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.

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).

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.

Last night was my return to Krav after two weeks off (except for one fencing practice and practicing my blocks with returning combatives with Nik twice during the break). We didn’t ease back into things, either. We jumped in with full force to get ready for testing. We reviewed, but it was constant repetition with no breaks. We closed class with zombie drills at the end.

Testing is at the end of the month. We’d originally been told that it would be two weeks in, so I’m glad to have more time to prepare. I’m not too thrilled about giving up pasta, booze, and sugar for an extra two weeks, but I’ll be healthier for it, so I won’t complain too much.

All joking aside, it was a good class, and I’m looking forward to Wednesday. This test will be hard, but I’m confident that I can do it.

After the big test (read “In February”), we’ll be resuming the ladies’ class on Thursdays. I’m pretty stoked about that too. I like helping teach but not being in charge of the whole class. It’s a good day to work on technique, even if it’s mostly by watching and seeing which mistakes to be wary of instead of by doing.

In addition to training my ass off in Krav, I’ll be going back to UWF’s fencing practice on Fridays, and (perhaps even more of a big deal) I’ll be resuming regular SCA fighter practice on Sundays (teaching fencing and learning armored combat).

Here’s to fighting five days per week.

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.

Last night Nik and I met up with some students from the fencing club to run a few mock tourney bouts. I saw a lot of good fencing, and I’m confident that they will do well. I’m still working on those cuts. I’m not comfortable throwing a cut to the head, no matter how fine with it I think I am. I always end up pulling it even if I don’t want to. It’s something subconscious, so it’ll be hard to overcome.

After practice we all had dinner and went over the rules for Serfo. We talked about protocol and equipment. I think they’re ready.

Now for the bad news. Everything was fine during practice and dinner, but later that night my hamstring (I think?) started screaming at me. The pain starts behind my knee and radiates up. It’s worse when I engage my core; I can walk and put weight on it, but bending hurts. I tried compression last night and took a muscle relaxer this morning. If I don’t see any improvement, I’m going to the ER or UC. I’m afraid of blood clots. I don’t have any previous knee injuries, and I didn’t overextend or anything crazy last night. I have no idea what’s going on, but it really hurts.