I have been put in an awkward position for a while now (8 months), being a "new fighter" but also running our local training for our small group of 3 - 4 Fighters, its been an interesting ride so far and I thought I would share a few of the problems and how I overcame them.
Knowledge - Being a new fighter I knew little to nothing about SCA combat, I have a background of steel fighting for 6 years but little in that helped prepare me for training for full contact fighting, Actually having to land blows at power changes the whole dynamic of combat, likewise only having to block to reduce the blows power has completely changed my defense so I was learning from almost square one. (Footwork transfers over mostly apart from weight distribution and the mind game somewhat transfers over well.) Having to then teach others as I learnt was an interesting experience and also finding a way of teaching that suited our groups fighters.
You dont need to reinvent the wheel. Firstly I read everything I could get my hands on regarding formal SCA combat, Oldcastle,bellatrix,oplomachia (which the former king introduced me to, after beating me so bad I'm still sore) various kingdoms and groups posts about training and their ideas, then after watching several hundred video's with SCadians opinions on the topic. Then after some trial and error I picked a training method based on what I thought our local fighters would respond best to. My choice was Oplomachia. Its a straight forward system that teaches in a clear and concise manner, the only downside is its very specific in learning the method and each step is very precise (which is good and bad) The good being clear goal, the bad being if someone can't/won't perform the movement correctly, each move build into the next for a complete fighting style so each step must be achieved.
I have also had a lot of help with my personal training which I have tried to pass on as best I can remember by my liege and the Knights and fighters of Southron Gaard. "Remember when you land the blow think of a husk of wheat exploding" Sir Gabs - canterbury faire 2015
Dedication - I started out with a clear goal, get heavy fighting going in my local group, I had a lot of help from Lady Aveline who continues to turn up and until recently I had Elias (who moved to darton) I run heavy practice at 10am each sunday and I make sure that I am always on time so those that want to join in know that someone will always be there to fight. I think this was a smart move providing continuity to the group, knowing each sunday something is happening that they can participate in.
Gear - I badged Southron gaard our parent group until we got some gear out of the for training purposes, they were very kind in loaning us some gear for new fighters to try. that way they can decide whether they want to invest in the sport and many of you know that its not cheap. trying to train with little/no gear is very hard as there is only so much you can do out of armour due to either the movement limitations or weight limitations of the gear, you can do some footwork for example but things like frame weight transfer is very tough to learn out of armour.
Free Fighting is still an issue as I do not have the skill required to lower my level, I either make it too easy or too hard but I am informed that this comes with time, I have recently been linked an excellent resource regarding training that is a must read if you're serious about training others, Link
Its still a learning process but I feel teaching has helped me gain insight into fighting and without the opportunity would make me a lesser fighter.
Monday, 9 March 2015
Monday, 23 February 2015
Hope, Do not simply hope.
Its always disappointing when you put a lot of work into something and people simply don't show up, But sadly its part of life and you leave yourself wondering why bother?
I believe this is the most important part of the knightly code, Hope.
"But Surely" I hear you say, "helping others is the most important!" I disagree, Hope provides the fuel to continue, Hope provides the drive to train "I really want to win that next tournament!" Hope provides the drive to persevere when others give up, Hope is the spark that creation is born from, Hope keeps me going to fighter practice when its raining in case someone else shows up.
But alas hope is a two sided coin, Hope alone is nothing you need to not just hope, but turn it into action. When you make a personal vow don't let it fall by the wayside, actively seek its result. "I'm going to win the next tournament" Break it down, see what you need to do to make it happen, whether its more physical training or pestering other fighters for training or learning to meditate to overcome those tourney jitters. Do not simply hope.
It need not be big, but turn those dreams into reality day by day.
Friday, 13 February 2015
Durch die kehle
Its funny,
I was walking down the road today heading to pick up some steel for an armouring project and an acquaintance came upto me and asked what I was doing....
Without realising it I was in my spare time practicing heavy fighting, I was running though the movements while walking along, throwing shots (empty handed) and practicing footwork.
The SCA truly has me by the throat.
