Lots to look forward to this coming year with more competitions and more full on training. We will be pressing on with a lot more rapier and of course continuing the fine work you've been doing with the longsword. Sword and buckler will return at the end of Febuary after the next open comp and will be taught alongside Obsesseo so you have a reference tool to work with.
We will also be introducing the Dussack as the weapon of choice for beginners as a good simple itnroduction to cutting and sparring. The first of you taking assessments will be assessed not only on how well you learn this yourself, but also on how well you pass this on to beginners in the class. Yes that means assessments are coming.
AND, well lots lots more;)
Don't forget we start on the second (though some of us will be training the new year in). Looking forward to seeing you.
See you in the New year, hope it's a happy one for you. Dave
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Seasons Beatings....
Not much to say at this point, I was going to go into great detail all the school has achieved this year (and it's been a lot) but instead I will simply say, Thanks to all of you that train with me, for your effort and humour, to those outside the school who promote the art. And to the rest of you out there who may wonder what the hell is in those strange big bags yet still don't shuffle further down the train carriage... Let's all of us make the next one even better. The school is closed from the 24th of December till the 2nd of January. Till then peace go with you, and be excellent to each other.
Oh and this week, offline footwork, cross cuts, messer, longsword and of course, rapier.
Dave
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
A review of “Obsesseo” by Keith Farrel (Academy of Historical Arts)
Review of "Obsesseo" by David Rawlings
--------------------------
Rawlings, David.
Obsesseo.
DVD, Region 2,
London Longsword Academy,
23rd November 2011
--------------------------
"Obsesseo" is the latest DVD offering by David Rawlings and the London Longsword Academy. The above date is based on the day the DVDs were received, ready for distribution, as announced by Dave on Facebook.
The DVD looks at the I.33 manual, an early medieval manuscript from the late 13th or early 14th century that depicts combat using sword and buckler. It is not an introductory piece; no time is given to discussing how to hold the sword, how best to relate the sword and the buckler, the context of the manual, how to generate power in the strike, how to stand and step and move; instead the discussion moves immediately to what is shown in I.33 and how Dave interprets the different wards, techniques and concepts in a logical common-sense system. This is not to say that a beginner would not find this DVD useful, but it is clearly aimed at people who already understand the basics of sword and buckler and who want to look at the I.33 system in more detail.
The running time is short, just 30-40 minutes. I was expecting a slightly longer running time but I do not feel that extra time would be required. Dave manages to cover all the important points and all the plays of I.33 in this short space of time, nothing is missing. Sometimes in the manuscript the same actions are repeated again and again, shown through illustrations and text. Dave has chosen to omit many of these repetitions, merely reminding the viewer that "from this position you can do all the techniques discussed already in this DVD" in order to keep the DVD short and concise and to the point. This is another reason why the DVD would be better for more experienced practitioners, as beginners might find themselves lost due to the pace at which the presentation moves forward.
I have read on the Schola Gladiatoria forum that some people find it difficult to understand Dave when he is speaking in his previous two DVDs, and also in fact that sometimes he can be difficult to understand in person when he is speaking softly. In "Obsesseo" Dave speaks very clearly and audibly, and his explanations of what is happening is very clear and straight forward. Personally I had no difficulties at all with hearing and understanding what was being said. Just to be certain, I asked one of my foreign friends to listen to the DVD for a little while, and her opinion as a foreigner with good command of the English language was that she had no problems hearing or understanding Dave either; although she sometimes has difficulty with thicker accents such as from Liverpool or from Glasgow, the voice-over for the DVD was excellent and posed no difficulties at all.
