The fight starts before the armor, before you pick up your stick, and before you step onto the field. It begins with an individual that is devoted to himself and understands the gravity of taking up arms against his fellow man.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

On 4:20 PM by Unknown     No comments
Yesterday evenings pel session, with my knight and squire brother, took on a different focus.  Using the iPad app Coach's Eye we recorded series of blows on the pel, for each person, then discussed with instant video review.  The beauty of this app is the ability to break down the video frame by frame and the option to draw freely on the screen.  By watching the slowed video any shifts in weight, miss steps, and poor hand/arm positions become instantly noticeable and can be pointed out with the draw feature.  By recording multiple sessions any recurring bad habits can be addressed and the scope of training immediately shifted to correct the mistakes. 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

On 5:34 PM by Unknown     No comments
The wolf of the land howled and horns sounded, sullen and soaring.
Men of oak took up asps tongues and sharp, earth bound ore.
Adders of the sea swept the sail road, ready raven's food.
And red wound-flames rent the cold tumult of the corpse-scathe.
 

For five days two kingdoms meet for War.  On the coast brave battles are fought and won, and heroes honored for their great deeds.  Unlike tournaments, wars rely on group tactics, nerves, and a variety of ranged/pole arm weapons.  With a sword and shield it is often better to stay in a tight group and hold a position than to engage to opponent.  Pikes, archers, and raiding units break up the enemy line allowing for the advancement of your own troops.  After this year I've decided to per sue the use of a bow and/or spear to be more effective in battles that favor the press.    

Fighting all day for two days straight was a blast.  I've never been more tired or pleased with myself at a fighting event.  Learned a few things about expectations and how to follow my own desires and heart along the way. Less worry about living up to expectations and more focus on personal potential.  My road, my path, my "bucket". 

I have a wonderful support system that is helping make my dream a reality.