Criticism and Judgment
10 years ago
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Student: "How do you fight such an opponent?"
Teacher: "With heart, faith, and skill.'
There is a mental shift that occurs where focus on the small things, like individual fights, is replaced by a broader more over-all view of the sport. Defeating an opponent comes from an ability to adapt your techniques and skills to any situation within a fight. At practice you train and learn how different strikes feel, and what situations to use them in. These actions need to become first nature so you can be engaged physically and disengaged mentally, allowing you to feel and adapt during an exchange of blows.
Attitude when approaching a fight will also contribute to its outcome. When fighting opponents of a greater skill level, fight them. Don't assume they will beat you 10 times out of 10 solely based on reputation. If you go into the fight thinking you will loose, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage. It doesn't matter if you loose, it matters that you make an impression. Their overall experience may overwhelm your skills, but the fact they had to work for the win will give them something to remember you for.
A little update to this post. A good informative video, focusing on female fighting, that is well worth the time to watch from The Modern Medieval .
Teacher: "With heart, faith, and skill.'
There is a mental shift that occurs where focus on the small things, like individual fights, is replaced by a broader more over-all view of the sport. Defeating an opponent comes from an ability to adapt your techniques and skills to any situation within a fight. At practice you train and learn how different strikes feel, and what situations to use them in. These actions need to become first nature so you can be engaged physically and disengaged mentally, allowing you to feel and adapt during an exchange of blows.
Attitude when approaching a fight will also contribute to its outcome. When fighting opponents of a greater skill level, fight them. Don't assume they will beat you 10 times out of 10 solely based on reputation. If you go into the fight thinking you will loose, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage. It doesn't matter if you loose, it matters that you make an impression. Their overall experience may overwhelm your skills, but the fact they had to work for the win will give them something to remember you for.
A little update to this post. A good informative video, focusing on female fighting, that is well worth the time to watch from The Modern Medieval .
Monday, April 9, 2012
At practices and events I always hear long discussions about workouts that primarily focus on weightlifting. In this sport, a goodly percentage bulk train for strength to increase power but agility training is often left out. Agility drills are perhaps the most underrated exercises when it comes to conditioning for our type of combat sport. While the armor is protective, it doesn't mean you should stop moving to avoid being struck. Plyometrics is a type of exercise
designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the
functions of the nervous system. If your looking to increase your overall fitness, then this type of training is definitely something to add to your weekly workouts. These exercises are explosive and very high intensity, which matches up perfectly with the quickness needed in certain combat situations.
A few examples of these include:
Any of the jumping drills are great for building lower body quickness. These exercises include box jumps, squat jumps, side jumps, jumping lunges, ladder drills, etc.
For the upper body: medicine ball throws, plyometric push ups, and other explosive push up variations.
A few examples of these include:
Any of the jumping drills are great for building lower body quickness. These exercises include box jumps, squat jumps, side jumps, jumping lunges, ladder drills, etc.
For the upper body: medicine ball throws, plyometric push ups, and other explosive push up variations.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
It is my goal to run the Spartan Race next year.
As much time as I have spent hitting the gym to build up muscle and endurance, I had forgotten how much fun it is to push my limitations in other areas. I need to run the Spartan Race next year, to train, to push, to see how much punishment I can take. It is a truer test of endurance and fortitude than cranking out 5 miles on a treadmill or stationary bike. I had gotten so obsessed with focusing on training skills that it was beginning to feel like work. It is overall fitness, practice and clarity of mind that help you improve. When on or all of these things becomes occluded you find yourself on a plateau.
My change is mud races. I fell into it by accident when a friend of mine out of the blue signed up for one and wanted some friends to run with. All in all I'm not much of a runner, mostly because I get bored running at a gym, when there is no goal in mind. I need to run SOMEWHERE to SOMETHING not run in place, it doesn't serve much purpose in my mind besides the drudgery of exercise. So when this opportunity to join up for a race presented itself, I jumped at it. It was brutal and I learned, a lot, the hard way. Running gear was designed for a reason; to be light, to shed heat and water, and to be nonrestrictive. I wore clothes that were none of these things........
observe:
This also applies to sparing gear. It should be nonrestrictive, fit comfortably, and protect you well. I often see kits slapped together at events that can not be comfortable and obviously fight natural body motions. I know feeling of wanting to get in gear, any gear to get you out there, but take heed from this photo. You may be out there but you wont be performing at an optimal level. Make sure the gear you wear is right for what your doing.
As much time as I have spent hitting the gym to build up muscle and endurance, I had forgotten how much fun it is to push my limitations in other areas. I need to run the Spartan Race next year, to train, to push, to see how much punishment I can take. It is a truer test of endurance and fortitude than cranking out 5 miles on a treadmill or stationary bike. I had gotten so obsessed with focusing on training skills that it was beginning to feel like work. It is overall fitness, practice and clarity of mind that help you improve. When on or all of these things becomes occluded you find yourself on a plateau.
My change is mud races. I fell into it by accident when a friend of mine out of the blue signed up for one and wanted some friends to run with. All in all I'm not much of a runner, mostly because I get bored running at a gym, when there is no goal in mind. I need to run SOMEWHERE to SOMETHING not run in place, it doesn't serve much purpose in my mind besides the drudgery of exercise. So when this opportunity to join up for a race presented itself, I jumped at it. It was brutal and I learned, a lot, the hard way. Running gear was designed for a reason; to be light, to shed heat and water, and to be nonrestrictive. I wore clothes that were none of these things........
observe:
This also applies to sparing gear. It should be nonrestrictive, fit comfortably, and protect you well. I often see kits slapped together at events that can not be comfortable and obviously fight natural body motions. I know feeling of wanting to get in gear, any gear to get you out there, but take heed from this photo. You may be out there but you wont be performing at an optimal level. Make sure the gear you wear is right for what your doing.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Being coach-able requires a set of interpersonal skills that allow the fighter to learn, grow and achieve their potential. To grow to potential a fighter needs to first begin by listening to their instructor. This requires active listening to what is being said, by the instructor, and not thinking about what they want to say in response. If too much time is spent thinking about your response then your not open to what is being said. This leads to spending more time defending the ego instead of accepting you do not know everything and that you may learn something from the advice being given.
Second, the fighter needs to understand their emotions and reactions. When receiving criticism, constructive or not, some emotions over take them and they may begin to feel embarrassed or angry. When this happens they become defensive and in some cases completely shut down. Understanding that on the path to reaching your potential it is crucial to be able to manage these emotions and be open to feedback. Once this is achieved the fighter can then choose to accept the feedback and take direction to change or ignore it. Different skills work for different people so some feedback may not be as constructive as others. Hopefully your instructor can provided specific examples of how to improve and what to do. If not, the fighter needs to ask questions to clarify what will help them improve and what steps to take to achieve it. If you are unsure about how to improve you also need to step up and ask for feedback about fighting performance.
