Winter Training

The gradual loss of light and decent temperatures has pushed us to reschedule our mid-week training practice to the weekend.  The new time allows us to practice during the day and avoid conflict with other members of the public wanting to utilize the same covered spaces.  The idea here is not to engage in open sparring, but focus on armored drills and training.  Live action work in a controlled environment to simulate situations encountered on the field.

 [Full gear] Here is a list of items we have started to cover:
# Lateral movement during - or in response to - closing situations
# Set up shots, leading to wraps, ending with disengage.
# Feints and shield disruption (hooks/presses)
# Maintaining shield position, or shield blocking during strikes
# Sequential striking
# Video review: Practices, Events, and Trainings

There is a plan to travel at least two weekends a month, including smaller fighting events, if our schedule allows.  This way we can put into practice what we've learned against fighters that we don't spar against often; as well as receive critique from Knights in different regions of the Kingdom.

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A Boot and Shoe Comparison

The process of upgrading armor is a tedious task, but finding the right shoes can be tricky.  Trying to find women's shoes that don't cost a fortune, for fighting, can be almost impossible.  Much like our clothing, a grand majority of our shoes are useless for anything outside.  Having worn quite a variety of shoes, let me break down my experiences for you. 

Pic from Merrell website

Slip on Merrells:  Did just that and would merrily fly off my feet during fights. Great shoe, nearly indestructible, but terrible for sparring.

Pic from Google images

Raichle hiking boots:  Good leather and stitching with absolutely crap for soles.  Lightly used on trails before I decided to wear them twice for fighting, in the rain.  Mid-fight one of the soles tore halfway off....from the wet grass.   

Pic from Google images

Grey Keen Boots: Not the actual boot but close enough.  Wore out the toe in about 4 months and the insole in about 3.  The ankle support was misleading with this boot insofar as much that there was none.  This shade of grey is also a mighty eyesore when the rest of your kit is a nice brown.

My Pic!

Grey Minimalist Merrells:  By far the most comfortable shoes I've run in and fought in.  However, again with the eyesore.  If you ever plan to fight in these keep in mind they are considered barefoot shoes.  If you have not worn them before, DO NOT put them on for the first time and go for a long run or to fight you will injure you feet.  You need to walk around in them normally for a spell to adjust your muscles and body to a non-cushioned sole.

My Pic!

Keen Delancey Boot WP CNX: My newest acquisition via Nordstrom's Rack.  As an FYI, not only does this store have designer shoes but often carries a nice selection of well made outdoor boots. Full grain, waterproof leather and a contoured arch for added mid-foot support.  I'm excited about these.  The pass the 10 foot rule, and pass it well.  With the greaves on they look remarkably like period Rus boots.  Can't wait to show them off.






                                                                      COMPARISON!!

   

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