The production is of a very high quality throughout. The audio is handled very well, with a clear voice-over and also a pleasant musical score that does not detract at all from the presentation. It fades away into the background when Dave speaks, and when it does play the volume is kept at a reasonable level, never detracting from what is happening on the screen. The audio in this DVD serves to support the visual aspects without ever disrupting the action or otherwise irritating the viewer. The visual aspects of the production are also very well done; the location is stunning, the actors perform the motions comfortably, capably and fluently without making them difficult to see for the viewer. It is almost always easy to see what is going on in the various plays - occasionally the sequence involves moving in such a fashion that an actor ends up with his back to the camera, but each action or sequence is shown from multiple angles, at full speed and in slow motion, so it is never a problem to see what is happening. Matt Galas made a comment recently on SFI that this DVD has "the best production values" he has "ever seen in a HEMA video"; high praise indeed!
The interface of the DVD is nice and simple. You can play the whole way through or you can choose to select a particular technique/sequence from the list. The terms used to describe the different techniques and sequences are simple and straightforward, in English so that knowledge of the Latin names for the movements is not required. The only problem with the interface is that when selecting a particular section to view, to return to the main menu is a little convoluted. One must either return to the first page of the list and choose "back" or go through to the final page of the list and choose "main menu", which links to the first page of the list, whereupon "back" must be selected to return to the main menu. I have mentioned this to Dave and he is looking into changing this for the next run of the DVD so that it works more intuitively.
With regard to the contents of the presentation, I think Dave has done a spectacular job. He is recognised throughout the country as one of the best combatants and instructors for the sword and buckler style of fighting, and this DVD is a good way to follow his thought process. Every action is logical and makes sense given the circumstance. There was not a single technique explained in the DVD where I questioned Dave's interpretation, it all made sense and was demonstrated in a clear and effective manner. While of course other groups and other instructors might have a different method for how to interpret I.33, Dave's method is certainly effective and one could not go too far wrong in learning from this DVD.
I have not practiced a lot of sword and buckler yet. I have looked a little into the later styles and have read a couple of books about I.33, but have not yet had the chance to practice or learn I.33 to any extent. I know the rough theory of how I.33 works as a fighting system, and now that I have this DVD I believe that I will be able to train a number of these sequences and add them to my sword and buckler skills. This DVD is certainly a valuable resource and I am very happy to have made the purchase. I would urge anyone with an interest in sword and buckler to invest in a copy, I think it will have a lot of interesting material for everyone.
The price of "Obsesseo" is £19.99 plus shipping and it is available through Dave's online shop: http://www.londonlongsword.com/dvds.html
-- Keith Farrell --
--------------------------
Rawlings, David.
Obsesseo.
DVD, Region 2,
London Longsword Academy,
23rd November 2011
--------------------------
"Obsesseo" is the latest DVD offering by David Rawlings and the London Longsword Academy. The above date is based on the day the DVDs were received, ready for distribution, as announced by Dave on Facebook.
The DVD looks at the I.33 manual, an early medieval manuscript from the late 13th or early 14th century that depicts combat using sword and buckler. It is not an introductory piece; no time is given to discussing how to hold the sword, how best to relate the sword and the buckler, the context of the manual, how to generate power in the strike, how to stand and step and move; instead the discussion moves immediately to what is shown in I.33 and how Dave interprets the different wards, techniques and concepts in a logical common-sense system. This is not to say that a beginner would not find this DVD useful, but it is clearly aimed at people who already understand the basics of sword and buckler and who want to look at the I.33 system in more detail.
The running time is short, just 30-40 minutes. I was expecting a slightly longer running time but I do not feel that extra time would be required. Dave manages to cover all the important points and all the plays of I.33 in this short space of time, nothing is missing. Sometimes in the manuscript the same actions are repeated again and again, shown through illustrations and text. Dave has chosen to omit many of these repetitions, merely reminding the viewer that "from this position you can do all the techniques discussed already in this DVD" in order to keep the DVD short and concise and to the point. This is another reason why the DVD would be better for more experienced practitioners, as beginners might find themselves lost due to the pace at which the presentation moves forward.