Here are some thoughts from a few conventional sports trainers on the subject.
Andy Petranek, owner/founder of CrossFit Los Angeles, says coach-able athletes have the following qualities:
They're humble. They're okay slowing down for the sake of learning form. They are usually master technicians. They think long-term. They measure progress in months and years versus day by day. They're competitive with themselves as much or more than with others. They have a good sense of humor and don't take things too seriously. They practice things on their own. They're willing to try new things. They aren't hung up on doing things the way they always have. They look toward change. They're willing to take risks. They're respectful. They know they don't know it all.
Barbara Skiba, a retired field hockey coach, looked for athletes who:
- Are committed to the sport
- Love the game/activity
- Respect coaches, teammates, and opponents
- Accept responsibility for outcome of contest; don't make excuses for losses
- Work hard at practice as well as games
- Exercise self control on and off the field of play
- Possess confidence but not arrogance
- Possess inner strength; able to control emotional responses and concentrate on what has to be done in pressure situations
- Are competitive, but have fun and enjoy the game
- Are able to set their ego aside and learn to adapt.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
One of the privileges of training with a high profile instructor is the opportunity to watch fighters in the upper bracket practice and discuss techniques. Over the next month a small group, around 7, will be focusing on tournaments. Twice a week the group will be filmed fighting a double round robin. The idea is to gear up, warm-up, fight, then immediately review the video footage. By reviewing the footage so quickly the fighters and the instructor can break down mental game and technique while the fights are fresh in their minds. An overall improvement in performance is expected by stressing the importance of a few fights. The constant rebuilding of paradigms, or situational mind-sets, will hone focus and help the fighters ability to be successful during tournaments.
For myself I took a week off. The injuries, illness, and some uncomfortable fights were leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. Instead of mopping around and increasing my discontent, I gave myself time to clear my head, heal, and rediscover the reasons for stepping onto the ring. Turns out it was just what I needed.
For myself I took a week off. The injuries, illness, and some uncomfortable fights were leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. Instead of mopping around and increasing my discontent, I gave myself time to clear my head, heal, and rediscover the reasons for stepping onto the ring. Turns out it was just what I needed.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Throwing shots on the pel
1) Find your maximum range and take up position.
Throw shot, moving forward. Stay light on your feet.
Strike thru target, keeping hand above shoulder level, and connect with pel.
Your hand should end the blow just above the level of the opponents right shoulder.
2) From first ending position
Start movement in desired direction and pivot hand toward offside blow.
Keep elbow tucked toward body to shorten rotational axis. (This also prevents you from throwing too much arm into this reversal shot and injuring your shoulder.)
3) Adjustment of blows
a) hand position determines where the tip of the sword will land.
hand down = tip up
hand up = tip down
b) The goal is to effortlessly throw a blow using body motion in coordination with arm and hand positioning to guide the sword to its target.
4) Alternative starting position
a) High guard. Good for quick sniping sword blows and defending left side of head against quick onside snaps (against right handed opponents).
1) Find your maximum range and take up position.
Throw shot, moving forward. Stay light on your feet.
Strike thru target, keeping hand above shoulder level, and connect with pel.
Your hand should end the blow just above the level of the opponents right shoulder.
2) From first ending position
Start movement in desired direction and pivot hand toward offside blow.
Keep elbow tucked toward body to shorten rotational axis. (This also prevents you from throwing too much arm into this reversal shot and injuring your shoulder.)
3) Adjustment of blows
a) hand position determines where the tip of the sword will land.
hand down = tip up
hand up = tip down
b) The goal is to effortlessly throw a blow using body motion in coordination with arm and hand positioning to guide the sword to its target.
4) Alternative starting position
a) High guard. Good for quick sniping sword blows and defending left side of head against quick onside snaps (against right handed opponents).
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Warm up: 30 minute intervals
Lat pulls: 90 lbs reps 3x12
Shoulder press: 30lbs reps 3x12
Chest press: 40 lbs reps 3x8
Triceps: 10lbs reps 3x15
Biceps: 30lbs bar reps 4x10
Squats: 60 with Olympic bar
Roman chair: 80, 40 with 10lbs weight
35 minutes of stretching
Alternated chest and back on Monday and Wednesday. Friday was a travel day up to a tournament.
Lat pulls: 90 lbs reps 3x12
Shoulder press: 30lbs reps 3x12
Chest press: 40 lbs reps 3x8
Triceps: 10lbs reps 3x15
Biceps: 30lbs bar reps 4x10
Squats: 60 with Olympic bar
Roman chair: 80, 40 with 10lbs weight
35 minutes of stretching
Alternated chest and back on Monday and Wednesday. Friday was a travel day up to a tournament.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Week #2 max weight stats.
Warm up: 15 minutes elliptical
Leg Press: 80 lbs
Abductor: 115 lbs
Adductor: 115 lbs
Calf press: 30 lbs
Leg curl: 50 lbs
Leg extensions: 30 lbs
Roman chair: 80 reps, 10 on each quarter of the body
40 reps w/ 10 lbs weight, 10 each quarter of the body
Cool down: 30 minutes of stretching
Practice Monday night: 2 hours
Wednesday night: Discussion of goals for the season including financial requirements. Minor improvements to fighting and camping gear.
Warm up: 15 minutes elliptical
Leg Press: 80 lbs
Abductor: 115 lbs
Adductor: 115 lbs
Calf press: 30 lbs
Leg curl: 50 lbs
Leg extensions: 30 lbs
Roman chair: 80 reps, 10 on each quarter of the body
40 reps w/ 10 lbs weight, 10 each quarter of the body
Cool down: 30 minutes of stretching
Practice Monday night: 2 hours
Wednesday night: Discussion of goals for the season including financial requirements. Minor improvements to fighting and camping gear.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Week #1 max weight stats.
Warm up: 15 minutes elliptical
Leg Press: 75 lbs
Abductor: 115 lbs
Adductor: 115 lbs
Calf press: 30 lbs
Leg curl: 50 lbs
Leg extensions: 30 lbs
Roman chair: 80 reps, 10 on each quarter of the body
40 reps w/ 10 lbs weight, 10 each quarter of the body
Cool down: 30 minutes of stretching
Going to be sore later. Week one of fitness goal, for the gym, achieved. Will be gradually adding in training exercises and drills as the year progresses.
Warm up: 15 minutes elliptical
Leg Press: 75 lbs
Abductor: 115 lbs
Adductor: 115 lbs
Calf press: 30 lbs
Leg curl: 50 lbs
Leg extensions: 30 lbs
Roman chair: 80 reps, 10 on each quarter of the body
40 reps w/ 10 lbs weight, 10 each quarter of the body
Cool down: 30 minutes of stretching
Going to be sore later. Week one of fitness goal, for the gym, achieved. Will be gradually adding in training exercises and drills as the year progresses.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Spent the evening yesterday talking with my Knight. We ran over a basic list of things we wanted to focus on this year including combo drills, plyometrics, and pushing for 10% increase in over all max lifting at the gym. Pushing over all fitness is a great way to start. I had a coach once that told us, "if you can't beat them in skill, beat them with better endurance". This may end up being the theme for the year, though I am optimistic about my success with piecing together blows to create better flow and continuity within my fights. It will be my ability to sharpen situational awareness that will help me choose the right course of action against an opponent.
