With the holiday season, there has not been a lot of time for fighting. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve fall on Thursdays this year so I am cancelling fighter practices.
Still hitting the pell 100 times a day with each hand. It's making a difference but is not helping with active defense. Holding the shield while throwing shots helps build the muscles but it's difficult to understand moving the shield defensively without someone throwing back at you.
Little items like fakes involving shield movement can be practiced, but still needed to be used against an opponent to be verified. Learning to throw shots around the shield is good as well but there is a tendency to use the shield as a counterweight and swivel the whole torso when throwing a shot, thus moving the shield out of a good defensive position. I find I do this most when throwing shots left handed.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Still going
Cancelled fighter practice last Thursday in favor of an armor workshop. Had several folks over and got a pair of dished elbows made. I got them cut and started but the young man who needed them sanded the edges and did a lot of the dishing.
Still hitting the pell 100 times a day with each hand. Had some sort of sinus thing Satuday but got them done anyway. Feeling some soreness in my inside elbow area that is a bit new. It appears to be in the muscle, not the joint so I figure it's just getting into shape.
Still need to make a new shield but am undecided about a shape. I might go with a peanut but could also stick with an oval, albeit a wider one. I can't find a long center grip shield that is period for me to use as a reference. May just have to take the artistic license and do what fits my fighting style best.
Still hitting the pell 100 times a day with each hand. Had some sort of sinus thing Satuday but got them done anyway. Feeling some soreness in my inside elbow area that is a bit new. It appears to be in the muscle, not the joint so I figure it's just getting into shape.
Still need to make a new shield but am undecided about a shape. I might go with a peanut but could also stick with an oval, albeit a wider one. I can't find a long center grip shield that is period for me to use as a reference. May just have to take the artistic license and do what fits my fighting style best.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Magna Faire
I had a great day Saturday. We got onto site around 9 AM and got into armor by 9:30. I did pickup fights until the first list started. I was able to start with Sir Bartlemey and fought everyone else I could. I'd fight one or two people and have to take a break.
Before the list started I was at the spot where my pulse was elevated but not racing, I was sweating but not too bad, my vision was clear. I was tired but felt I could do one or two more fights, so I did and took a little break. Ate a hand full of chili cheese corn chips and had more water. Then went back out for one or two more. And one or two more. By the time the list started I had drunk 2 or 3 bottles of water and was saturated enough that I was making trips to the men's room.
I did well enough to go five rounds in the Sword and Mistletoe tourney. Each round was best two out of three. I got a double kill in the first round and then won the next two. I fought Matthias in the second round and was able to kill him twice. I got Sir Thomas Alfred in the third round and he beat me twice putting me into the losers bracket. I was lucky enough to get a bye fight in the fourth round and got to fight HRH Wulfstan. He challenged me to give him my best fight and I tried. I got his leg once but he won both fights. I met Sir Caius in the fifth round and he beat me twice, putting me out.
His Majesty talked with me after the bye fight and said that I had made a good impression on him at Black Axe during the pickups and he wanted to push me to fight him hard today.
Did more pick up fights before the next tournament.
The Green Knight tournament was single fight per round and single elimination, head shots don't count. I drew Baron Gwyddion (who'd just been made a Bear before the list started) and decided to try fighting him left handed to see if it would give me an advantage. He noticed it and shifted his stance. It was odd not trying for head shots and I didn't land a blow on him. He took my leg and right arm, then hit me in the right arm again and the left side of my chest. I didn't think about it until after but I should have called the second arm shot as a death since it was already gone and I apologized to him afterwards.
There was to be a third tournament but it didn't happen due to the lateness of the second tourney ending. It fell back to pick up fights and I was back to one or two more. I was privileged to fight Sir Micheale who was fighting two stick and I did OK against him. I also worked with Duke Kenneth who gave me pointers on my stance and shield manipulation. I was able to land one planned shot, the shield fake right and quick wrap from behind the shield. I also fought Baroness Leyli left handed to get her opinion of how I was doing left handed. She said it was not bad but I was moving my body from behind the shield when I was throwing shots.
I remember pickup fights with Locko, Bragg, Edris, Eric Martell, and several others whose names I don't recall. I fought until Katriona made me stop as court was in 15 minutes. I dropped my helmet, half gauntlets, gorget and elbows at the car and sat court in my armor. I didn't have a chair so I leaned against the wall, squatted, sat on the floor, and then cycled back through. Grabbed a chair towards the end but it seems to have been good to change positions so nothing seized up.
I believe this was my best fighting day ever. I believe Sir Bart and I were the first fighters on the field and while I was not the last fighter on the field, I was in the last 1/2 dozen.