I have read on the Schola Gladiatoria forum that some people find it difficult to understand Dave when he is speaking in his previous two DVDs, and also in fact that sometimes he can be difficult to understand in person when he is speaking softly. In "Obsesseo" Dave speaks very clearly and audibly, and his explanations of what is happening is very clear and straight forward. Personally I had no difficulties at all with hearing and understanding what was being said. Just to be certain, I asked one of my foreign friends to listen to the DVD for a little while, and her opinion as a foreigner with good command of the English language was that she had no problems hearing or understanding Dave either; although she sometimes has difficulty with thicker accents such as from Liverpool or from Glasgow, the voice-over for the DVD was excellent and posed no difficulties at all.
The production is of a very high quality throughout. The audio is handled very well, with a clear voice-over and also a pleasant musical score that does not detract at all from the presentation. It fades away into the background when Dave speaks, and when it does play the volume is kept at a reasonable level, never detracting from what is happening on the screen. The audio in this DVD serves to support the visual aspects without ever disrupting the action or otherwise irritating the viewer. The visual aspects of the production are also very well done; the location is stunning, the actors perform the motions comfortably, capably and fluently without making them difficult to see for the viewer. It is almost always easy to see what is going on in the various plays - occasionally the sequence involves moving in such a fashion that an actor ends up with his back to the camera, but each action or sequence is shown from multiple angles, at full speed and in slow motion, so it is never a problem to see what is happening. Matt Galas made a comment recently on SFI that this DVD has "the best production values" he has "ever seen in a HEMA video"; high praise indeed!
The interface of the DVD is nice and simple. You can play the whole way through or you can choose to select a particular technique/sequence from the list. The terms used to describe the different techniques and sequences are simple and straightforward, in English so that knowledge of the Latin names for the movements is not required. The only problem with the interface is that when selecting a particular section to view, to return to the main menu is a little convoluted. One must either return to the first page of the list and choose "back" or go through to the final page of the list and choose "main menu", which links to the first page of the list, whereupon "back" must be selected to return to the main menu. I have mentioned this to Dave and he is looking into changing this for the next run of the DVD so that it works more intuitively.
With regard to the contents of the presentation, I think Dave has done a spectacular job. He is recognised throughout the country as one of the best combatants and instructors for the sword and buckler style of fighting, and this DVD is a good way to follow his thought process. Every action is logical and makes sense given the circumstance. There was not a single technique explained in the DVD where I questioned Dave's interpretation, it all made sense and was demonstrated in a clear and effective manner. While of course other groups and other instructors might have a different method for how to interpret I.33, Dave's method is certainly effective and one could not go too far wrong in learning from this DVD.
I have not practiced a lot of sword and buckler yet. I have looked a little into the later styles and have read a couple of books about I.33, but have not yet had the chance to practice or learn I.33 to any extent. I know the rough theory of how I.33 works as a fighting system, and now that I have this DVD I believe that I will be able to train a number of these sequences and add them to my sword and buckler skills. This DVD is certainly a valuable resource and I am very happy to have made the purchase. I would urge anyone with an interest in sword and buckler to invest in a copy, I think it will have a lot of interesting material for everyone.
The price of "Obsesseo" is £19.99 plus shipping and it is available through Dave's online shop: http://www.londonlongsword.com/dvds.html
-- Keith Farrell --
And..
Adam C we are very glad to say is back home getting better, good news indeed, hurry back to training ye lazy git;)
This week...
All this week has been cutting circuits, cutting or thrusting from ochs with either knife, single sword, rapier and longsword. Everybody cutting for one minute with each hand before moving on to the next weapon to start again, as each person finished the run, they trained one on one with me going through one aspect of the Nebenhut for 2 minutes before rejoining the cutting line. Both technique from Ochs and the counter from Neben changed at the end of each rotation. Then we had a little light sparring, moving into slightly heavier sparring, A very nice calm way to learn, but a lot of hard work well done, the rest of you have have this to look forward to...
Thursday, 1 December 2011
The first interclass, a review...
This is a review of last Sunday's event by Mark. The only thing I want to add to this is congratualtions to John Carrozi, who fought hard and earned his win well. Just in time to bugger of back to Oz, we will miss you mate.