I'll be posting my lifting routine from the gym every week. That way I will have a record of how cardio and strength training has helped me improve throughout the year. This may also be followed by nutrition information as the bodies needs change as the level of activity increases.
Re-enforcing message from my Knight:
I'll be posting my lifting routine from the gym every week. That way I will have a record of how cardio and strength training has helped me improve throughout the year. This may also be followed by nutrition information as the bodies needs change as the level of activity increases.
Re-enforcing message from my Knight:
About those objectives for 2012:
Strength improvement goals could be set individually for three areas - legs, torso, upper body. Something like max squat or leg press +10%, torso max reps for select exercises (eg, crunches, leg-lifts, Back Extensions) standing overhead press max free weight +10%.
- Consistent practice: total attendance for once a week in drills, once a week in sparring.
- Achievements: Compete in 12 (event) tournaments in 2012.
Perhaps we should look at my core strength book and select some exercises for us to incorporate as pre-drill and post-drill workouts.
Strength improvement goals could be set individually for three areas - legs, torso, upper body. Something like max squat or leg press +10%, torso max reps for select exercises (eg, crunches, leg-lifts, Back Extensions) standing overhead press max free weight +10%.
- Consistent practice: total attendance for once a week in drills, once a week in sparring.
- Achievements: Compete in 12 (event) tournaments in 2012.
Perhaps we should look at my core strength book and select some exercises for us to incorporate as pre-drill and post-drill workouts.
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! |
 |
| Arming point: Front, leg. |
 | ||
| Designer C-belt |
 | |
| 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?!?
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Warrior
“It always happens that way. If one seeks to train under him, first he asks them to fight me, he does not give them a motive, or an outcome, should they win or loose. And I fight to loose, you saw, I swagger, I ignore openings, I allow myself to be beaten down. There have been many outcomes to this test. Some men berate me, call me a fool and insult the old man as they win. Those I am given permission to do with what I will, when they have gone too far, or show no promise. Some question the man’s stability and choose another path believing me a weak pupil, and thus the master weak as well, these men walk away. Others walk away for they would not fight a female or an assistant; they are the saddest of all. But some, like you, realize that it is cruelty to hammer a beaten opponent, you question the master, and thus, the test is won. And you saw, I am none too worse for the wear, for I can act and fool a man to believe me beaten. But there are a rare few too, who ask to start ‘why?’ they question why they should blindly fight an opponent with no motive those men have become some of his greatest pupils.”
“It always happens that way. If one seeks to train under him, first he asks them to fight me, he does not give them a motive, or an outcome, should they win or loose. And I fight to loose, you saw, I swagger, I ignore openings, I allow myself to be beaten down. There have been many outcomes to this test. Some men berate me, call me a fool and insult the old man as they win. Those I am given permission to do with what I will, when they have gone too far, or show no promise. Some question the man’s stability and choose another path believing me a weak pupil, and thus the master weak as well, these men walk away. Others walk away for they would not fight a female or an assistant; they are the saddest of all. But some, like you, realize that it is cruelty to hammer a beaten opponent, you question the master, and thus, the test is won. And you saw, I am none too worse for the wear, for I can act and fool a man to believe me beaten. But there are a rare few too, who ask to start ‘why?’ they question why they should blindly fight an opponent with no motive those men have become some of his greatest pupils.”
Thursday, December 16, 2010
As we all know our armor is always in a state of constant disrepair, and when we let this lapse for a long enough period of time it can lead to injury and disqualification from the tourney field. This week I spent a brief period of time updating and upgrading a few pieces of my gear. Remember these waxed leather bazubands:
In regard for my arms metal slats were added for more protection.
Taking a blow to the shins is an uncomfortable and somewhat irritating experience. So, On To Greaves!
After cutting my greave pattern out of 3/8s leather I realized it was really rather ridged in smaller pieces and needed to be shaped. Standard simple soaking procedure is as follows:
(1) soak leather piece in water until saturated.
(2) place leather piece over/in mold and secure.
(3) let leather dry in mold and remove.
After soaking my leather I needed a way to attach it to my mold. Some inquiring yielded a fairly simple solution. While forcing my leather onto the mold I diligently fought embarrassment to cover it in plastic wrap. This plastic layer protects the leather from the duct tape used to secure it in place on the mold. Picture as follows.
 |
| (Note the effort used to hold said leather in shape.) |
Taking a blow to the shins is an uncomfortable and somewhat irritating experience. So, On To Greaves!
After cutting my greave pattern out of 3/8s leather I realized it was really rather ridged in smaller pieces and needed to be shaped. Standard simple soaking procedure is as follows:
(1) soak leather piece in water until saturated.
(2) place leather piece over/in mold and secure.
(3) let leather dry in mold and remove.
 |
| Materials |
 |
| Leather secured on mold with tape |
Friday, December 10, 2010
With the completion of my fall academic term, and gradual recovery of mental fortitude after finals, it's time to dust off my helmet and step back out onto the field. As glorious as my return is in my own head, queue cheers and banners waving in the air as I defeat one knight after the other, the reality will be much more like this.
Anyhow last night at practice a few of us discussed custom shield bosses available in Germany. They are not accepting orders again until the end of January, to prevent large backups, but this gives me ample time to create a wish list. enjoy!
Anyhow last night at practice a few of us discussed custom shield bosses available in Germany. They are not accepting orders again until the end of January, to prevent large backups, but this gives me ample time to create a wish list. enjoy!
http://www.rudis-kuenstlerwerkstatt.de/gallerie-helm-engl.htm
Monday, August 30, 2010
I've gone and gotten myself a proper dress squires belt. Has a hand carved lost wax cast bronze belt tip even!
To be honest I lost track of posting due to work, school, and practice schedules. It's the usual BS procrastination blurb but there it is none the less.
Lately I've been participating in a one month Crown Challenge to prepare myself for the tournament with other folks from my kingdom. Here is the information as follows, names excluded.
Crown Challenge -- One Month
Hello,
I'd like to challenge everyone (including myself) to do the best they can at Crown in September. How I think we can all do better is in our conditioning, preparation, and awareness.
So, I'd like to offer the following challenge:
Every day from August 5th until September Crown (Sept 5th is the day of the Crown Tournament) do one of the following:
1) 30min of cardio
2) 30min of gym/workout
3) 30min of pellwork
4) Fight practice or fight at an event
5) 30min of video study
6) Attend an event but no fighting
Obviously there are needs for breaks due to fatigue and natural body rest and this is why I have included the video portion, and ‘attend an event but no fighting’ (that and it is a great way to immerse and analyze fighting).