On another note, my armouring project is coming along nicely, sadly landsknechts don't have much armour in documentation (paintings, woodcuts, account) outside of the black legion but from a few effigies it can be surmised that they may have worn a coat of plates (at least the nobles did) this armour is quite appropriate for the time period and is documented for the area/culture.
So I am attempting to make a Coat of plates to move away from the need for a gambeson and to increase my protection in wars.
Alas, my search for steel continues. I am hoping to find a source of 0.9mm Spring steel.
I was walking down the road today heading to pick up some steel for an armouring project and an acquaintance came upto me and asked what I was doing....
Without realising it I was in my spare time practicing heavy fighting, I was running though the movements while walking along, throwing shots (empty handed) and practicing footwork.
The SCA truly has me by the throat.
On another note, my armouring project is coming along nicely, sadly landsknechts don't have much armour in documentation (paintings, woodcuts, account) outside of the black legion but from a few effigies it can be surmised that they may have worn a coat of plates (at least the nobles did) this armour is quite appropriate for the time period and is documented for the area/culture.
 |
| Image of an Mid 14th C Early 15th Coat of plates Inside |
Alas, my search for steel continues. I am hoping to find a source of 0.9mm Spring steel.
 |
| Image of an Mid 14th C Early 15th Coat of plates Outside |
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
You have been weighed and measured.....
Post event training, Now with Canterbury faire over it may seem like we have plenty of time to get everything done, Think again.
With planning for next year, alterations to armour (also taking into account the time it takes to get simple things like some rivets (4 weeks) or vege tanned leather (2 weeks AUS supplier) it soon becomes clear that for next year, I need to start yesterday.
With my brewing for next year already down (straw wine, Raspberry wine, (I think I will have a lot of friends at faire this year with this brew) Malted Ginger (This ran out so fast this year) and Apfelwein (german hard cider, my staple brew) oh and I am making some small beer later in the year.
My attention turns to my training and ongoing battle to work on my kit, it is far from done. I have been introduced to the idea of a gambeson-less kit, this required increased steel protection with minor padding as required the idea is to reduce the kits weight while not sacrificing the ability to sleep on my bruises.
This is accomplished by transitioning to a coat of plates like kit (not a full coat of plates, while period accurate it is simply unnecessary with sacrifices mobility for no gain) it will also involved adding full arms and legs to my kit instead of the modular pieces I currently have (I will incorporate them into my new kit) my parts will still be modular in design as it makes them easier to transport.
I also have my ongoing project of largess, its a tricky subjects but one I feel is necessary to "the game" it was done by nobles, I even have accounts of nobles from my persona giving largess, I feel that for my part it should be simple but still cost me in either time or money that I have to sacrifice from my own tasks/wants but not needs, (like the shields myself and my lady made this year for the kids) But it but no means should cripple you. Its a delicate balancing act of cost/time and I feel my largess should be a part of both. I should also note largess is entirely optional and is not a "Tax" for the barony/group it is a gift to friends and acquaintances or just those in need or you feel need something shiny.
Back to learning that offside legshot with the pirouet of course :)
Welcome to the new world, May god save if it is right for him to do so.
With planning for next year, alterations to armour (also taking into account the time it takes to get simple things like some rivets (4 weeks) or vege tanned leather (2 weeks AUS supplier) it soon becomes clear that for next year, I need to start yesterday.
With my brewing for next year already down (straw wine, Raspberry wine, (I think I will have a lot of friends at faire this year with this brew) Malted Ginger (This ran out so fast this year) and Apfelwein (german hard cider, my staple brew) oh and I am making some small beer later in the year.
My attention turns to my training and ongoing battle to work on my kit, it is far from done. I have been introduced to the idea of a gambeson-less kit, this required increased steel protection with minor padding as required the idea is to reduce the kits weight while not sacrificing the ability to sleep on my bruises.
This is accomplished by transitioning to a coat of plates like kit (not a full coat of plates, while period accurate it is simply unnecessary with sacrifices mobility for no gain) it will also involved adding full arms and legs to my kit instead of the modular pieces I currently have (I will incorporate them into my new kit) my parts will still be modular in design as it makes them easier to transport.