You can visit Mark's blog here: http://www.myfavouritebooks.blogspot.com
Research can be a sweaty business.
As some of you may be aware, somewhere around this time last year I came to the decision that classical/ sports fencing just wasn’t floating my boat anymore. I was still enjoying it, but nowhere as much as I wanted or expected to. I'd taken it up partly as an alternative to gym, but also as research to help me get into the mind of the main character of my fantasy novel (first draft done, edits underway, thank you for asking :) ) and to hopefully infuse my action scenes with a dynamic, credible realism.
Anyway. My eye began to rove and fixed itself on a class offering lessons with the longsword. Intrigued, I crossed my fingers and plunged into the strange and fascinating world of historical martial arts. To be brutally honest, having been poisoned by a near miss with the SCA I wasn’t expecting much beyond a few beardy part time re-enactors. What I found instead was a group of largely intelligent people with an infectious enthusiasm and passion for what they were doing, and none more so than the head honcho, Dave Rawlings. He threw me in the deep end, which was perhaps the best thing he could have done, and blew my preconceptions of medieval combat out of the water by the end of the first lesson. I'm looking at you here, Hollywood.
So there I was, barely a year later, agreeing to take part in our first club longsword competition. Dave runs a number of classes across London under the banner of the London Longsword Academy, but most of us rarely get to interact with the other classes on anything resembling a regular basis due to the constraints of modern life. Hence the competition- a chance to meet the rest of the mob.. and then fight them. A bit of competition is healthy, and sparring against someone new really forces you to raise your game.
And so it was that this Sunday past I found myself packing my stuff into my kitbag and heading out the house to cross swords with who knows how many strangers when by all rights I should instead have been ensconced on the sofa finishing Deliverance Lost. It’s a strange world I live in.
Having squeezed the car into a quasi legal parking space I joined about 30 others at a gym in Hither Green and jotted my name down on the roster. There were a few faces I recognised, having met a few others at other classes I’d gone in on when I’d missed my regular Tuesday night slot, as well as some I’d sparred with at Fightcamp and other events. Everyone seemed to be equal parts excited and nervous, but the atmosphere was friendly. We filed inside and quickly thawed under the rather large, chipshop like heaters (which were soon switched off when the fights started!).
Dave had enlisted the support of the School of the Sword to help with the scoring, but they’d been delayed by the evil machinations of their SatNav, so a few of us took the opportunity to do some light sparring while the circle was being chalked out, a good way to shake the Sunday lethargy from our limbs and generally loosen up, even if it did cost me a small but annoyingly painful bruise on my knuckle within the first few seconds (thanks Toby). However, soon enough our guests arrived and we divided into pools under Dave’s directions, each one a mix of both sexes and folk from each of his classes. Then it was time to take a seat while the first pool readied themselves for the opening bouts.
The fights progressed smoothly, with Dave doing most of the refereeing and the line judging shared by a selection of members from other pools. The scorekeeper kept things blessedly clear and simple and there was little delay once things got moving, with plenty of hands willing to help people in and out of the coloured shirts and various bits of protective gear. The fights themselves were as much of a mix as the participants and were generally a pretty good match in terms of ability. The one thing they had in common was fantastic sportsmanship- there were no egos butting up against each other as we were all there of our own choosing and because we enjoy what we do.
My pool was last to fight, and my stomach instantly knotted itself into a pretzel when we moved into the staging area and started getting ready, courtesy of that primal part of the brain that refuses to recognise a friendly fight and prepares for the worst even if you don’t want it too.
It all changed as soon as I stepped into the circle though. No more worries, no more nerves, just the game at hand. The fights were only two minutes long- to those outside the circle anyway. Inside, it felt far longer. Suddenly it was over, and the nervous grin that had been there before was gone. It’s like the build up to a theme park ride you’ve never been on. You’re beset by doubts as you inch closer to the point of no return, but once it’s over you’ve got a fat smile across your face and all you want to do is get back on and do it again. And that’s what it was like.