I’ll try to think of a suitable reward for those of us who can complete the challenge, and I would ask that if there is anyone you think would enjoy/benefit from this to please invite them to the group.
To be honest I lost track of posting due to work, school, and practice schedules. It's the usual BS procrastination blurb but there it is none the less.
Lately I've been participating in a one month Crown Challenge to prepare myself for the tournament with other folks from my kingdom. Here is the information as follows, names excluded.
Crown Challenge -- One Month
Hello,
I'd like to challenge everyone (including myself) to do the best they can at Crown in September. How I think we can all do better is in our conditioning, preparation, and awareness.
So, I'd like to offer the following challenge:
Every day from August 5th until September Crown (Sept 5th is the day of the Crown Tournament) do one of the following:
1) 30min of cardio
2) 30min of gym/workout
3) 30min of pellwork
4) Fight practice or fight at an event
5) 30min of video study
6) Attend an event but no fighting
Obviously there are needs for breaks due to fatigue and natural body rest and this is why I have included the video portion, and ‘attend an event but no fighting’ (that and it is a great way to immerse and analyze fighting).
I’ll try to think of a suitable reward for those of us who can complete the challenge, and I would ask that if there is anyone you think would enjoy/benefit from this to please invite them to the group.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Aannnnd like a stick shift being driven by a teen....stalled out. However getting back on track begins tonight with a little help from my knight:
Objectives repeated:
I'd like to switch gears a bit starting next week.
We have now gone through several iterations of drills
and have a set of folks who should understand the
goals and details of each one. These "old-hands"
can guide newer attendees if necessary.
So, next week as soon as you arrive and suit up and
have an available partner I want you to run through
a standard set of "warm-ups". During warm-ups let
us stay focused on action, keeping discussion of
action to a minimum (and save unrelated discussion
for afters at the pub).
Warm-up set
1) 5 passes of the retreat-side step
2) 5 Passes advancing on-side head
3) 5 passes advancing on-side leg
4) 5 passes advancing off-side head
5) 5 passes flow drill - focus on maintaining quality in
execution.
Note: One pass of a drill is a round-trip - one partner
exercising down the length of the training floor and the
other partner exercising coming back. For flow drill
one pass is an exchange of at least 20 blows between
partners.
After warm-ups, take a break. We'll give the last folks
to finish a chance to doff their helm and get some water.
Then we are going to work on three shot sets. This
is where the rest of the time is going to be spent.
I'll define a three shot action and we will set new
pairs to work through the initial understanding and
then hopefully finish with repetitions as time allows.
Each shot in a three shot set involves understanding
details of the foot placement, weight shifts, upper
body motion, hand placement, timing and flow into
the next shot.
Disclaimer: The three shot set is not something I
designed for you to use in competition, but something
I intend to teach your mind/body. It is possible a
set could morph into a standard offensive tool,
but that would be through your own efforts to
adapt one into your repertoire.
Objectives repeated:
I'd like to switch gears a bit starting next week.
We have now gone through several iterations of drills
and have a set of folks who should understand the
goals and details of each one. These "old-hands"
can guide newer attendees if necessary.
So, next week as soon as you arrive and suit up and
have an available partner I want you to run through
a standard set of "warm-ups". During warm-ups let
us stay focused on action, keeping discussion of
action to a minimum (and save unrelated discussion
for afters at the pub).
Warm-up set
1) 5 passes of the retreat-side step
2) 5 Passes advancing on-side head
3) 5 passes advancing on-side leg
4) 5 passes advancing off-side head
5) 5 passes flow drill - focus on maintaining quality in
execution.
Note: One pass of a drill is a round-trip - one partner
exercising down the length of the training floor and the
other partner exercising coming back. For flow drill
one pass is an exchange of at least 20 blows between
partners.
After warm-ups, take a break. We'll give the last folks
to finish a chance to doff their helm and get some water.
Then we are going to work on three shot sets. This
is where the rest of the time is going to be spent.
I'll define a three shot action and we will set new
pairs to work through the initial understanding and
then hopefully finish with repetitions as time allows.
Each shot in a three shot set involves understanding
details of the foot placement, weight shifts, upper
body motion, hand placement, timing and flow into
the next shot.
Disclaimer: The three shot set is not something I
designed for you to use in competition, but something
I intend to teach your mind/body. It is possible a
set could morph into a standard offensive tool,
but that would be through your own efforts to
adapt one into your repertoire.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Following discussions about reaction times, with my knight and collective training group, arose this question: What can we do for our sport to specifically train our reaction time?
There are several webpages that can be found with general Google searches, here are a few of them:
http://www.brianmac.co.uk/reaction.htm
This one is about professional athletes using perception predict outcomes:
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/15-06/ff_mindgames
Here is "A Literature Review on Reaction Time" report that has a lot of interesting items on factors effecting reaction times:
http://biology.clemson.edu/bpc/bp/Lab/110/reaction.htm
Also, there is a difference between visual and audible response. Sometimes we have had the "trigger" person stand behind the pell with a 6 foot baton held ~12" above it, and the "go" was on the baton strike to the pell.
Yet another variation is to number the strike points 1-4 and the "go" is the call of which # to strike. This introduces decision into the reaction; Is the strike reaction fast and correct?
There are several webpages that can be found with general Google searches, here are a few of them:
http://www.brianmac.co.uk/reaction.htm
This one is about professional athletes using perception predict outcomes:
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/15-06/ff_mindgames
Here is "A Literature Review on Reaction Time" report that has a lot of interesting items on factors effecting reaction times:
http://biology.clemson.edu/bpc/bp/Lab/110/reaction.htm
Also, there is a difference between visual and audible response. Sometimes we have had the "trigger" person stand behind the pell with a 6 foot baton held ~12" above it, and the "go" was on the baton strike to the pell.
Yet another variation is to number the strike points 1-4 and the "go" is the call of which # to strike. This introduces decision into the reaction; Is the strike reaction fast and correct?
The theme for last week was reaction, quickness and speed (which could be paraphrased as "explosive response").
On the pell, put a 2" square of different colored tape on each side of the "head" and on each "thigh".
1) The striker stands on-guard (use a shield) and says ready to the referee.
2) The referee waits a random 1-5 seconds and shouts "Go!".
3) The striker explodes their shot to hit the 2" target.
4) Repeat steps 1-3.
5) Repeat steps 1-3.
... (after 10 strikes at target)
12) Change target to the next tape mark and repeat 1-3.
13) Repeat 1-3.
...
42) Switch people and start over.
This yields 40 shots per person, 10 each at the four tape marks. The on-guard position does not need to remain the same, in particular, for the different targets.