I also have my ongoing project of largess, its a tricky subjects but one I feel is necessary to "the game" it was done by nobles, I even have accounts of nobles from my persona giving largess, I feel that for my part it should be simple but still cost me in either time or money that I have to sacrifice from my own tasks/wants but not needs, (like the shields myself and my lady made this year for the kids) But it but no means should cripple you. Its a delicate balancing act of cost/time and I feel my largess should be a part of both. I should also note largess is entirely optional and is not a "Tax" for the barony/group it is a gift to friends and acquaintances or just those in need or you feel need something shiny.
Back to learning that offside legshot with the pirouet of course :)
Welcome to the new world, May god save if it is right for him to do so.
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
Blood, sweat and tears.
Canterbury fair is over /sad but much fun was to be had the following is an account of the event from my eyes. (a shortened version omitting the glorious food and a few personal events and no words can/could/should explain.*keep your mind out of the gutter*)
Pre-event went well, setup took less time than I thought it would, many within southern gaard have it down to an art, problems were swiftly dealt with little fuss and no mess.
The event started with a bang and a crash,
Monday Day, Opening Court as part of the court of Southern gaard I am honored to help prepare the court its a bit of work but nothing too onerous, many hands make light work and many many hands were to be had. Learning my new duties from Roland was a grand way to be inducted into the court's duties and had me thinking more about the theater and pageantry of the SCA, much thought goes into even simple things like location of side tables or rug angle.
After lunch it was time to prepare for the heraldic heavy tourney, I think I acquitted myself well during the bouts it was most enjoyable to get out and fight those I have never had the privileged to fight before, we had especially blessed here in NZ to have a large pool of very skilled Fighters who among many other duties/hobbies put so much time and effort into the Nobel art of Heavy combat. To the un-educated it looks like two people wailing with sticks, but their is much effort that goes into even the simplest of blows, the same can be said of all combat arts, This simple truth has allowed me to views all the arts under a different light. I highly recommend everyone old or young to at least once borrow some armour and take a 5min lesson, you will not regret it.
Tuesday Day, WAR - Huzzah - WAR A huge amount of fun, very very tiring but massive fun I cannot put into word the experience of war it must be lived, I am both tired and full of energy at the same time.
Tuesday Afternoon, Polearm tourney, sadly I am not skilled at the polearm and require more instruction so during this time I managed to secure a small pickup combat group to which I had a bit of one-on-one instruction time with some of my fellow fighters, learning new techniques is the core of our art then perfecting them to be used in the heat of battle, I learn't so much this week and I am sad that so much information was crammed into my head by such sublime fighters I must have lost some, I use a technique when learning new information like fighting movements which cannot be translated easily into words. Imagine your shadow cast upon the ground now remember each stage of the shadow as the movement changes, this seems to work well for me I also add additional information like where my weight should be.
The Feast concluded this day, and it was Glorious. Good food, Good company and great SCA entertainment what more could anyone ask for in such a day.
Wednesday Morning, WAR - sadly due to lack of archery mesh I could not fight in this war, myself and Sir Philippe, had one piece of mesh to share to which he let me use for the first war and it was only fitting for him to have for the second. It was really fun to watch, I occupyed myself with pickups during the war time.
Wednesday Afternoon, Rain, oh so much rain all fighting was rained off for the rest of the day but much catching up and talking was had while we were entertained with small raindrops smattering outside the tent. At the end of the rain later that evening I found that our new tent's Lip at the base wasn't high enough, where we were camping was an old riverbed and we had 2 inches of rain on the ground sadly my lip was only 1 inch high and our tent was flooded, Richard organised us alternative accommodation. warm and dry, we had lots of help moving our gear and a lesson learned for next faire.
Thursday Morning, Have a go Heavy was heaps of fun, I armored up and got to introduce a few new comers to the art which is heavy combat, it was interesting for me even as a very new fighter to see how far I had come in my path compering to the newcomers, I remember my first time in Armour (thanks Tycho) and I hope those introduced this day stick with it, it is very rewarding.