Unfortunately I didn’t make it into the next round (insert excuses here!) and the fights that followed between each pool’s top scoring competitor were well fought, with flurries of good techniques exchanged until a winner emerged to collect his well deserved laurels and prize. Once the congratulations and thank you's were done, a vote was taken as to whether we should we do this again- the answer being an uncontested YES.
I can’t wait.
You can visit Mark's blog here: http://www.myfavouritebooks.blogspot.com
Research can be a sweaty business.
As some of you may be aware, somewhere around this time last year I came to the decision that classical/ sports fencing just wasn’t floating my boat anymore. I was still enjoying it, but nowhere as much as I wanted or expected to. I'd taken it up partly as an alternative to gym, but also as research to help me get into the mind of the main character of my fantasy novel (first draft done, edits underway, thank you for asking :) ) and to hopefully infuse my action scenes with a dynamic, credible realism.
Anyway. My eye began to rove and fixed itself on a class offering lessons with the longsword. Intrigued, I crossed my fingers and plunged into the strange and fascinating world of historical martial arts. To be brutally honest, having been poisoned by a near miss with the SCA I wasn’t expecting much beyond a few beardy part time re-enactors. What I found instead was a group of largely intelligent people with an infectious enthusiasm and passion for what they were doing, and none more so than the head honcho, Dave Rawlings. He threw me in the deep end, which was perhaps the best thing he could have done, and blew my preconceptions of medieval combat out of the water by the end of the first lesson. I'm looking at you here, Hollywood.
So there I was, barely a year later, agreeing to take part in our first club longsword competition. Dave runs a number of classes across London under the banner of the London Longsword Academy, but most of us rarely get to interact with the other classes on anything resembling a regular basis due to the constraints of modern life. Hence the competition- a chance to meet the rest of the mob.. and then fight them. A bit of competition is healthy, and sparring against someone new really forces you to raise your game.
And so it was that this Sunday past I found myself packing my stuff into my kitbag and heading out the house to cross swords with who knows how many strangers when by all rights I should instead have been ensconced on the sofa finishing Deliverance Lost. It’s a strange world I live in.
Having squeezed the car into a quasi legal parking space I joined about 30 others at a gym in Hither Green and jotted my name down on the roster. There were a few faces I recognised, having met a few others at other classes I’d gone in on when I’d missed my regular Tuesday night slot, as well as some I’d sparred with at Fightcamp and other events. Everyone seemed to be equal parts excited and nervous, but the atmosphere was friendly. We filed inside and quickly thawed under the rather large, chipshop like heaters (which were soon switched off when the fights started!).
Dave had enlisted the support of the School of the Sword to help with the scoring, but they’d been delayed by the evil machinations of their SatNav, so a few of us took the opportunity to do some light sparring while the circle was being chalked out, a good way to shake the Sunday lethargy from our limbs and generally loosen up, even if it did cost me a small but annoyingly painful bruise on my knuckle within the first few seconds (thanks Toby). However, soon enough our guests arrived and we divided into pools under Dave’s directions, each one a mix of both sexes and folk from each of his classes. Then it was time to take a seat while the first pool readied themselves for the opening bouts.
The fights progressed smoothly, with Dave doing most of the refereeing and the line judging shared by a selection of members from other pools. The scorekeeper kept things blessedly clear and simple and there was little delay once things got moving, with plenty of hands willing to help people in and out of the coloured shirts and various bits of protective gear. The fights themselves were as much of a mix as the participants and were generally a pretty good match in terms of ability. The one thing they had in common was fantastic sportsmanship- there were no egos butting up against each other as we were all there of our own choosing and because we enjoy what we do.
My pool was last to fight, and my stomach instantly knotted itself into a pretzel when we moved into the staging area and started getting ready, courtesy of that primal part of the brain that refuses to recognise a friendly fight and prepares for the worst even if you don’t want it too.