Things to keep in mind:
This drill should occur early in the practice session when everyone is fresh. There should be some warmup work first (maybe 5 minutes of light striking combos per person). If you think the striking technique looks incorrect during the drill, work with that person to correct the technique in future practice sessions, before more training sessions.
On the pell, put a 2" square of different colored tape on each side of the "head" and on each "thigh".
1) The striker stands on-guard (use a shield) and says ready to the referee.
2) The referee waits a random 1-5 seconds and shouts "Go!".
3) The striker explodes their shot to hit the 2" target.
4) Repeat steps 1-3.
5) Repeat steps 1-3.
... (after 10 strikes at target)
12) Change target to the next tape mark and repeat 1-3.
13) Repeat 1-3.
...
42) Switch people and start over.
This yields 40 shots per person, 10 each at the four tape marks. The on-guard position does not need to remain the same, in particular, for the different targets.
Things to keep in mind:
This drill should occur early in the practice session when everyone is fresh. There should be some warmup work first (maybe 5 minutes of light striking combos per person). If you think the striking technique looks incorrect during the drill, work with that person to correct the technique in future practice sessions, before more training sessions.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I've hit the point in my training where my focus needs to switch from casual interest to serious dedication. I've been upping my personal fitness with cardio and weightlifting and changed to a more protein rich diet. The theory I discuss with my knight keeps me on track, helping to analyze mental and physical issues. My gear slows me down so I must be faster, my size is smaller so I must strike precisely and with good force, I will not die. When I fight, I fight to survive, I will not go down.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Second round of HIIT Fitness completed this morning, again on the recumbent bike, with better success. The seat was adjusted correctly so my back was flat against it while I spun, alleviating the "recumbent butt" issue. Due to the intensity of this type of exercise I've chosen to do it every third day instead of the normal 30 pre-weight lifting cardio.
Earlier last week I took my helm into a shop and pounded out the dents, reshaped the dome, etc...but needed to change the padding to fit my newly fixed gear. My Knight and I got together and spent the time fitting new padding into the dome of my helmet. The foam looked and felt perfectly usable but after a few gagging blows I am uncertain if it will hold up for a season. It compressed a bit too easily causing the metal to slap slightly against my head, rocking me a bit too much for safeties sake. We alleviated this issue by adding some stiffer foam into the top of the helm but I may purchase a few different materials and use the padding currently in the helm as a pattern for later. Sometimes padding doesn't work out, I'm glad my Knight and I spent the time checking it out.
Earlier last week I took my helm into a shop and pounded out the dents, reshaped the dome, etc...but needed to change the padding to fit my newly fixed gear. My Knight and I got together and spent the time fitting new padding into the dome of my helmet. The foam looked and felt perfectly usable but after a few gagging blows I am uncertain if it will hold up for a season. It compressed a bit too easily causing the metal to slap slightly against my head, rocking me a bit too much for safeties sake. We alleviated this issue by adding some stiffer foam into the top of the helm but I may purchase a few different materials and use the padding currently in the helm as a pattern for later. Sometimes padding doesn't work out, I'm glad my Knight and I spent the time checking it out.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
An interesting read on changing cardio routines for max results.
http://www.simplyshredded.com/fit-with-hiit-science-is-dropping-the-hammer-on-endless-bouts-of-steady-state-cardio.html?awesm=fbshare.me_AL54O
Gave this theory a try today at the gym using a recumbent bike and learned a few things. To my unfortunate demise, some riders suffer "recumbent butt," a pain in the gluteal muscles caused by their increased effort while being compressed. This can usually be addressed by adjusting the seat angle and pedal position. In a more reclined position, the weight is spread evenly between the back and buttocks alleviating discomfort.
http://www.simplyshredded.com/fit-with-hiit-science-is-dropping-the-hammer-on-endless-bouts-of-steady-state-cardio.html?awesm=fbshare.me_AL54O
Gave this theory a try today at the gym using a recumbent bike and learned a few things. To my unfortunate demise, some riders suffer "recumbent butt," a pain in the gluteal muscles caused by their increased effort while being compressed. This can usually be addressed by adjusting the seat angle and pedal position. In a more reclined position, the weight is spread evenly between the back and buttocks alleviating discomfort.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
In leu of my trial gym membership I've ordered an FRS sample pack of a work out supplement. It came in two forms, a drink you mix with water and soft chews. I admit the only reason I actually ordered it was for the free water bottle and the 14 day trial pass to 24hr fitness but after a few days of working out I'm hooked. In college I made it a habit to work out at least three times a week, mostly to combat the winter slump, to offset the time spent sitting in study. Without the availability of a university gym and my induction into squiredom, practice became a place to hone combat skills not improve physical fitness. Under the tutelage of my knight and squire brothers I've begun a fitness plan to improve strength, power, finesse, and endurance. Through these things I will become better suited to learn and progress with my fighting career.
Ha! Was sneaky and waited out for a good membership deal at 24 Hour Fitness. I will become an added member onto my room mates account for $24.99 a month. He gets the extra points and free item, while I gain a cheap membership and 24 hour access to a nearby gym.
Ha! Was sneaky and waited out for a good membership deal at 24 Hour Fitness. I will become an added member onto my room mates account for $24.99 a month. He gets the extra points and free item, while I gain a cheap membership and 24 hour access to a nearby gym.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Keeping in mind the level of fitness required to compete at an expert level I've begun spring training for the summer and fall fighting season. Upping cardio and introducing weight training to supplement weekly practices is the goal in mind. I'm using resistance bands to strengthen fast twitch muscles while using heavy weights to build muscle mass. Improved cardio will help with endurance on the field and in upcoming tournaments.
To focus on sword skills I throw 25 shots per six points on the body per stance to build muscle memory. Pel drills are few and far between for me as I do not have a pel but have started utilizing a few in the area open to me by some friends. I'm not going to promise myself I will improve attendance and such since I will inevitably find some reason not to go, legit or not.
Am taking time to plan out repairs and replacements of damaged and uncomfortable pieces of armor and obtain the items I want, not quick fixes. I'm not trusting my gear and it's getting in my head during fights.
My knight and I have started on another path of training, the non-physical. One night a week is devoted to discussing etiquette both on and off the field, sword skills and theory, as well as general banter to establish a more comfortable working relationship between the two of us. Of course on some mornings other members of the household will be included to bring in other opinions and to share ideas the two of us have discussed.
To focus on sword skills I throw 25 shots per six points on the body per stance to build muscle memory. Pel drills are few and far between for me as I do not have a pel but have started utilizing a few in the area open to me by some friends. I'm not going to promise myself I will improve attendance and such since I will inevitably find some reason not to go, legit or not.
Am taking time to plan out repairs and replacements of damaged and uncomfortable pieces of armor and obtain the items I want, not quick fixes. I'm not trusting my gear and it's getting in my head during fights.
