Author: fencingmarie

Let’s see…

Monday I went to Krav and started working on P2 stuff. Class isn’t nearly intense since everything is new now, and that’s probably for the best. I went despite a pretty persistent headache. I felt awesome during practice, but the headache returned after. It’s been coming and going since Sunday but abating over time.

Tuesday I had yoga. Spending an hour stretching in a dark room is one of my favorite parts of the week.

Wednesday was more Krav, and after class I went out for “a few drinks” with my friends from class. We closed the bar. We also may have recruited some new classmates.

Tonight will be a much-needed rest day.

Day 32 (and more)

On Friday I went to UWF practice. I did 100 lunges and the around the clock drill. I did some sparring, but I ended up gearing down early because I misunderstood when we were supposed to leave.

On Saturday morning, I woke up bright & early and took my P1 test for Krav. I passed! I didn’t throw up or embarrass myself, so I think I get a gold star. I feel super strong and empowered.

Today I participated in the Shire Rapier Championship at our mini-event Light the Fires. I lost two bouts, but they were good losses to good opponents. Every person I fenced was a challenge in some way or another. I learned a hard lesson – when you start to drop your dagger, just drop it. Don’t juggle when you’re supposed to be fencing.

Dragon-mom came out with some friends to see me fence. They missed the tournament, so Nik and I did a few passes for them. Her friends were excited to finally see my fencing, and she commented on how much my fight has changed in such a short period of time.

This weekend was amazing.

Tonight in Krav we kicked off the night with zombie drills: intense! After that we had a chance to ask questions and re-cover any skills we wanted. I’m ready for the test on Saturday.

The really interesting part of my night was when I came home.

Since class was challenging and I wanted to keep my body happy and healthy for my test, I came home and ran a nice hot bath with some home made bath salts my mom gave me for my birthday (the Epsom salts and nice scents kind, not the Florida Man kind). I settled in to relax my shoulders, ears under water, and closed my eyes.

I was startled when I heard a thud next to my head. My cat had jumped onto the edge of the tub and was checking out my knees (they were out because my shoulders were in, and my tub is small). I stayed very still because I didn’t want to risk startling her and making her fall in, but she left after a moment or two.. She came and went a few times, and I grew more comfortable with her presence. I can understand why a cat would be fascinated with bathing.

So for what turned out to be her final visit, she sat down, purring loudly. Then she lay down like a little sphinx. Then she went full-on catloaf. The end of her tail was even hanging in the water. We sat like that, she loafed on the edge and I reclined in the water, for several minutes. She made unwavering eye contact and purred the whole time. It was without a doubt the most humorous/awkward bath I’ve ever had; I’m glad it wasn’t the scratchiest!

Testing day is right around the corner! Last night at Krav, we did a dry run of the test. I’m confident that I will pass. I didn’t get many reminders this time through.

I need to modify my forearm guards so that I can wear them with my gloves. I’ll be doing that tonight. Wednesday is the last practice class before the test on Saturday. I’m ready. I’m covered in bruises, but I’m ready.

I’m also super proud of my sparring partner. She placed in a 10K over the weekend. I don’t run if I can avoid it, so I’m awed that she got up and ran 6 miles in the cold and NAILED IT.

Day 31

Today Nik and I held SCA rapier practice. I did 100 lunges and the around the clock drill before free sparring. I worked on feints with my long blade and getting in close with my shorter one. I was really pleased with my execution of things I’ve been practicing recently, and my point control was consistent with both hands. I am a happy fighter today.

Yoga didn’t happen Tuesday night. I’m kinda bummed about that, but we’ll be back on schedule next week.

Krav on Wednesday night was good. I feel a little more ready for the test after each practice. At this point we’ve re-covered everything, so from here on out, it’s just drilling all those skills into our heads. My chest is a little tender, but I’m otherwise pretty much healed.

I didn’t get to fence on Friday partially because I thought I might be coming down with something and partially because the UWF club did a demo that day, so they really didn’t need two more hours of practice.

I’m looking forward to fencing for the first time in what feels like ages tomorrow.

Day 30

I went to SCA fencing practice on Sunday. I probably could have geared up, but I played it safe instead and did 100 lunges, some footwork, and the around the clock drill. The realization that my chest protectors would line up perfectly with my bruises helped me reach the decision to sit it out one more day.

I had the chance to go to UWF fencing on Monday, but Nik and I were both too pooped to go, so we declared Monday a rest day. I’ll be back at Krav tomorrow. I’m looking forward to yoga tonight.

My P1 test is right around the corner. I’m excited, but the nervousness hasn’t really kicked in yet.

Day 29

Since I was still very bruised from Krav practice on Wednesday, I opted to restrict myself to non-contact practice until next week. I went to club fencing practice and did 100 lunges. I also did the around the clock drill and worked on some footwork. Mostly I stretched and observed.

I think that even if you can’t fully participate, just being at practice is good for you. I didn’t really want to go since I knew I couldn’t fence, but I still like being around my students (my team).

We had intended to go to an SCA event today, but Nik is sick, so we’re staying in. We’ll be back at it tomorrow (he fencing and I observing).

Krav last night was spectacular. My favorite part was when one of the instructors pointed out to us that we’ve gotten to the point in our training where other people are watching us to see what to do.

I got punched in the face by a teenaged girl. I don’t recommend it. Her form was excellent.

I also learned an important lesson about gear. It is unwise to wear an underwire sport bra when you practice the “educational stop.” I have a tremendous bruise on my sternum from last night, and we only worked on that skill for about a minute! I’m considering doing a no-contact fencing practice tomorrow if I’m still tender. You may hear about lots of drills and lunges in my next entry.

Other than that, things are going well. I feel like I’m prepared for the P1 test as a student and as a training partner.