Thursday Evening, WAR, the woods battle. It started of great, it ended in tears; Mine. Fighting in the woods is tough, especially as the attackers. Its a battle uphill and choke-points following the path, I think I was injured early but was not used to the signs a lesson learned, I remember at one point Sir Vitalie telling me I wasn't taking the heads-hots but it was quite a blur I ended up with a mild concussion and 2 very bruised/ with hairline fractures ribs. My own fault and had not in anyway diminished my desire to fight.
Friday Morning, I am very sore. hard to breathe, I take a few painkillers and take the day easy. I spend the whole morning watching people fight wishing I could partake.
Friday Afternoon, A little better, I can now breathe easier so I look to A&S I wander the site watching the Nobel sciences and talking to many many Scadians about the arts and what draws then to the fold. I see the camp unfolding before my eyes, such is the art of populace.
Saturday Morning, Still sore but a little better, the Baroness's Rapier tourney was a true pleasure to behold, I understand much more of the art than I did before and can now follow the subtle shifts in movement that makes up the art.
Saturday Evening, Closing Court, Its over; sad but now the prep for next year begins back to the mundane world for a little longer, a necessary evil sadly as this is what allows me to have such nice things, for me this was the best Cfaire so far in my SCA career even with my pain.
Pre-event went well, setup took less time than I thought it would, many within southern gaard have it down to an art, problems were swiftly dealt with little fuss and no mess.
The event started with a bang and a crash,
Monday Day, Opening Court as part of the court of Southern gaard I am honored to help prepare the court its a bit of work but nothing too onerous, many hands make light work and many many hands were to be had. Learning my new duties from Roland was a grand way to be inducted into the court's duties and had me thinking more about the theater and pageantry of the SCA, much thought goes into even simple things like location of side tables or rug angle.
After lunch it was time to prepare for the heraldic heavy tourney, I think I acquitted myself well during the bouts it was most enjoyable to get out and fight those I have never had the privileged to fight before, we had especially blessed here in NZ to have a large pool of very skilled Fighters who among many other duties/hobbies put so much time and effort into the Nobel art of Heavy combat. To the un-educated it looks like two people wailing with sticks, but their is much effort that goes into even the simplest of blows, the same can be said of all combat arts, This simple truth has allowed me to views all the arts under a different light. I highly recommend everyone old or young to at least once borrow some armour and take a 5min lesson, you will not regret it.
Tuesday Day, WAR - Huzzah - WAR A huge amount of fun, very very tiring but massive fun I cannot put into word the experience of war it must be lived, I am both tired and full of energy at the same time.
Tuesday Afternoon, Polearm tourney, sadly I am not skilled at the polearm and require more instruction so during this time I managed to secure a small pickup combat group to which I had a bit of one-on-one instruction time with some of my fellow fighters, learning new techniques is the core of our art then perfecting them to be used in the heat of battle, I learn't so much this week and I am sad that so much information was crammed into my head by such sublime fighters I must have lost some, I use a technique when learning new information like fighting movements which cannot be translated easily into words. Imagine your shadow cast upon the ground now remember each stage of the shadow as the movement changes, this seems to work well for me I also add additional information like where my weight should be.
The Feast concluded this day, and it was Glorious. Good food, Good company and great SCA entertainment what more could anyone ask for in such a day.
Wednesday Morning, WAR - sadly due to lack of archery mesh I could not fight in this war, myself and Sir Philippe, had one piece of mesh to share to which he let me use for the first war and it was only fitting for him to have for the second. It was really fun to watch, I occupyed myself with pickups during the war time.
Wednesday Afternoon, Rain, oh so much rain all fighting was rained off for the rest of the day but much catching up and talking was had while we were entertained with small raindrops smattering outside the tent. At the end of the rain later that evening I found that our new tent's Lip at the base wasn't high enough, where we were camping was an old riverbed and we had 2 inches of rain on the ground sadly my lip was only 1 inch high and our tent was flooded, Richard organised us alternative accommodation. warm and dry, we had lots of help moving our gear and a lesson learned for next faire.
