cinkfoil

Happy Place ..or... Gyakufu!

2009-12-31T21:22:58Z

So I went to the Ballachlagan practice this past Sunday. There were only a few fencers, but we had plenty to do. It was an interesting mix of weapons, mostly focused on two-handers of various forms. I got to play wannabe-ryu kenjutsu, which is always fun. Much practice needed.

Towards the end of the day, we played a local favorite melee game. Two people stood within a 10' circle. Everyone else stood outside. Those two groups tried to kill eachother. If someone outside died, they went to one of two rez points. If someone inside died, they left the circle and their killer took over on the inside. Repeat forever. DFBs were allowed. Outside fencers could not enter the circle, so the inside fencers always had some room to maneuver.

I had an amazing time with it. By this point, I was using a pair of katana. Between that and having attacks from every direction, I was pretty amped. I enjoyed being in the circle; it reminded me of what I love about melees. I am more prone to hero behavior on a field, so this game played to my strengths. Theoretically, you could team together with the other fencer in the circle. I found that the most productive use of him/her was placing them between your blind spot and an outside fencer. In the end, I have to watch my own tail and I can't feel bad about using another fencer to secure that. Having to track 5 fencers (1 inside and 4 out) kept my mind sharp. Every little motion counted, even more so with the katana. Lots of "wall" clears with slash in the wake. I did pretty well, I think. The game is very tiring. I could hardly control the katana after 10-15 minutes. I'd be curious to try it again with a rapier and dagger.

I will definitely be heading down to that practice again, if only for that game.

More unorganized thoughts...

2009-12-11T13:56:04Z

So...I have noticed that I am far more comfortable with closing than I traditionally seem. I often notice this as I am reaching for the dagger kill. Even with small-sword...I mean foil fights, I am more prone to close than ever. I notice the same thing happening in melees, though in a slightly different fashion.

So I have babbled on before about the total space that a given combat occupies, and more importantly that it is imperative to "fill" that space. By "reaching out" (silence, kenobi!) you can, in a sense, keep tabs on everything that happens within that space. You can respond to things as they are, producing an almost harmonious response. But how? I return to my comments on closing. So the space is filled with this magic medium that interacts and responds to everything. Motion disturbs the medium, and this can be detected by other elements in the space, such as the other fencer. When one moves through a medium, there will first be an increase in "pressure" in front of the motion. There was also be a void, or at least a lower pressure, formed behind the motion. Everything else in the medium will shift during this disturbance to try and maintain an equilibrium. As a fencer lunges at me, I can sense the increase in pressure (this time, pressure refers to physical presence). I can also sense a drop in the physical presence behind, or in the wake of, the attack. By sensing these, I can respond in harmony without having to force anything. As water is pushed away from a moving ship, so will I be pushed (or rather dodge) away from the oncoming attack.

This doesn't have to be limited to physical presence. Emotional space is fought over in a fencing match as well. When one opponent seems to cringe (taking up less space), then the opponent will become bolder and possibly more aggressive. Everyone likes a balanced equation. During the melees on Saturday, I could feel this pull. During my better runs, I would kill a few opponents quickly, leaving a massive void of emotional presence/surety in the other side. I would feel drawn into filling this space by applying pressure to the remaining opponents, refusing to let them breathe. The greater my advantage, the greater that pull. Their insecurity bolstered my security.

Now, this effect could very easily be abused by a crafty fencer...not that I know of any.

Muster

2009-12-06T02:38:46Z

So today was full of fighting. I had a really good time. There was some silliness here and there, but I was happy with the combat. I started off with my basket hilt and dagger and did well enough. The melees were tough, but I made do for a while.

Then Illadore let me borrow her 45" and things changed. My kill percentage went way up. I was not only fighting range games today, but having the extra reach helped. In singles, it felt like I could almost float the point into the target. I felt no rush, and therefore didn't need to really amp the shot. Nice lazy shots. The 45" practice blade also has enough flex to sap some of the power as well. In melee? The 45" let me be evil in melee. I had extraordinary success. Everybody's number comes up, but I took quite a bit of lunch money. Even when I started worrying about hitting too hard, I could still switch to draw cuts and maintain a healthy range.

