Criticism and Judgment
10 years ago
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).
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