It all changed as soon as I stepped into the circle though. No more worries, no more nerves, just the game at hand. The fights were only two minutes long- to those outside the circle anyway. Inside, it felt far longer. Suddenly it was over, and the nervous grin that had been there before was gone. It’s like the build up to a theme park ride you’ve never been on. You’re beset by doubts as you inch closer to the point of no return, but once it’s over you’ve got a fat smile across your face and all you want to do is get back on and do it again. And that’s what it was like.
Unfortunately I didn’t make it into the next round (insert excuses here!) and the fights that followed between each pool’s top scoring competitor were well fought, with flurries of good techniques exchanged until a winner emerged to collect his well deserved laurels and prize. Once the congratulations and thank you's were done, a vote was taken as to whether we should we do this again- the answer being an uncontested YES.
I can’t wait.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
First interclass tournament...thanks
I've had great feedback from the SOS and one of them said something that made me proud to bursting, to paraphrase; "the best thing was seeing how the group supported each other", That speaks so highly of the people I train with. Thank you guys
Thanks to Phil, Pete and Saira for your help keeping it all running smoothly.
A full review of the event is coming in the next couple of days.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Competition Day Sunday...
The flags are ready, the t shirts are on their way, this Sunday is Longsword competition day!
As many of you are fighting interclass for the first time it's going to be synthetic blades only. As everyone gets full protective gear we will work you toward more steel based comps.
If you don't have a fencing jacket you will need a thick hoodie to take the sting out.
Again we are still waiting for good news on Adam, keep him in your thoughts...
As many of you are fighting interclass for the first time it's going to be synthetic blades only. As everyone gets full protective gear we will work you toward more steel based comps.
If you don't have a fencing jacket you will need a thick hoodie to take the sting out.
Again we are still waiting for good news on Adam, keep him in your thoughts...
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Obsesseo update 2
Thanks for enthusiastic responses so far. Obsesseo is due to arrive on Wednesday the 23rd, I will get them sent out ASAP after that, as a special thank you for the support we've had for the Obsesseo project, we are extending the special offer (£15 +p&p) to any order paid for by next Tuesday. After that it's back to the £19.99 regular price.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Oi Adam, we are thinking of you.
We've just heard that Adam C is pretty ill and in ICU, spare a thought for him, get yourself better quick matey, look forward to fighting you soon.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Obsesseo "the art of sword and buckler combat" Pre order!
Obsesseo: As promised an ongoing update. As those of you who have received a bill will have noticed, the first 30 people to order are getting a special intro price of £15+p&p so get in there quick if you want to take advantage. Now a little more about the DVD, it has: Over 70 sections breaking down the key plays and principles of I.33.Rolling commentary, giving additional breakdown of each technique and tactical application.Rolling morphing labels each technique is labelled clearly on screen with the label morphing as each technique develops so you can freeze frame and know just what's going on.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
If you aren't out in the weather tonight you may want to catch these fireworks The fine chaps from GFHS Sweden are putting the finals of their always very fine tournament up LIVE for you at http://www.smarttv.se/!
The broadcast will begin slightly before 19.00 GMT+1 The finals and third place fights that will be broadcasted are:
Ladies longsword
Open longsword
Sabre
Rapier & dagger
Sword & buckler
Commentating the finals are the famous HEMA icon Matt Galas of Mons, Belgium, together with the more infamous HEMA icon Scott "Potty Mouth" Hellroth of Gothenburg, Sweden. It should be a very fine thing, Watch it...
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Places available Barbican class
Sad to say a couple of students have moved too far away with work to continue training (you'll be missed guys, train hard out there), this does mean however we have two spaces available in the Monday class.
If you want an opportunity to train with us now is the time...Hurry these slots fill quick.
If you want an opportunity to train with us now is the time...Hurry these slots fill quick.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Body Torque
Happy Halloween, very well done to the OLF class who trained hard and took their lumps well last night, very good stuff...
Tonight it's all longsword, starting with torsion work from vom tag. Engaging and using the muscles of the torso to power the blow.