I think I will be getting a 45. The advantages were huge and the drawbacks minor. I will have to be careful when keeping my sword free, but that's not terribly difficult. Singles will always be a challenge, but melees are where the longer reach shines.

The 45 is also about the perfect length for me as described by Thibault and Capo Ferro. I will prolly look to order it in the next few months.

Not quite winter

2009-11-30T03:04:28Z

So today was beautiful, and there was fencing to be had. Only Christian and I were there, but somehow that worked out well enough. I brought out the baskethilt, hoping to work some of the BT skill set along with good ol' fashioned english thuggery.

I had moderate success. I don't quite have the moment of the sword figured out, so larger transitions are a little wonky. I had a few really sweet passes that ended in an effortless thrust, but most involved considerable back-and-forth. I tried to use the cross-under, but that really depends on either extreme subtlety or overwhelming aggression. You can't really float in between. Needless to say, Christian did not let me get away with much. The only time I got the technique to work right involved me not thinking about it at all. I just went with it. No crazy stringere or invitations. While I was happy that the technique worked, I must admit it was rather anti-climactic.

My footwork is also getting a little better. I can control my retreats to the point of just having my opponent miss. It actually worked well enough today that I often found myself not bothering to make a parry or even reacting to the shot. I just didn't feel threatened. Can't get away with that too much. Once I can throw some slight angles into my steps, I should have all kinds of fun messing with people.

As much as I like the BT system, I do really enjoy the more active sword-work. Tacto, multiple intentions, and cuts are all great fun. I will most likely try to hybridize BT with the English/Scottish sword work till I find something efficient AND fun. This will definitely be designed for tourney play rather than melee. Long rapiers will continue to rule that game. Whenever I replace my rapier blade, melee use will be one of the foremost considerations.

Thoughts #562

2009-11-26T13:11:56Z

So it's only been week and a half since my trip to California to train with Don Blayde (which I will someday write about) . I still have a great deal to practice, but I think I might have picked out what I can use to overcome his style (or at least, the elements he taught me.)

Strangely, I think my basket hilt will be a crucial part of my plan....

Swords...

2009-11-09T02:36:22Z

So I am fussing with my gear. I've gathered quite a bit of info form the baskehilt and will be excited to apply it to a rapier soon. However, I must do something about my rapier. The econo-dish-hilt has given it a very odd balance, and this is affecting much of my game. I am looking to replace it; I am just unsure of what with. One part of me wants to save up for the uber-nice rapier, but that will take some time. Another part of me wants to get one of the other econo-hilts (the ring) and fuss with it until I get the balance I want. Then I have to think about the blade. My 42 is still kickin' strong, but I have been musing with the idea of a 45. Unfortunately, I would need to get the heavier bated blade to counter the flex of such a long blade, which would make finding a good balance even harder. I have a del tin already that would work, but the tang is too short AND is unthreaded. I would need to weld a bolt to it before I can even use it.

I took apart my baskethilt and put the swept hilt from my rapier on it. It looks a little odd from the long handle, but it has a sweet balance. It has the mass of a cutter, but it can still be very nimble. I will have to play with it.

Decisions to make....

Semi-Random Fencing Thoughts...

2009-11-07T08:33:37Z

1) In terms of raw lethality and immediate efficacy, it is better to have a longer rapier than a shorter one. Maintaining distance requires minimal (though careful) effort, while closing distance requires more serious commitment and offers great risk. On a similar note, the rapier appears to be the superior weapon given our combat conventions. In a game where efficiency, risk-aversion, and careful consideration are the critical elements of success, the rapier offers the greatest advantages. Success by use of other sword types, that often sacrifice range and precision for less useful advantages, can more often than not be attributed to other causes such as novelty/Zach's inexperience or possibly the skill of the user being so advanced that the weapon really doesn't make a difference.

2) In a fight, the effort is in filling all the space, physically and conceptually. Nothing Zach does should go unattended by a goal-oriented counter of your own.