My knight and I have started on another path of training, the non-physical. One night a week is devoted to discussing etiquette both on and off the field, sword skills and theory, as well as general banter to establish a more comfortable working relationship between the two of us. Of course on some mornings other members of the household will be included to bring in other opinions and to share ideas the two of us have discussed.
Friday, February 26, 2010
A students work is never finished. The lineage I uphold requires nothing less than the best. Being the most junior member I must work the hardest to impress my brothers and learn from them all that I can so that I may take my place beside them when the time comes. For now my obsession is the focus I put into my training. Repetition, fitness, and focus. Oh how I need that focus.
I've a small side project in mind. Compiling a book for newcomers to flip through with pictures and basic rules of what our combat is and how to protect yourself. Your armor can look like crap, its important you get out there.
Event update: When fighting with An Tir at Estrella I won an Oleander to hang on my belt.
I've a small side project in mind. Compiling a book for newcomers to flip through with pictures and basic rules of what our combat is and how to protect yourself. Your armor can look like crap, its important you get out there.
Event update: When fighting with An Tir at Estrella I won an Oleander to hang on my belt.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Welcome to this factory of fame, this outrageous calamity of rattan. In An Tir this isn't fighting it's school for heroes. If it isn't hard, if you can still see straight, then you haven't begun to push yourself past those limitations to exceed even those greater that stand before you. Get some or get out.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Returned home this weekend from my kingdoms premiere fighting event consisting of eight erics, each with twenty fighters, formatted round robin. A couple of things made themselves quite clear. There is a difference between power needed in shots at practice and in tournaments, endurance becomes a huge factor in later rounds, I would rather pass out that drop out of a tourney because I'm tired, and I need more follow through on my shots. Good times, back to the grindstone I go.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Was in a horrible mood yesterday not wanting to practice, still sulking over the muscle fatigue in my arm, and just over all angry at the world. Was yelled at by housemate that I always drag him out when he is being a whinney mess and ends up having a good time so I should get my ass in gear. So I dragged myself of the couch and into the car. Ended up having a better night than expected. Here's to motivational yelling, hurray.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Where has my motivation gone? With the upthrust of squiredom I expected my enthusiasm to just take off. This is not so. Lately I've been finding reasons to avoid practices, not fight well, and over all be generally inside of my head. I can attribute some of this to a healing arm injury and family stresses but not this over all dampening of spirits to a depressing level. I've gotten wrapped up in myself and need to knock it off so I can improve my standing in the pack.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Oooff! Today I became the squire of one Jarl Ulfred and was witnessed by my fellows in arms into the household of a great paragon of An Tir! I'm filled with a nervous excitement and an oddly calm confidence for my future. I will be a knight and today was the public acceptance of my pledge to take steps in that direction.
P.S New half gauntlets are in order. My poor hand is lucky to not have been broken yet wearing the ill fitting protection I currently own.
P.S New half gauntlets are in order. My poor hand is lucky to not have been broken yet wearing the ill fitting protection I currently own.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Brief note about Monday Practice. Need to continue cardio and weight training after the holiday season as well as yoga w/ stretching to improve flexibility. Christmas tum is slowing me down a bit. Took my time last night to focus on quality fights and head space. Fighting planned sets using current skills to the best of my ability. Actualized a few areas needing improvement such as fighting to the skill level of my opponent, improper sword blocks, and choppy flow. A senior squire had me point out the errors while watching other fights to better understand the reasons behind some of the actions I've imitating and how to survive in different sparring situations.
Revised Practice Schedule:
Mondays: Learning technique.
Tuesday and Wed:Theory, philosophy, fundamentals and light technique.
Thursdays: Competitive focus
At Home: *Flexibility, fitness, weight training
*Conditioning for strength and stamina
*Flexibility both mental and physical
*Fluid Movement
Revised Practice Schedule:
Mondays: Learning technique.
Tuesday and Wed:Theory, philosophy, fundamentals and light technique.
Thursdays: Competitive focus
At Home: *Flexibility, fitness, weight training
*Conditioning for strength and stamina
*Flexibility both mental and physical
*Fluid Movement
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The new year is approaching rapidly and with it the cold temperatures that have consistantly kept the attenance low at practices. I fought in my second tournament, this one a more high caliber than the first, and even though I did not make it off of my field, I felt I fought well and held my own against the knights. Down sides included an elbow shot that gave me trouble in my final fights and a bit of oil slick on the ground. Must focus more between fights, be careful of flat footing, and remember to rinse my mouth with water after fights for hydration.
Friday, November 20, 2009
All the hard work. Practices, pell nights, and personal home fitness are starting to pay off. People are starting to notice improvement in my sets and today tell me I was kinda scary to fight since I can stand toe to toe with some of the chiv in attendance. I like the way that sounds. I do try to fight them well and improve when I can. Some day, when I grow up I'll be a knight; but for now I take slight awe and fear. It's all about the word fame right? I've got a long way to go.
Also: I suck at teaching. Words escape me, geeky scientist trying to teach fighting doesn't always work out. At least I can show them the movements while someone else narrates.
Also: I suck at teaching. Words escape me, geeky scientist trying to teach fighting doesn't always work out. At least I can show them the movements while someone else narrates.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
More of the head game from my Knight:
Think of three primary realms where the fighter operates, emotional, perceptual and physical.
* Physical provides the foundation without which perceptions and emotions do not matter. It is the process of mastering the physical that also allows us to master the perceptions and emotions. The physical realm encompasses our toolbox. More tools give us more options when on the job. We must continually sharpen the tools we own, while mastering additional tools to place in the box.
* Perceptual we develop through time-in-hat engaged in contests "that matter" to us. Our perceptions allow us to select the correct tools for the job, and to use them at the proper time. There can be an intellectual component that guides honing perceptions via studying the "body-language" of contests between others. This is not easy though and requires not watching as entertainment, but for analysis. Video is tricky too, being 3-D (width, height, time) rather than 4-D (adding depth) and lacks the perspective of the opponent (third person impersonal versus first person personal).
* Emotional is how our basic natures relate to contention, and our ability to make significant self-change. It determines if we get the job done efficiently, or at all. Uncontrolled emotions hinder our ability to learn when training, and give our opponents an unearned advantage. Lack of emotional involvement in execution or outcome leads to poor performance. Metaphysically - We could as well call this spiritual, I suppose, but spiritual can imply outside forces as much as internal forces - I see combat as mastering internal forces (emotions). The nature of your beliefs in external forces only matters in how it allows you to master yourself, and can be detrimental in self-mastery if it excuses making the effort (fate/destiny/this is my nature).
Think of three primary realms where the fighter operates, emotional, perceptual and physical.
* Physical provides the foundation without which perceptions and emotions do not matter. It is the process of mastering the physical that also allows us to master the perceptions and emotions. The physical realm encompasses our toolbox. More tools give us more options when on the job. We must continually sharpen the tools we own, while mastering additional tools to place in the box.
