics: or (1) an awareness of body position, location and orientation as well as movement of the body; (2) an awareness of the muscular movements of the limbs and body.
- Autonomous: making this an unconscious process
The cognitive assesses the nature of the threat in front of you without being overwhelmed and "receives what comes", or is ready to handle what your opponent throws at you. It is important to not focus too much on previous fights or future fights as it distracts you and separates the physical and mental connection needed to focus on what is happening right now. Through this we create mental models that shape expectations within the fight. We analyze, compare, contrast, evaluate, synthesize, reject ideas or integrate those we choose to retain. This can impede or advance our mental model and overall mastery of the skill set we desire to learn.
The development of better proprioception and kinaesthetics comes from an understanding of how biochemistry works within the brain. However, this can also be referred to as a fight or flight response coupled with lots of practice. Understanding and analyzing opponents movements and reactions are one thing, but without actually sparring to familiarize the brain with repetitive body movements your chances of improvement in these areas is low. This ties heavily into the autonomous process. The combination of cognitive assessment and associative integration lead directly into the autonomous process. This means we make sense of the sequence and connectivity of events, and our interpretations of them, and act based on our physical familiarity and mental model of a situation.
References:
FITTS, P. & POSNER, M. (1967) Human Performance. Belomont Brooks
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
It's frustrating. It's disheartening. It's poor performance in a tourney. With a crushingly low success rate during the round robin portion of a tournament, I've been searching for a reason or an excuse to console myself. Basically whining away the hours until I realized that a low win to loss ratio doesn't always reflect on the quality of your fighting. Some times it just means you've been getting better. The threat presented is much greater as the hours of practice you've been doing being to prove that the dip in the couch has been missing you. This ultimately leads to upper tier opponents taking you more seriously and thus taking you out much more quickly. There are always ups and downs. It's important to realize this and not loose focus.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
After a bit of hit-and-miss, one country away and a move later, my new leg harness arrived! It's been a bit of a jumble trying to coordinate from person to person and event to event to make sure the leg harness and I ended up in the same place at the same time. Whew!
New leg harness also means new hip belt. I have been using a standard weight lifting belt in place of this since that is what came with the other harness I've been wearing. Not the best belt for anyone, women in particular. The edges of the belt end up digging into the top of the hip bone and/or put pressure on the lower back causing pain. The C-belt pattern accommodates the natural hip shape as well as distributes the weight of the leg harness along the core of the body rather than centering it on the lower back. More on this later when the belt has been completed!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Some times finesse goes right out the window. A flailing mess of poorly thrown blows, a bull rush, an utter lack of exploiting your opponents openings...etc. It's not a lack of practice, but a lack of patience and mental focus. Experience can go along way when performing controlled actions within a fight. Knowing when and how, as well as feeling the movement and flow of the match determines the options available. For example throwing a few head shots can force your opponents shield upward opening up a leg blow. While not the most complex of combinations it can be successful frequently if timing and position are good.
Knowing how to engage an opponent is one of the most difficult things for me. I never know how to begin. If there is a plan in mind will it be telegraphed, will my defense fail, will my focus falter the longer I stand there.....which is the heart of the matter. To much thinking, not enough commitment or confidence in my skills.
Knowing how to engage an opponent is one of the most difficult things for me. I never know how to begin. If there is a plan in mind will it be telegraphed, will my defense fail, will my focus falter the longer I stand there.....which is the heart of the matter. To much thinking, not enough commitment or confidence in my skills.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Along the path to achieve a better kit, a more period representation of actual armor and clothes, a few friends had a plan to build a viking pit house. Fortune was in their favor with the availability of land, cedar, and a dozen shovels ready to dig. On the first of the week they dug, and dug and dug. Chopping through roots and handing buckets of soil up out of the pit at a breakneck pace.
"A house!" they cried. "we will dig until it is done."
Preparing the wood, mid week, turned out to be quite the job as well. The chain saw was only usable part of the time and several logs were split by maul and axe. That in its self is no small task my friend. The wood must be watched to make sure it splits evenly along its axis, while the mauls are moved slowly up the length to keep tension on the split. I'm no logger so I took video to show you what I mean.
Setting to posts was simple. Those not splitting the longs had dug the post holes in preparation, and long steel nails were driven deep into the wood for stability and longevity as the frame began to take shape. Once the frame was set in place our minds bent toward roofing. And up the roof went, that is all I can say. It was paneled, tared, framed, and covered with the extra dirt from digging the pit. Having never roofed I just dug and poured extra dirt for the eventual sodding.
Here the construction stopped. Time had run out and more materials were needed to finish up the walls. Planks will be nailed to the exterior part of the frame and the remaining dirt from digging the pit will be shored up against the structure. This will help regulate temperature, cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
To take a better look at the building of this project please take a look at the link below.
Viking Pit House!