3) Time and place are the ultimate goals. If you know when and where you need to be AND you can place yourself there, then actual technique and variance in weapons become irrelevant. This trumps #1.

4) Although various styles and systems all aspire to the same goal and mastery, they offer different modes of learning. To desire mastery of the spanish style of fencing (for example) is to miss the point of martial arts. One should instead seek mastery by way of the spanish style. Form and method are only a means.

5) Victory in a fight is not achieved, but rather maintained. If you did not enter a fight as the victor, than you shall not leave it so. Winning should also not be seen as a goal, because that defines it as a state other than what you presently are. Winning/success/whatever you call it should simply be, just like you simply are. If winning is what you are, than your efforts are simplified to preservation of what already exists, rather than trying to produce something you may not understand.

Hmm....some of these don't sound exactly like they do in my head, but it's 3:30am...so cut me some slack.

Sneaky Silver

2009-11-04T05:41:32Z

So....I think I will have to try a few modifications...errr...creative reinterpretations of Silver's system. For now, my focus is on the use of tacto. Since my range is cut, I need to solidify my defense before I can approach. I tried using binds and overwhelming parries/walls, but these are too harsh against a rapier. Since rapiers are subtle and quick, I need to counter them with the same.

Instead of the uncompromising bladework Silver normally suggests, I will have to make use of a very soft, ghost-like tacto. I will have to open all my movements with the slow hand to start the ball rolling. This will cause the opponent to do something, hopefully presenting their sword, which will allow me to engage tacto. However, the goal will not be pushing or dominating the engagement, but rather attempt to "stick" to the opponent's blade. I need to cause my blade to follow in the wake of my opponent's motions, hiding in the shadow. This will allow me to keep tabs on everything without giving away too much. When the moment is right, I can then make use of the stronger leverage offered by the baskethilt. Even then, I have to be careful about how i apply that leverage. Simple pushing and winds are too rough and will spook the opponent into dangerous disengages and pumps. Instead I will look to cut into the opponent's blade, providing a strong result while reducing their ability to recover.

In essence, I need my blade work to be present yet intangible, like smoke or water (ish). When everything is presented, my blade needs to stick to theirs without exerting pressure. This is a difficult skill to develop, but I must have it if i am going to succeed with this form. The next step will be moving my whole body within the wake of these motions, denying any sense of it short of vision (which can be deceived aswell!) Ideally, I will close in measure while the opponent is fishing around for my sword.

Now, this is exactly what you are supposed to be doing with a rapier, and all the masters talk about it. However, since the baskethilt is fighting an uphill battle already, I need to be more than just familiar with the concepts. I need to understand the advantages of the rapier so I can turn it back on unsuspecting opponents.

I am also getting tired of writing "opponent," so I will take Thibault's lead and from now on refer to any conceptual opponent as Zach.

Somewhere between Silver and Capo Ferro

2009-11-04T03:51:02Z

I worked with tacto today. At first glance, the less subtle grip on a baskethilt would seem to deaden one's ability to use tacto. I played around with it earlier and learned a few things. You definitely need to loosen your grip and wrist, more so than a rapier would require. However, once you find an orientation you like, you can tighten up your grip and guard. It is THEN that you can use the baskethilt's greater leverage with greater surprise.

Hanging guards and the 5' are also much more comfortable with a baskethilt than with a rapier. Flipping the hand over is still a pretty big motion, but you can reduce it with a very loose grip. Actually, you almost open your grip enough to push against the cage, rather than hold the grip at all. With my large welding gloves, this is actually just secure enough to get away with during light tacto.

Tacto will be hard to gain with the baskethilt, since most people will not want to risk giving me leverage. I will need to practice intercepting the blade smoothly to engage tacto "quietly" when the opponent becomes aggressive. I basically need to mask the baskethilt's presence and only apply its greater power and leverage at the last second. I will most likely work with the "sticky hands" approach, hoping to sneak up on the opponent's blade in the wake of its motions. And now that I am preferring the action of cutting into the blade rather than beats or binds, I can really surprise my opponent. The big step will be syncing my footwork to follow the slight pressures of tacto.