* Perceptual we develop through time-in-hat engaged in contests "that matter" to us. Our perceptions allow us to select the correct tools for the job, and to use them at the proper time. There can be an intellectual component that guides honing perceptions via studying the "body-language" of contests between others. This is not easy though and requires not watching as entertainment, but for analysis. Video is tricky too, being 3-D (width, height, time) rather than 4-D (adding depth) and lacks the perspective of the opponent (third person impersonal versus first person personal).
* Emotional is how our basic natures relate to contention, and our ability to make significant self-change. It determines if we get the job done efficiently, or at all. Uncontrolled emotions hinder our ability to learn when training, and give our opponents an unearned advantage. Lack of emotional involvement in execution or outcome leads to poor performance. Metaphysically - We could as well call this spiritual, I suppose, but spiritual can imply outside forces as much as internal forces - I see combat as mastering internal forces (emotions). The nature of your beliefs in external forces only matters in how it allows you to master yourself, and can be detrimental in self-mastery if it excuses making the effort (fate/destiny/this is my nature).
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tonight I had some good sets with the knights in attendance and a good warm-up/practice drill with my soon to be squire brother. I made sure to keep myself moving, being smaller movement is a vital part of my developing style, to prevent crushing blows and resets during the fight. My goal is to keep my opponent on their heels and simply move out of harms way while setting up blows rather than fighting toe to toe. Small steps up!
There are a few things I need to improve upon. Upping the aggression, this will come with time and a little prodding from some pals. Others include more seamless transitions in and out of my opponents A and B ranges, more efficient sword recoveries, and remembering good form. For me exceptional form will equal good power and appropriate skill level for higher level tournaments in the future. I maintain my Squire Challenge workout but need to up my cardio to increase endurance. Running in the rain? need some rain pants.
There are a few things I need to improve upon. Upping the aggression, this will come with time and a little prodding from some pals. Others include more seamless transitions in and out of my opponents A and B ranges, more efficient sword recoveries, and remembering good form. For me exceptional form will equal good power and appropriate skill level for higher level tournaments in the future. I maintain my Squire Challenge workout but need to up my cardio to increase endurance. Running in the rain? need some rain pants.
Monday, November 2, 2009
It may not officially be winter yet, but that doesn't prevent the temperature from dropping down or wind from whipping through the practice site. It's time for the winter long haul, freezing hands, numb limbs, and nothing to do but whine whine whine about it. HA!
I now pronounce the Fighter Winter Whining season open!! Please feel free to post those deepest and utmost desires to complain about everything and anything regarding weather, discomfort, and drudgery of dragging yourself to practice in those less than optimal conditions.
I now pronounce the Fighter Winter Whining season open!! Please feel free to post those deepest and utmost desires to complain about everything and anything regarding weather, discomfort, and drudgery of dragging yourself to practice in those less than optimal conditions.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Fitness is of the utmost importance. A few years ago a Sensei, very traditionaly japanese, taught me that it is not only skill but fitness that drives advantage. What you lack in skill can be covered up by the frequency and athleticism. There is no restriction in your movements and thus, if you can not strick your opponent you can frequently moveout of the way until a clear opening presents itself.
I am resigned to my weights and cardio seeing as my ability to armor up is hampered by an unfortunately frequent necessity to visit cemetaries this month. Family first, but this doesn't hamper my ability to train on my own by systematically heading off my Squires challenge and hiking a few miles a day with the dogs.
I am resigned to my weights and cardio seeing as my ability to armor up is hampered by an unfortunately frequent necessity to visit cemetaries this month. Family first, but this doesn't hamper my ability to train on my own by systematically heading off my Squires challenge and hiking a few miles a day with the dogs.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I was approached by a knight I sincerely respect to take up the mantle as his squire. While I can not ask for better, I must first step away from my Man-at-arms position to another knight.
The weather has turned cold, severely affecting my enthusiasm for suiting up in crappy weather at our outdoor covered practice sites. That quote "whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger" is feeling a lot like one of those building character activities. I suppose my cardio and endurance will increase significantly but I foresee loads of silent grumbling on my part as well. I will resume practices as normal starting this week after a hiatus with family over this past weekend that was wrapped up with a memorial service down in California.
The weather has turned cold, severely affecting my enthusiasm for suiting up in crappy weather at our outdoor covered practice sites. That quote "whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger" is feeling a lot like one of those building character activities. I suppose my cardio and endurance will increase significantly but I foresee loads of silent grumbling on my part as well. I will resume practices as normal starting this week after a hiatus with family over this past weekend that was wrapped up with a memorial service down in California.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Off to a pals house for an evening of burgers, slow work and drills on the pell. The four of us did a few six point drills and discussed a few others like Sean's five point drill and speed rounds for other practices. Afterward we paired off for slow work changing partners after about five minutes to focus on control, form, tempo. I discovered a few bad habits like pulling my shield out of place and not returning my sword back to start. Small things but also something that can make a huge impact on the fight over all.
On a good note my back is alright albeit a little swollen and bruised. So long as I continue to use good form there is no ache. I've also a clear head now from the events of Tuesday night. The lessons I learn while training ring more true than they have before.
On a good note my back is alright albeit a little swollen and bruised. So long as I continue to use good form there is no ache. I've also a clear head now from the events of Tuesday night. The lessons I learn while training ring more true than they have before.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
For the past three weeks I've been a man-in-arms and until last night looked like the arrangement might work out. Being a vastly smaller and lighter fighter, than the grand majority of folks out there, I deal with being tossed around, shoved, pushed and upended a bit more frequently despite the footwork. However it also means that being Thugged can be a bit of a problem. While I loves me the thuggery there is a time and place and last night was not one of those times. My opponents lack of self control could have left me fairly injured last night had his blow landed somewhere other than my back. It was a good reminder of why we wear the armor we do and a good check on myself to see if I wanted to continue fighting in the future. I know my body can not take shots like that on a regular basis and stepping away may be the best idea in lue of that possibility.
On a lighter note I tested out my new arm armor, waxed leather bazubands, with great success! Lighter, smoother, with just enough difference to throw me off a little and expose some nasty habits that had been hiding the metal monstrosities. Had some decent sets with some of the other knights at practice and despite my lack of flow I hope that I gave them a bit of a challenge. I learned I need to practice shots with the new arms to rid myself of perpetual flatting, to stop blinding myself, and quit throwing single shots and resetting. I realized my mind set was not where it needed to be and my performance suffered for it. As did my abs for trying to engage them more. Fortunately, there were good friends and the soothing succor of drinks to finish out the evening.