Before the list started I was at the spot where my pulse was elevated but not racing, I was sweating but not too bad, my vision was clear. I was tired but felt I could do one or two more fights, so I did and took a little break. Ate a hand full of chili cheese corn chips and had more water. Then went back out for one or two more. And one or two more. By the time the list started I had drunk 2 or 3 bottles of water and was saturated enough that I was making trips to the men's room.
I did well enough to go five rounds in the Sword and Mistletoe tourney. Each round was best two out of three. I got a double kill in the first round and then won the next two. I fought Matthias in the second round and was able to kill him twice. I got Sir Thomas Alfred in the third round and he beat me twice putting me into the losers bracket. I was lucky enough to get a bye fight in the fourth round and got to fight HRH Wulfstan. He challenged me to give him my best fight and I tried. I got his leg once but he won both fights. I met Sir Caius in the fifth round and he beat me twice, putting me out.
His Majesty talked with me after the bye fight and said that I had made a good impression on him at Black Axe during the pickups and he wanted to push me to fight him hard today.
Did more pick up fights before the next tournament.
The Green Knight tournament was single fight per round and single elimination, head shots don't count. I drew Baron Gwyddion (who'd just been made a Bear before the list started) and decided to try fighting him left handed to see if it would give me an advantage. He noticed it and shifted his stance. It was odd not trying for head shots and I didn't land a blow on him. He took my leg and right arm, then hit me in the right arm again and the left side of my chest. I didn't think about it until after but I should have called the second arm shot as a death since it was already gone and I apologized to him afterwards.
There was to be a third tournament but it didn't happen due to the lateness of the second tourney ending. It fell back to pick up fights and I was back to one or two more. I was privileged to fight Sir Micheale who was fighting two stick and I did OK against him. I also worked with Duke Kenneth who gave me pointers on my stance and shield manipulation. I was able to land one planned shot, the shield fake right and quick wrap from behind the shield. I also fought Baroness Leyli left handed to get her opinion of how I was doing left handed. She said it was not bad but I was moving my body from behind the shield when I was throwing shots.
I remember pickup fights with Locko, Bragg, Edris, Eric Martell, and several others whose names I don't recall. I fought until Katriona made me stop as court was in 15 minutes. I dropped my helmet, half gauntlets, gorget and elbows at the car and sat court in my armor. I didn't have a chair so I leaned against the wall, squatted, sat on the floor, and then cycled back through. Grabbed a chair towards the end but it seems to have been good to change positions so nothing seized up.
I believe this was my best fighting day ever. I believe Sir Bart and I were the first fighters on the field and while I was not the last fighter on the field, I was in the last 1/2 dozen.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Indian club update
I've been playing a bit with two old rattan short swords (no hilts). They are about a pound each but more neutrally balanced than a real Indian club.
Doing simple routines, mainly with the right arm/shoulder, has seemed to help with tightness and pain in the shoulder joint.
My wife picks them up and effortlessly goes through routines using both hands simultaneously. She says it's like the twirling she did in flag and rifle corps in school.
Doing simple routines, mainly with the right arm/shoulder, has seemed to help with tightness and pain in the shoulder joint.
My wife picks them up and effortlessly goes through routines using both hands simultaneously. She says it's like the twirling she did in flag and rifle corps in school.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Indian mace and club training
I watched a few videos on Indian mace and club training. Here a re a few the got me started down this particular rabbit hole.
Warrior Mace Training
The History and Tradition of the Mace
Indian GADA/MACE Workout Elements
I toyed with a weight on a stick setup, ~5# total and about 24" long. I don't have the flexibility or strength in my right shoulder to do the exercises right but feel them working the sore spots in my shoulder. Perhaps I can rehab the aching muscles there.
Warrior Mace Training
The History and Tradition of the Mace
Indian GADA/MACE Workout Elements
I toyed with a weight on a stick setup, ~5# total and about 24" long. I don't have the flexibility or strength in my right shoulder to do the exercises right but feel them working the sore spots in my shoulder. Perhaps I can rehab the aching muscles there.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Point toward enemy
I got a heavy piece of rattan that was too long to contemplate making a single hand sword from. It was ~57" and 808 grams, husk on and between 1.5 and 1.7" thick.
I purchased the guard from Ken Thomas in Memphis TN and got it mounted today. Shaved the handle down so it would accept the guard and pounded it into place. Used strapping tape to lock the little tab to the blade. Bit of strapping tape on the tip with white athletic tape and friction tape for the edge. Put a bit of strapping tape on the butt end and built up a bit of twisted black duct tape to make a pommel for now.