In thinking it over...

2009-11-03T23:18:47Z

I think that the cut following my parry 3/cut-into-the-blade should, instead of a riverso tondo(?) with the true edge, be a scything cut with the false edge as I fade to the right (my inside). Less mechanics and less time for the opponent to recover.

Yes I did just steal that mod from a someone I know. Different delivery, though....

The muster

2009-11-03T00:52:58Z

The fencing was ok. I was hoping for a bigger turnout, especially fencers who play with (heavy) rapier. I only had one pairing that I really had to think about, though I had a few challenging opponents. I played in the small sword bearpits made up of Ivan's people. Ehh. Smallsword and I aren't agreeing at the moment, and I don't have the time to devote to the style.

I was happy with some of the techniques I pulled off with rapier&dagger. I looooved my high quarta over the arm. It was pretty. I also managed a few quillon locks and "crossed swords and dagger" parries. I had brought out the rapier for one last practice before I shipped them to California. I wish I could have done them more justice.

I do think I helped a few people out during the practice. Mostly war stories and "as I see it" comments, but I hope it was useful. One of the newer fencers I am working with is doing well. I think she's getting the whole fight mentality down, now it's time to grind through refining technique. This is convenient since I need to do that as well. I have fun watching this fencer fight, especially when she pulls some crazy technique out of nowhere. The other week she parried with prima and passed forwards to strike. It was awesome and the timing was pretty good. With any luck, she'll be trouble for people very soon. And since she is probably going to be in the dreaded AEthelmarcian Foreign Legion, her skills will be put to good use.

More for the Cause!

If Fabris was Silver...

2009-10-31T03:19:07Z

He would prolly change a few ideas, and also insult the Italians less.

1) Defense is a fleeting concept, easily overwhelmed. The only "sure" defense is active control of the fight.

2) If you are not prepared to finish the entire exchange, don't begin it.

3) Cut? Why?

4) Careful consideration overcomes all disadvantages.

5) The slow hand only works because a) you move first, b) the interval of your movement must be less then the total time of the opponent's reactions, and c) obedience works really well.

6) A disadvantage is merely an advantage you haven't taken control of yet.

7) Anything you do that does not directly contribute to you winning gets you killed.

8) I think Silver and Fabris are in total agreement about this: You are in a fight. Surviving matters..nothing else.

For the record...

2009-10-30T10:55:37Z

Silver actually advocates a very rapier-like game with the short sword when facing someone with rapier (that's using it like a rapier.) The variable fight guards are all rapier like (stocata, imbrocata, pasata, etc etc.) Parry as you close, then return a thrust unless they do something real stupid...then you can cut them.

Putting things together

2009-10-28T03:01:44Z

I am slowly figuring out more and more with the baskethilt. It will be a rough road, but it should all come together...eventually.

I can use the same mechanics of my quillon locks to help protect my hand. The "top" of my wrist is the most vulnerable spot and will receive fire if I hang my guard too low. Rotating the sword 90 degrees some direction shifts to iron basket into view, protecting my hand. With a rapier, the quillons would produce the same, if not a better, effect. I mean, my basket DOES have a quillon, but I don't forsee using that too much.

The refused guard has always been a misunderstood guard. People either used it for no good reason or avoided it for no good reason. There wasn't much in between. I've always liked it since it increases my range, at least as far as the sword is concerned. If I have to make a pass, then it is beneficial to have my sword presented at the completion of that pass. Since my baskethilt cuts my range considerably, I will be making use of free footwork. This means I need to be sure of what's where before, during, and after I step. Since I am also looking to live in the zone between the sword's reach and the dagger's (my opponent's weapons, that is) I want to keep my sword free as much as possible. Having it refused till I am exactly at the range I want would be a good thing.

