Tag: gulf wars

Last week was Gulf Wars. Nik and I went and brought 9 students with us.

We rolled in Wednesday morning, and I and my students participated in the rapier field battle. There was some miscommunication regarding our orders, but once that was cleared up, we did our job efficiently on the field. We won one battle out of three.

On Thursday, I was a water bearer during the Champions Tourney and watched my leof fight well and honorably. After that, I signed up for the Women’s Tournament. I didn’t make it out of the pools (I was evenly split at 5 wins and 5 losses), but I felt like I did good fighting and stayed in my head space. I also got some feedback on weight distribution that I need to think about some more; apparently I’m over compensating and putting too much weight on the back foot now (where before I was too eager and putting too much weight on the front foot). After that, I participated in the Cut & Thrust Pas d’ Armes. That was hands-down the most fun I had all War. I received tokens from several combatants who fought with me. I actually had to be removed from the field to make it to court on time; I addressed my king in my armor and with my arming sword and buckler on my person. I absolutely love my I.33 fight, and I need to practice it more often.

Friday activities were rained out, so I did not get the chance to fight for Duchess Katrina at the Rose Tournament or do foolish and heroic things in the rapier ravine battle. I enjoyed taking time to visit with my friends, and I heard some things I needed to hear. It’s one thing to tell yourself you can’t do it all or be all things to all people, but having that sentiment supported by someone I respect makes a difference. I felt that telltale tickle in my throat, so when some of my crew talked about leaving early (Friday night instead of Saturday morning), I jumped on that chance.

Since we got home, I’ve been unpacking, ruminating, and fighting a sinus infection.

I still intend to take some time off from fencing to focus on Krav (one or two fencing days per week). CIC 2 is just around the corner. I hope that focusing on Krav while having the feedback I received last week in the back of my mind will make my fight stronger when I come back in June.

I lied in my last (real) entry. I went to Krav by myself that day. We talked out the lesson plan for the weekend seminar. Since attendance looked like it might be low, I bowed out. Now I’m working out when I can do regular classes on a weekly basis. It’s kind of a drive, but I need the practice – both doing and teaching.

I spent last weekend at the Renaissance Faire with the fencing club. I did lots of walking around and two fencing demos per day.

I didn’t go to fencing or Krav this week. I’m preparing for Gulf Wars, mostly making clothes for my students. We leave early Wednesday morning.

My spring break has started (as of the end of my office hours at noon on Thursday), but I feel like I don’t have any time off. I’m taking a break tomorrow to go to the beach. It’s too cold to swim, but I’m looking forward to having a nice walk and enjoying some time in the sun.

I get a great sense of accomplishment from doing these projects. They do bring me joy, but I’m also getting tired. Between sewing and school, I’ve felt like I’m just re-doing the same projects. It’s discouraging. It helps when I see a nice (finished) piece of garb that I’ve made.

I’m looking forward to War, but I’m also looking forward to the time after that when I can focus on Krav and school.

My shoulder felt better on Thursday, so I went to Ladies’ Night and went over the material I missed at Krav on Wednesday.

On Friday, I went to UWF fencing. I can hold the sword in my right hand! I figure it’s a good idea to use a lighter sword if I’m using my right hand, and I can’t attack in all hand positions, but I can use it, and I intend to (responsibly) at War.

Speaking of Gulf Wars, I’m working on getting my act together to go. I leave in three days!

Man, i’m bad at this, haha.

Okay, so I left off last Wednesday, right? Thursday was Ladies’ Night. I got together with some other lady Kravists and went over some techniques that weren’t quite solid for me yet.

Last weekend was the Pensacola Renaissance Faire (and Pirate Festival). I was there for both days doing fencing demonstrations with the SCA and the UWF club. It looks like people are interested in trying it out. One of my favorite things about Ren Faire is seeing little girls (especially ones dressed like princesses) interested in swords. Nothing is better than a sword fighting princess!

Last night was Krav practice.I’m working on using combinations instead of just relying on the same one or two strikes. unfortunately, somewhere between “throw what you know” and “don’t overthink it,” I end up doing weird things that may not be martially sound. I’ll sleep on it.

My finger is getting better, but I still don’t have range of motion. I’m hoping to try holding a sword with that hand this Friday night at practice. Wish me luck.

Now it’s time to prepare for Gulf Wars. I have a week until I pack up and ship out!