Thursday Morning, Have a go Heavy was heaps of fun, I armored up and got to introduce a few new comers to the art which is heavy combat, it was interesting for me even as a very new fighter to see how far I had come in my path compering to the newcomers, I remember my first time in Armour (thanks Tycho) and I hope those introduced this day stick with it, it is very rewarding.
Thursday Evening, WAR, the woods battle. It started of great, it ended in tears; Mine. Fighting in the woods is tough, especially as the attackers. Its a battle uphill and choke-points following the path, I think I was injured early but was not used to the signs a lesson learned, I remember at one point Sir Vitalie telling me I wasn't taking the heads-hots but it was quite a blur I ended up with a mild concussion and 2 very bruised/ with hairline fractures ribs. My own fault and had not in anyway diminished my desire to fight.
Friday Morning, I am very sore. hard to breathe, I take a few painkillers and take the day easy. I spend the whole morning watching people fight wishing I could partake.
Friday Afternoon, A little better, I can now breathe easier so I look to A&S I wander the site watching the Nobel sciences and talking to many many Scadians about the arts and what draws then to the fold. I see the camp unfolding before my eyes, such is the art of populace.
Saturday Morning, Still sore but a little better, the Baroness's Rapier tourney was a true pleasure to behold, I understand much more of the art than I did before and can now follow the subtle shifts in movement that makes up the art.
Saturday Evening, Closing Court, Its over; sad but now the prep for next year begins back to the mundane world for a little longer, a necessary evil sadly as this is what allows me to have such nice things, for me this was the best Cfaire so far in my SCA career even with my pain.
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Follow the White rabbit
Honor, Loyalty, Service and the white rabbit
With canterbury faire fast approaching (tomorrow we leave) I am excited to have yet another chance to fight, Drink and fight some more but its not all rattan and tankard time, There much more to the SCA I get the opportunity to honor those that have taught me, provide service to those who are our leaders/peers and help to encourage another generation of our future.
To me nothing is more important than teaching apart from turning up.
The best advice I have been given and I pass onto others is simply Turn up and get stuck in, fail, make a fool of yourself, do it wrong one thousand times it doesn't matter just do it, one day if you're patient you will get it right.
My knight is my white rabbit, one day I hope to be someone elses.
With canterbury faire fast approaching (tomorrow we leave) I am excited to have yet another chance to fight, Drink and fight some more but its not all rattan and tankard time, There much more to the SCA I get the opportunity to honor those that have taught me, provide service to those who are our leaders/peers and help to encourage another generation of our future.
To me nothing is more important than teaching apart from turning up.
The best advice I have been given and I pass onto others is simply Turn up and get stuck in, fail, make a fool of yourself, do it wrong one thousand times it doesn't matter just do it, one day if you're patient you will get it right.
My knight is my white rabbit, one day I hope to be someone elses.
Sunday, 4 January 2015
Panic
Last minute panic. I am usually well prepared but still suffer from last minute event panic, our groups major event cfaire lasting a week is only 12 days away so making sure we have everything ready for the event is a fun task. its surprising how much gear is needed for just 1 week away, even discounting armour.
Training continues as is has for the past 6 months, I am glad I have a friend who is a masseuse to help relive those after training aches and I have been looking into using a sauna for heat tolerance training (sound odd but being able to cope better with the heat will help with fighting) this consists of 1hr a day in a sauna for 5 days (consecutively)
This faire I am also arming all the children at faire with boffers and shields 40 in all, I wonder how long it will be before I dragged off to the stocks *grin*, I look forward to serving my Lady, my Knight, my Baroney and all my friends.
Training continues as is has for the past 6 months, I am glad I have a friend who is a masseuse to help relive those after training aches and I have been looking into using a sauna for heat tolerance training (sound odd but being able to cope better with the heat will help with fighting) this consists of 1hr a day in a sauna for 5 days (consecutively)
This faire I am also arming all the children at faire with boffers and shields 40 in all, I wonder how long it will be before I dragged off to the stocks *grin*, I look forward to serving my Lady, my Knight, my Baroney and all my friends.
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