My footwork in general will need much work. I have to use passes, and I have to either make them quick or at the right moment. one part of this is controlling how I shift and carry my weight. If I lean forward with my weight over the front foot, I can make passes suddenly. However, my head is in range. More than ever, my sword work needs to be in sync with my foot work. Combining the parries and steps will minimize how much each needs to commit and hopefully make it easier to continue transitioning.

I may need to go single sword again. After an embarrassing run with the buckler and a less than inspiring run with the dagger at practice, I can tell that I simply don't have the cycles free to worry about them. Since I don't know how to move the sword, I don't know how to move a secondary around it. I need to trust the baskethilt, then I can add other elements.

Bad Words

2009-10-26T20:39:46Z

So I was taking a look at my smallsword. It had somehow formed a gentle curve along its length in the last week or so. Grrrr. I gave it a quick bend in the opposite direction to test its malleability and....s-curve. Awesome.

Today's fencing

2009-10-26T00:28:17Z

Practice was difficult. I am really feeling the full effects of starting a new approach to fencing. Actually, the whole thing reminds me of dominoes. One change suddenly throws everything off. I am specifically forcing more cuts than I feel safe (as in fear of counters) using. All of the new "things to remember" take up all the cognitive resources. I can't even default onto my rapier game, since I have now lost 7 inches of reach. Whole new ballgame.

Cuts are wicked. They are certainly satisfying, but they are a more complicated to execute. F'rinstance, I like the moulinet starting in a parry 3 into a horizontal cut across the throat. Sounds simple, but there are so many details. You're not really supposed to make a parry three; you will invite a disengage and be hit. Instead, you have to cut INTO their blade towards your outside line (the angle between your sword and his has to be as small as possible). This completely overpowers and grants you more time for the cut. Your draw has to be timed with you shifting you weight back in an attempt to avoid their secondary parry; it wants to intercept you half way. That sword isn't completely gone, so you know you'll see it sooner than you'd like, which means you have to be ready with the void.

I will say that I am making far more use of lateral steps. My control of measure needs to be more precise than ever; side steps and compass steps will be key. My parries are still wild, though I am settling on a few I like. Fabris talks about a parry with your sword and dagger crossed, basically forming a set of quillons farther down the blade. That works well since it shuts down the opponent's sword, and it let's me stay clear of their secondary. I may depend on this quite a bit.

So far, this project is extremely frustrating. I had been on a considerable upswing in my game since summer. Now I've thrown that away. At the very least I've already decided that I don't care what anyone really thinks about this project. It's only me making my life difficult. That I can deal with....with a very unforgiving inner monologue.

Will thinks...

2009-10-23T03:02:16Z

..it would be really cool to have a real Landsknecht themed fencing unit. After doing some research and thinking, I even have some ideas of how to put one together.

There would be two major weapons configurations. The first would be your standard rapier and something. These would effectively be the pikes from the period models. These guys would be doing the killing. The second group would have greatswords (and maybe katzbalger secondaries still in their sheaths.) Like the period counterparts, this group would be responsible for clearing and parrying on a line engagement. Having a two handed grip means the fencer could over power multiple tips on the other line, freeing the rapier users to snipe at will. If you spaced the 2hrs out, say every 4th or 5th spot, then you could give them zones to control. The rapier users would keep their tips high or low to prevent being caught up in the sweeps and also to invite shots from the opponents. Once the sweep begins, the sniping soon follows. This is often how spears and polearms work in heavy combat lines.

The line would have to practice together. Different motions with the greatsword will clear certain areas and also expose the user to certain directions. Therefore the user would need to keep moving through different wards and attacks. The rapier users would need to understand what motions of the greatsword are preparing for them, what will draw counters, and what will leave the 2hr vulnerable.

I think it would be cool if the 2hrs had katzbalger daggers slung from the waist, ready for the charges and pulses. Much of this would also depend on everyone playing their part. Dress like you mean it, fight like you mean it, and pay attention.

There was a famous Landsknecht army known as the Black Band. Apparently is was one of the largest concentrated gatherings of the mercenaries ever. It might be fun to base the whole unit off of that model. It would be even better if you could draw large numbers, like convincing the kingdom to play together.

