Tag: 10000lunges

Day 34

Sunday

I went to UWF fencing practice. I did 100 lunges and the around the clock drill before gearing up and running a few passes with Nik. I tried something new, and it didn’t work. That’s okay, but when I went back to familiar territory, I still fenced poorly. It was frustrating, but I took a break and went back to it and ended the practice on a good note.

Monday

We worked on advancing and retreating while punching. This is one of the few times that “fencing” at Krav has been helpful.

Tuesday

Stretch it out! I went to yoga. We did a bunch of flows, and the movement really helped me stay connected to my breath.

Day 33

Last night I went to UWF fencing practice and did 100 lunges and the around the clock drill before gearing up. I fenced one on one with most of the students and had what I hope was one piece of useful feedback for each one.

Then we did a team melee and an every man for himself melee. I hadn’t done the latter in ages, and it showed. That’s on me. In the team melee, we went in with a solid plan, and I think it was a good one, but I don’t think it was the right one for that situation. I’ll need to think about tactics a bit more before Gulf Wars.

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.

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.

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).

Day 28

Today was my first SCA rapier practice of the new year. One of the ladies who used to fence with us is back, and I’m super stoked to have another day of practice each week. Some of the students from UWF joined us as well, and we had a new(ish) face – or maybe old-new faces, people who used to fence and are coming back.

I started with a review of hand positions and footwork, and then I did 100 lunges. It was a good way to talk about the mechanics of a lunge, hand placement, and recovery.

I spent about an hour and a half drilling, reviewing, and fencing, and then I put on my armor for the first time and tried out armored combat. I’m completely out of my element, but I like trying new things, so I’ll keep at it until it makes more sense. Everything I know about blade mechanics is irrelevant since we’re using rattan simulators. The pedagogy is also totally different – you learn by trying it out and figuring out what works. There isn’t a lot of instruction, so I have my homework cut out for me in the meantime.

Day 27

Tonight I went to my first fencing practice of the new year. It was nice to see my students again. One of them was excited to break in her new sword.

I showed them the around the clock drill I learned from a nice Atlantian man at Castle Wars. The students seemed to dig it. We did a warm up and a couple of drills, and then we did some free sparring.

I stepped aside and did 100 lunges. I thought I was going slowly, but my friend commented on how quickly I did them, so I think I need to slow down some more next time.

Day 26

Today I did 100 lunges.

More importantly, I went to UWF fencing practice and fenced almost everyone there. I worked with some young men who missed a lot of practice time and then had some fun with the usual group.

I have a fencer with something weird going on. I think it’s biomechanical. It seems like no matter how her sword is balanced or how heavy her sword is, there’s a weakness in her wrists. Her attacks are super wide. If you’ve seen anything like this, please hit me up. I’m at a loss here.

Yesterday I went to SCA practice in Birmingham. I got to fence with people I don’t see a lot.

After practice, Nik and I talked about ways to offer advice to someone who has been doing this longer than you have without being condescending. Everyone received us well, but it’s hard to offer help if you’re worried you’ll come across as a jerk. Again, if you have any insight, please send it my way. I love fencing, and I don’t want to piss anyone off or chase anyone away.

I’m really looking forward to this weekend.