Training Session, 23rd March 2025

Training started with some warming up, and then a quick note on thrusting to the face: DON'T

Then some revision - control, eights moving & static. We'll be doing this at every training, and I encourage everyone to practice control and eights outside training until it becomes automatic.

Bit of Revision

You can even practice by imagining your way through the attacks and defences one-by-one while day-dreaming on the bus. That may sound mad, but it works: envision yourself making each attack & defence in sequence against your favourite imaginary opponent, over and over. Just don't start waving your arms around in reality.

"And 'whoo!'" (WTF?)

Freya attacks Tom

Tom attacks Freya

Darren and Jake

Get used to the repetition.

Some arms were a little tired of course. 'The Stick of Shame' was mentioned - if your weapon is too heavy, use The Stick, it's fine.

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We also went over footwork a bit more: stance, shuffling and crossing. A worthwhile exercise was the Shuffle Conga around the hall.

Shufflin'

"I can't keep up!"

Beccy had to go at the back in case her anarchy infected innocent minds

The Wisdom of Chiun may feature more prominently at Training if I find my Remo DVD

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We also did some Drill - just a little bit. The shield wall was good, snapping together quickly in the same moment with a satisfying 'bang'. The timing of 'Weapons' will need a little more practice, but I think all the veterans expected that.

There was some 'marching up and down', a bit of 'about face', and even the introduction of 'form two ranks' and 'open order'.

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Then we moved onto the interesting stuff: spears and free-fighting.

Helen and her ducks watch on

The perils of being too slow at running a spear down

We talked about hit areas, and - importantly - non-hit areas.

Darren and Mick had a few free-fights, partly obscured by the clouds of dust and rust:

At one point Darren demonstrated the dangers of being too eager by nearly punching Mick in the head.

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Focussing on spears:

"...buggered all the way." (technical description)

We did some spear defence, and then the concept of running a spear down.

What do you think you're doing?

Freya has a go

Good kill

The sequence can be confusing until it becomes automatic

Now you've hooked it, what are you going to do?

Getting the idea

Another good kill

The Charge of the Beast!

Training ended with some 'gentle' free-fighting while others watched - various new fighters had a go.

We talked about and demonstrated 'pressure' where more experienced fighters will throw in a fast sequence of attacks against newer fighters who are still 'thinking' their way through a fight. The newer fighter gets confused trying to keep up with the different attacks and often leaves a gap in their defence.

Remember - Warfare is Deception. Feints and tricks will get you kills.

There was even a bit of Florentine (more for Darren's fun than anyone else).

Very good: lots of fun I thought, and I'm looking forward to the next Session.