I had originally considered this as something the Calontiris might accept. There is already a large Landsknecht following amongst the heavies, and the same killer feel would carry over, methinks. No froofy Elizabethans, no out of place Vikings and 14th century warriors, and no pirates. I would do it.

Continued..

2009-10-23T02:44:09Z

Now as I am threatening to use Silver's system, I need to make use of the slow hand. There are some interesting things to note.

Since I am taller than most, the shorter sword doesn't put me at much of a disadvantage. In fact, I can hold off starting my attack until within MY misura larga before I enter my opponent's. This helps me to further tighten the opponent's margin of error.

However, my size also makes me more intimidating, especially on the attack. Many opponents simply back away until they feel I am unprepared for an exchange. To deal with this, I must begin a slow hand technique that possesses some apparent flaw that the opponent will bite. Silver doesn't seem to think much of invitations, since they do actually expose you. So, I must create a flaw that exists within the tempo it will take the opponent to strike me. This will still take up some of my "extra" tempo, possibly negating the advantage of being tall.

Looking exposed while being totally defended...easy, right?

Seemless progressions

2009-10-22T23:51:36Z

So everything is about tempo. We all try to make the most efficient and effective use of tempo when we fight. All the masters babble on about tempo this and tempo that. Unfortunately, tempo is an intangible element and amazingly difficult to blueprint. Or at least for me, judging at all the varied posts on tempo I've made.

This time I want to talk about the progression of one tempo to the next. When we are just starting, each action is isolated from the others. Parry, extend, lunge. multiple steps with clear beginnings and ends. This method is useful for getting the hang of choosing the right actions at the right time. As we get more advanced and face more difficult opponents, clear-cut steps expose us to counters. Our goal is to then tweak the steps so that they flow into one another. Instead of three, independent steps, we get one long and fluid motion. Or at least that's the goal.

After reading so many of the manuals, I can see some of the different approaches to making this happen. For the most part, the masters use choice of footwork as the control variable. Since footwork is the slowest and most "expensive" motion, everything else must bring balance. The Italians seem to avoid footwork as much as possible when the time comes to strike. They inch closer behind careful postures until they reach stretta. Then they can combine their final solution in the interval of body shifting, not footwork. Fabris explains his "proceeding with resolution" as a non-stop effort from out of range to finish. Even still, he sets everything up so that his footwork at the final motion becomes as simple as possible. He hopes to have solved every other puzzle by that point. The English take a very different approach, especially those who preferred the back sword over the rapier. Since the sword is shorter, attempting to close to misura stretta is too risky. They have to start their final solution from father away, which means they need to incorporate footwork. Silver deals with this through his "slow hand." Basically, everything else in the body times itself according to the motion of the feet. This allows time for mutation. You can actually see this more clearly in Thibault's book. Many of his diagrams show the fencer leaning heavily to one side while standing on one foot. This is supposed to suggest motion. You time little changes with the shifting of body weight. This allows to apply power at key moments without committing too heavily. Whereas the Italians have to figure everything out before they move (not much time during an explosive lunge) the English and Spanish have slightly more breathing room.

I believe this is what would allow Silver and his system to combat the faster and more slippery rapier. As the two come to range, Silver will begin his motion from farther away, while the Italian is most likely still forming his counter posture. At some point, Silver will cross that line where the Italian knows to go. Once started the Italian must stick to his choices. Since Silver had a hand in suggesting when the Italian should attack, he can prepare his counter to engage at a crucial moment in his kinetic progression. Typically, he times his entry to be balanced over the front foot with forward momentum to match the threshold of the Italian's kill range. Since he is balanced, SIlver can use his forward momentum to power a shift to any direction (forwards, at least), hopefully one that avoids the attack coming his way. He theoretically has time to change his plans, though not by much.

Of course, Silver would need to be damned sure of what he was doing or else he would eat steel. You can tell an opponent to attack you, but you better be ready to respond. Extremely careful control of measure, lines and tempo are necessary. But then, it is the same for everyone.