"A house!" they cried. "we will dig until it is done."
Preparing the wood, mid week, turned out to be quite the job as well. The chain saw was only usable part of the time and several logs were split by maul and axe. That in its self is no small task my friend. The wood must be watched to make sure it splits evenly along its axis, while the mauls are moved slowly up the length to keep tension on the split. I'm no logger so I took video to show you what I mean.
Setting to posts was simple. Those not splitting the longs had dug the post holes in preparation, and long steel nails were driven deep into the wood for stability and longevity as the frame began to take shape. Once the frame was set in place our minds bent toward roofing. And up the roof went, that is all I can say. It was paneled, tared, framed, and covered with the extra dirt from digging the pit. Having never roofed I just dug and poured extra dirt for the eventual sodding.
To take a better look at the building of this project please take a look at the link below.
Viking Pit House!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Every two years the Kingdom of An Tir hosts an event called Sport of Kings. This is the penultimate event. So much time, effort, and money is spent to improve and maintain armor, garb, camp, and travel vehicles that when gazing down the rows of hand painted silk flags one can only desire the opportunity to become a grand champion. The grandeur represented by this event is reason enough alone to strive on the off years to become a hero. As a squire it represents an open forum where I can receive helpful critiques from a wide variety of instructors, show knights progression in my fighting, and connect with people from other kingdoms.
Don't believe me...look at some of the photos.
Here is a taste:
http://talentus.smugmug.com/SCA/20110820-Sport-of-Kings/18655603_zxktGH#1442053455_dP3jZj7All of these photos are copyrighted.
http://www.sportofkings.org/
Sport of Kings: Academy of Armored Combat, August 18-21, 2011 Barony of Three Mountains, Portland, Oregon
"Sport of Kings: Academy of Armored Combat" is a four day learning event presenting to students of all interests and backgrounds, an opportunity to learn about the activities that support and glorify tournaments. It is an opportunity for aspirants to martial skill to learn from accomplished practitioners.
Don't believe me...look at some of the photos.
Here is a taste:
http://talentus.smugmug.com/SCA/20110820-Sport-of-Kings/18655603_zxktGH#1442053455_dP3jZj7All of these photos are copyrighted.
http://www.sportofkings.org/
Sport of Kings: Academy of Armored Combat, August 18-21, 2011 Barony of Three Mountains, Portland, Oregon
"Sport of Kings: Academy of Armored Combat" is a four day learning event presenting to students of all interests and backgrounds, an opportunity to learn about the activities that support and glorify tournaments. It is an opportunity for aspirants to martial skill to learn from accomplished practitioners.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The more we delve into technology the more we focus on using it to spread ideas. I'm always a fan of instructional videos, with work and school hounding my heels constantly I don't always have time to meet with members of the Chivalry for training. It is a real treat to observe and study techniques from knights in other kingdoms and see how they relate to the style in my own kingdom. This way, when having discussions with my knight, I can use my observations to try and add some thing to my tool box. Recently brought to my attention, via Facebook, is this site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Modern-Medieval/111670658864063
http://www.youtube.com/user/themodernmedieval
http://www.modernmedieval.org/TV/Welcome.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Modern-Medieval/111670658864063
About : Welcome to the Modern Medieval! The show that explores and explains medieval combat, arts and sciences, the concept of chivalry and how they apply to the modern day.
These two links are the corresponding homepage and youtube:http://www.youtube.com/user/themodernmedieval
http://www.modernmedieval.org/TV/Welcome.html
Sunday, March 20, 2011
This is a fantastic fighting focused blog -- check it out! http://nakedswordsmanship.wordpress.com/
Friday, February 25, 2011
Three tools of training!
The first, that looks vaguely like a fraternity paddle, re-enforces on edge mechanics. When used to throw a shot it glides easily through the air so long as the thin edge moves toward the target. When the mechanics are wrong the flat edge drags in the air, much like an airplane wing, causing the sword to move incorrectly.
The second is an old sword stripped of its hilt, and used for pel work. Pel work is important for learning muscle memory, throwing combos w/ flow, and learning recovery. It's important to know how your sword rebounds so you don't hit yourself in the head. When throwing combos move about and establish flow. Your opponent doesn't stand still when your fighting so why should you practice your shots in a stationary position.
The third is a light piece of bamboo with triggers. This little whippy thing I use to practice new shots with and do slow work with a partner. Since it's so light I can tap my practice buddy without fear of serious injury, and don't need to worry about hurting myself by throwing a shot incorrectly.