On a lighter note I tested out my new arm armor, waxed leather bazubands, with great success! Lighter, smoother, with just enough difference to throw me off a little and expose some nasty habits that had been hiding the metal monstrosities. Had some decent sets with some of the other knights at practice and despite my lack of flow I hope that I gave them a bit of a challenge. I learned I need to practice shots with the new arms to rid myself of perpetual flatting, to stop blinding myself, and quit throwing single shots and resetting. I realized my mind set was not where it needed to be and my performance suffered for it. As did my abs for trying to engage them more. Fortunately, there were good friends and the soothing succor of drinks to finish out the evening.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Yesterday evening I carpooled up with a few friends to the dragon's laire rose tournament. The format was three killing blows during the course of the fight, arms and legs counting as kills, keeping your legs. The knights present took the field while the remainder of the fighters challenged for the right to earn a rose for themselves or for the inspiration of the victor. Out of 5 holding the field I took home three roses, not a bad day at all. We had to fight quickly due to the rapidly fading light, reduced visibility makes for poor sparing, and pick-ups were fierce in the over head lights.
On the ride home we discusses a few things I needed to focus on in the future, and be aware of in the long run to avoid social faux pas both on and off of the field.
On the ride home we discusses a few things I needed to focus on in the future, and be aware of in the long run to avoid social faux pas both on and off of the field.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
For once crown tourney was close enough to day trip. It was a relief to attend this event without the need to take an epic journey to the far corner of the kingdom. While this was a nice change I still feel a bit guilty considering the Canadians had to travel even further than normal to attend. I fought in the Squires tourney once again, this time with a different knight sponsoring me than normal, and found all that practice has finally begun to pay off. Even though I take my lumps twice to three times a week the desire to give a better fight has inspired me to be greater...mmm that is such a load of BS to make myself feel better but it sounded so good in my head. The fact is I've been working hard, practicing at home, events, and trying to prove that I am worthy of the attention my teachers have been giving me. It's not easy, I come home tired and sometimes discuraged. It's been heartening to hear from my fellows some of the blunders they've made in the past and it makes me work harder realizing that their skills are also hard won.
I was tickled to receive some excellent praise from a few knights on the field and now have a good outlook on what I need to practice and focus on in the near future. One thing is for sure, I need some stronger core muscles to make up for lack of size and upper body strength. Since winter is in the works its back to sit-ups, push-ups, and possibly swimming to take the place of the daily run. On the other hand I could just suck it up and run in the rain, makes you stronger right? I think I hear that snugly bed telling me to be lazy.....
I was tickled to receive some excellent praise from a few knights on the field and now have a good outlook on what I need to practice and focus on in the near future. One thing is for sure, I need some stronger core muscles to make up for lack of size and upper body strength. Since winter is in the works its back to sit-ups, push-ups, and possibly swimming to take the place of the daily run. On the other hand I could just suck it up and run in the rain, makes you stronger right? I think I hear that snugly bed telling me to be lazy.....
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
World of pain. Was having a terrible night fighting due to taking a week off from sparing, armor fixing, as well as any sort of fitness period. Starting to realize this whole getting better thing may include a bit more practice time at home and finding some where to work a bit on the pell to guide muscle memory and hone targeting. Fortunately several of the knights have been kind enough to spend a little time with me to fix some of the more sever armor and technique problems I've been experiencing. Knowing they support me so long as I keep an open mind, try to learn what I can, and get my helmet time I feel I can succeed in this sport. It's much more work than I realized and I'll be needing to treat it more seriously if I want to progress any further as a good fighter.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Haven't posted in a while due to a busy schedule. While my posting has been lax my attendance to fighting practices has not. I've been hitting two to three a week, one of which is considered the bum practice due o all of our unemployed statuses, which good success. I've reached another plateau where I my movement and blows are decent but run into a bit of a problem wanting to smash my pals into oblivion when I open them up like a can. I know I've been holding back the max abilities of my skill set in reserve for some occasion, which needs to be practice right now so I can ramp up for some of the more serious fighting events this fall and early winter, and need to work myself through this issue if I want to get any better.
Care less about what ppl think and more about fighting personally. I need some motivation....STAT! I might hit those energy drink for a while just to get back into the habit of fighting harder.
Care less about what ppl think and more about fighting personally. I need some motivation....STAT! I might hit those energy drink for a while just to get back into the habit of fighting harder.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
This Saturday I fought in my very first tourney held at Bar Gemels. I was very nervous, I am very shy, and was hoping all of the practice time and advice I had been getting for the past few weeks would help me live up to the expectations of those around me. I enjoy fighting, it is a sport and I also enjoy winning that is why I compete. I was proud to have made it to the fourth round getting out only to two very well ranked knights of the kingdom. I made them earn those kills, I am proud.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Been hitting the practices pretty hard for the past two weeks trying to catch my body up with the tactics that are floating around in my mind. Yesterday I geared up with a few friends in a backyard to work on a few things free from the scrutiny of our teachers, here I learned that I fight much better with my contact lenses in rather than one eye blurry via my lack of glasses. Not a huge surprise but good to know in the long run. I've discovered that my muscles have begun to protest the strenuous use they've been receiving, with out much warning I'm afraid, leaving me a generally irritable and sore lump of flesh. I can't complain though b/c I enjoy it. I enjoy the attention, the practice, and the frustration of getting better. That is why I fight.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bitterly cold is the only way to describe practice last night. The false facade of spring showed through with bitter cold winds and rain. There was a good turn out last night and I managed to get in fights with four different people, which is good for me since I tend to wear myself out against the first two. I've decided to take my time and only fight a few times against one opponent so that I could fight several. I must admit that the cold made it very hard to practice with my hands being numb and muscles refusing to stay warm despite my wool over clothes. I think I even might have bruised my hand a bit.....
My fights were fair this time due to cold, lack of enthusiasm as well as not wearing my contact lenses which tends to make my targeting off by about 2".....but practice is practice and the more helmet time I can get the better. I need to start cross training in order to keep up with the physical demands this sport is pulling from me. I can see more distinctly the lines distinguishing the levels of fighting as well. It is those people that spend the extra time working out, eating properly and utilizing the practices to implement things learned privately that eventually reach crown caliber abilities. I realize I have much to learn before considering myself one of that class.
My fights were fair this time due to cold, lack of enthusiasm as well as not wearing my contact lenses which tends to make my targeting off by about 2".....but practice is practice and the more helmet time I can get the better. I need to start cross training in order to keep up with the physical demands this sport is pulling from me. I can see more distinctly the lines distinguishing the levels of fighting as well. It is those people that spend the extra time working out, eating properly and utilizing the practices to implement things learned privately that eventually reach crown caliber abilities. I realize I have much to learn before considering myself one of that class.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Turns out my starting position was all wrong. spent most of the time throwing shots incorrectly that lead to low power and slow shots due to over rotation of my sword. Who knew, I guess it really is the small things that make a huge difference when fighting. Now that that's figured out i'll need to build up some more muscle and endurance to offset the recoil from the sword.
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