Finished weight is 1378 grams with overall length of 56". Basket hilted sword is 1318 grams and 40".
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Glynn Rhe armor workshop
Spent most of the day at the Glynn Rhe armor workshop. Dished a pair of elbows and made a shield box for a new fighter. Helped refurb some older arms for another new fighter.
It was nice to hang out and work on stuff. I got to renew some friendships that were older than many of the new fighters that were there.
Got in the hilt and aluminum elbow cops from Hjalmar Sognefjord.
It was nice to hang out and work on stuff. I got to renew some friendships that were older than many of the new fighters that were there.
Got in the hilt and aluminum elbow cops from Hjalmar Sognefjord.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
An Dun Theine fighter practice 11/12/15
Four fighters at practice tonight, myself, one of my deputies and two unauthorized gentlemen. Everyone but me is left handed. I've been doing left handed pell work for a week or better so I fought about 2/3 of my fights left handed. I felt relatively comfortable but my footwork was confused and the shield was hard to settle down.
Fighting under the lights seems to be working so we'll continue for the time being.
Fighting under the lights seems to be working so we'll continue for the time being.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Repairs
Replaced the buckle on the knotworked gorget in the loaner armor.
Completed rebuild of the 24" center grip shield. Used black duct tape to cover the rope on the edge.
Completed rebuild of the 24" center grip shield. Used black duct tape to cover the rope on the edge.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Few updates
Good solid fighter practice last night.
Even though we have lost an hour of sunlight, the lighting from the parking garage and walking paths is adequate for practice.
I missed having the 24" center grip shield. It has been a good training tool as well as a lot of fun to play with.
It's amazing to still be sweating through all the cloth I am wearing in November.
Here's the pattern to the sheet metal baskets I have on some of my older swords. 1" grid
Even though we have lost an hour of sunlight, the lighting from the parking garage and walking paths is adequate for practice.
I missed having the 24" center grip shield. It has been a good training tool as well as a lot of fun to play with.
It's amazing to still be sweating through all the cloth I am wearing in November.
Here's the pattern to the sheet metal baskets I have on some of my older swords. 1" grid
Thursday, November 5, 2015
SCA heavy combat equipment links
Here are some links to consider for new or experienced heavy fighters:
http://www.shop.mastereirik.com/Shaved-Rattan-Sword-Kit-Swo…
Shaved rattan sword kit. I suggest the undersize rattan and low profile thrusting tip. Ask in comments for the lightest rattan in stock. I'd recommend buying the longest sticks until you know what size you prefer as they can be cut down.
Shaved rattan sword kit. I suggest the undersize rattan and low profile thrusting tip. Ask in comments for the lightest rattan in stock. I'd recommend buying the longest sticks until you know what size you prefer as they can be cut down.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/394380073955553/915955535131335/?ref=notif¬if_t=group_activity
Facebook group for buying and selling armor. More of a classified ad system but good to watch for items available right now.
Facebook group for buying and selling armor. More of a classified ad system but good to watch for items available right now.
http://www.plasticlamellar.com/suit-builder.html
Plastic lamellar armor. Their suit builder tool can be used to estimate the number of plates needed. If the dimensions are similar, it can also be used to estimate the number of metal plates needed from other vendors.
Plastic lamellar armor. Their suit builder tool can be used to estimate the number of plates needed. If the dimensions are similar, it can also be used to estimate the number of metal plates needed from other vendors.
http://ironmongerarmory.com/stock-…/munitions-bascinet-helms
Here's an excellent low cost helmet. Per Iron Monger, they build these to order so you get a helmet sized to your dimensions in 1-2 weeks.
Here's an excellent low cost helmet. Per Iron Monger, they build these to order so you get a helmet sized to your dimensions in 1-2 weeks.
http://www.armourarchive.org/links/
A good place to start looking for more specifics and patterns if you are thinking of building your own armor
A good place to start looking for more specifics and patterns if you are thinking of building your own armor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8JjBQ3YLuw
Video on shields. I can't seem to find a basic tutorial on them. I suggest at least 3/8" hardwood plywood, the more layers the better.
http://www.shop.mastereirik.com/Miscellaneous-Combat-Suppli…
Master Eirik also has plastic bosses and handles for center grip shields
Video on shields. I can't seem to find a basic tutorial on them. I suggest at least 3/8" hardwood plywood, the more layers the better.
http://www.shop.mastereirik.com/Miscellaneous-Combat-Suppli…
Master Eirik also has plastic bosses and handles for center grip shields
Please feel free to add sources, tutorials, etc for heavy armor and weapons
YIS,
Iain
Iain
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