More with the English

2009-10-22T04:46:44Z

I am definitely having fun with the manuals. They range from complex to scribblings, concise to verbose, and helpful to not-so-much. I will most likely need to draw bits from each source until I get a nice foundation I can explore from.

Thomas Page has a fairly decent work. Since broadsword is a shorter weapon with not-so-linear movements, bold footwork is a must. His work with traverse steps will most likely be of great help, especially when tying together more complex sequences. I found a school that has explored Page's work extensively and I will be stealing much of their findings. I will have to temper it to SCA combat, but much will survive the transition.

Silver will still probably be my primary source. Not only was he from my period, but I think his work can be applied without too much modification. If my current baskethilt ever goes, I will model the replacement after something he might have used. From what I can gather, the early baskets still had quillons and were installed on still fairly narrow blades. (not rapier narrow, but not sword/club either.)

I will need to stretch out and toughen up my wrist to make this whole basket-hilt thing work. Page has an inside arm cut that tests the limit of my wrist's range of motion. I really like the cut, so I will hafta work on it. Otherwise, the constant shifting from hanging guards to mounted guards will warrant more wrist exercises.

If I had to distill English (and Scottish) fencing theory for the baskethilt into a few words, I would say that they attempt to overcome the longer and wider motions of the sword by forcing the opponent into obedience as early as possible. Committed cuts are very threatening and the opponent will have little choice but to respond. If one can keep the pressure one while closing and setting up the place, then the shorter swords weaknesses are voided.

We'll see how it goes...

Something a little different

2009-10-20T03:55:29Z

So I got to try out Hope's "new" guard tonight. I have not been a fan of hanging guards up to this point, but I figured it was worth a try. Sure enough, the prime-ish/second-ish guard works really well as a committed defensive posture. Provided I waited for the right moment, the parry would completely shut out almost any attack. It was kinda cool. I also had the ability to bully the attack downwards. Now, as Hope mentions, this guard is not so hot for offense. After making the parry, you have an awkward (thou probably just unpracticed) shift to riposte. My sense of range with this guard was a little fuzzy, so it took quite a bit of effort to land the counter. The success of the parry is enough to make up for this.

I am starting to like the English/Scottish preference for near-excessively solid parries. All the masters suggest to make damned sure your parry is certain; worry about attacking later. My game has been almost entirely offense thus far, so this is an interesting change of pace. Since my baskethilt is not a gun-fighting weapon, I will need to learn this lesson well. if I practice real hard, I may be able to pull off the parry/moulinets safely. I bet a parry one -> replacement parry with offhand while passing forward -> moulinet onto the clavicle would be an awesome sight. Someday...

I am not sure if I will play mush smallsword a la Hope. I see its benefits, but I like Angelo's style better.

cinkfoil @ 2009-10-18T14:48:00

2009-10-18T18:51:18Z

Went to practice. Nobody there. Well, the knight marshal and a few just-starting-out people showed up. There wasn't any loaner gear so we couldn't really do much. I told them to keep an ear out for the barony meeting coming up.

Turns out is was actually pretty comfortable outside. I might do some practice a little bit later, but for now I am resigned to video games.

cinkfoil @ 2009-10-17T16:09:00

2009-10-17T20:11:01Z

If McBane can take on smallswords with his highland claymore (bigger, beefier version of what I have), than I can take on rapiers with my baskethilt.

So be it.

I love the English

2009-10-16T21:38:13Z

So recently I found more English-ish manuals from the 1600s-1800s. Yes, the English say all the things other masters do. Yes, all masters attempt to put down their contemporaries. I personally love how shamelessly an English master will point out who they don't like and how they are THE best master possible.

I also love Page's wannabe spanish circle.

Trip

2009-10-12T20:47:31Z

So my trip to Cali is getting close. I've been watching videos of the fighters out there. I'd better get to work if I am gonna make a good impression. I expect to be fighting for days, so I need to make sure my endurance is up. The critical element will be making sure my point control is up to snuff. There will be no missing allowed. EIther I hit my opponent, or I'm not in range yet.