This month our fighting workshop guest was Duke Radnor from the West Kingdom. He taught a sword/shield tourney centric class with focus on flow, form, and addressing the threat of your opponent. The session was video taped and can be found here on youtube. There are 10 videos in this sequence:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20YH1tCbsw8
A new training exercise was recommended, the Centurion Challenge. Everyday for 100 days you throw 100 shots. If you miss a day the sequence starts over again from day 1. This promotes muscle memory, good form, and adds to training time overall during the year, which leads to better performance on the field. Day one of this exercise complete!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20YH1tCbsw8
A new training exercise was recommended, the Centurion Challenge. Everyday for 100 days you throw 100 shots. If you miss a day the sequence starts over again from day 1. This promotes muscle memory, good form, and adds to training time overall during the year, which leads to better performance on the field. Day one of this exercise complete!
Monday, January 31, 2011
In my kingdom a "tournament circuit" has sprung up in hopes of getting a badass group of people committed to participating in one designated tourney a month in an effort to raise the caliber of tournament fighting. The tournaments have been chosen each month in a different location to enable fighters from all over the kingdom to have an opportunity to participate.
The rules of the circuit are as follows:
1. Email intent via email to organizers.
2. Commit to going to the tourney designated for each month. Only heavy combat tournaments count for points (you do not get extra points for also participating in an equestrian or rapier tournament at a designated event).
3. If you cannot go to one of the tournies, send two fighters (who are not participating in the circuit) in your place who actually fight in the tournament (and tell organizers who they are, so they can verify) OR donate to the prize chest. Donations to the prize chest should be hand made or worth $20 or more -- rattan is great, jewelery is great, rivits, buckles and leather are great; however, candles, incense, potpourri and duct tape not so much. You MUST make a donation to the prize chest (worth $20 or more) or send fighters in your place for each tournament you cannot attend.
4. You get one point for every tournament you attend. You get one additional point if you bring one or more fighters who compete in the monthly tournament, but who are not participating in the tournament circuit. You get one additional point for each tournament on the circuit you win. So, the most points any one person can earn per tournament is 3.
5. We are commissioning a wooden chest, which, along with all the donations to the prize chest, and perhaps one more commissioned prize, will go to the person who has the most points after the 2011 tournament circuit is concluded. Most likely to be awarded at 12th night 2012.
This month was the first of these tournaments, and happened to be one of the largest heavy fighting events in our kingdom. Ursulmas, where the lists and intensity of the fighting is greater than a crown tournament. The day consists of round robin format, 22 fights in each ring, a veritable marathon of fighting. Not only is it a test of endurance, but strategy and skill in order to last until the end of the qualifying round. No easy feat, and a point of pride to make it to the end.
The rules of the circuit are as follows:
1. Email intent via email to organizers.
2. Commit to going to the tourney designated for each month. Only heavy combat tournaments count for points (you do not get extra points for also participating in an equestrian or rapier tournament at a designated event).
3. If you cannot go to one of the tournies, send two fighters (who are not participating in the circuit) in your place who actually fight in the tournament (and tell organizers who they are, so they can verify) OR donate to the prize chest. Donations to the prize chest should be hand made or worth $20 or more -- rattan is great, jewelery is great, rivits, buckles and leather are great; however, candles, incense, potpourri and duct tape not so much. You MUST make a donation to the prize chest (worth $20 or more) or send fighters in your place for each tournament you cannot attend.
4. You get one point for every tournament you attend. You get one additional point if you bring one or more fighters who compete in the monthly tournament, but who are not participating in the tournament circuit. You get one additional point for each tournament on the circuit you win. So, the most points any one person can earn per tournament is 3.
5. We are commissioning a wooden chest, which, along with all the donations to the prize chest, and perhaps one more commissioned prize, will go to the person who has the most points after the 2011 tournament circuit is concluded. Most likely to be awarded at 12th night 2012.
This month was the first of these tournaments, and happened to be one of the largest heavy fighting events in our kingdom. Ursulmas, where the lists and intensity of the fighting is greater than a crown tournament. The day consists of round robin format, 22 fights in each ring, a veritable marathon of fighting. Not only is it a test of endurance, but strategy and skill in order to last until the end of the qualifying round. No easy feat, and a point of pride to make it to the end.
Monday, January 3, 2011
My first year of training is coming to an end. Here is a brief list of things in focus.
Basic stance
Basic movement in stance. Also known as foot work.
Bull-in-the-ring. Aggression and how to utilize it against your opponent.
Slow work. Pel and Katas to build muscle memory.
Fitness. Stretching and warm-ups.
Off the field conditioning. Includes Diet and gym time.
Armor: Different types. Sport, Period, and how to cover and repair both properly.
Mental game. Why am I fighting? how much does this cost?!?
Basic stance
Basic movement in stance. Also known as foot work.
Bull-in-the-ring. Aggression and how to utilize it against your opponent.
Slow work. Pel and Katas to build muscle memory.
Fitness. Stretching and warm-ups.
Off the field conditioning. Includes Diet and gym time.
Armor: Different types. Sport, Period, and how to cover and repair both properly.
Mental game. Why am I fighting? how much does this cost?!?
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