Bright new beginnings!

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.


   

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A Year in Training

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?!?

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