From there we will be working on structure and striking zorn and zwerch from the the twisted position, followed by working squinter from a zorn start then a zwerch start. If we have time some free play.
Monday, 24 October 2011
This week 24th oct onwards.
Longsword: more work from the zorn, mutations and double, working the weak and strong. Lots of work on cutting paths and intention, a good opportunity to perfect your footwork and cuts.
Sword and Buckler...stand by for a very important announcement.
Sword and Buckler...stand by for a very important announcement.
Monday, 17 October 2011
This week
Monday-Thursday. Longsword, zorn and various counters, beginning work on the squinter.
Friday: Rapier; subjection and entering in the angles.
Friday: Rapier; subjection and entering in the angles.
Monday, 10 October 2011
This week...
This week. Wrestling, simple arm and hip throws, all from grips inside the arm. Longsword: Finishing the work with on posta di donna, drilling the strike with and without a step looking at the geometry of the step and analysing distance . Drilling zwerch.
Friday Sutton. After the excellent work last week, more rapier, more sparring.
Monday, 3 October 2011
This week.
This week. All classes bar Sutton working the finer points of blade position, distance and footwork in posta di donna. Friday Sutton. More rapier, more sparring.
Monday, 26 September 2011
This Week.
THE MONDAY and WEDNESDAY CLASSES ARE FULL TILL FURTHER NOTICE.
There is now a waiting list in operation.
Tonight it's all longsword: more work on Posta di Donna, working distance at timing, also more slipping parries and for the advanced counter cutting drills.
Also a fair bit of sparring.
Friday: Rapier more counters and reactions from the subjection.
There is now a waiting list in operation.
Tonight it's all longsword: more work on Posta di Donna, working distance at timing, also more slipping parries and for the advanced counter cutting drills.
Also a fair bit of sparring.
Friday: Rapier more counters and reactions from the subjection.
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Rapier 2011
Yesterday I travelled to Aldershot to the Rapier 2011 event hosted by the School of the Sword, as usual I was one of the last to arrive, getting to see a class already in full swing. This class was Caz and Phil (SotS) teaching principals of evasion and counter striking, this allowing both attacker and evader/counter attacker to explore the principles of Alfieri's rapier system simply (I loved the system and not only because we use the same one for longsword), you could see how easily and people were picking it up which speaks highly of it's practicality and the teaching skills of Caz and Phil.
Then it was my turn to teach, I had a last minute lesson plan change as it seemed that most of this weekend's lessons were to have a similar feel, opting instead of an organic feel to go for a very point by point, precise dissection of Thibault's 7th chapter. One of the frustrations of teaching Thibault is explaining how even an inch drop in the tip of the sword can significantly affect the manner of your approach but fortunately the level of the attendants was generally very good and I was able to use their own correct responses to alternate pressures and positions to illustrate why we needed a precise posture of the straight line to work against.
My lesson was simply dealing with pushing/subjecting the opponents blade to your inside (left side if you are right handed) line and reacting to disengages with thrusts to the outside (right if you are right handed). bearing in mind that in effect you are sweeping a sword to the left and taking a total of four steps, it's amazing how you can fill an hour and a half with counters to simple responses.
As it was we managed about to gett half of them, and I was very pleased that the general expressions of doubt turned turned to greater and greater interest as we progressed through the options, this mirrors my own experience and echoes Thibault's sentiment that it may seem counter intuitive but it works.
Then the competition...
another outing of the open rules (some changes of will be going up on the site which had been implemented in time for the competition).
I have to say this is the best run comp I've attended, this is a result of three things.
The rules: these work very well now.
The competitors: these were outstanding on the whole, and good humoured without exception.
Phil's pool/seeding system.
Most of the fights were a joy to watch and the Phil's system managed the pools so well that we were promised and delivered a stunning final and a worthy winner Thibault Ghesquiere. Thibault was amazing throughout, had the least hits against him throughout the day and frankly kicked arse, Fabrice and co must be very proud.
Oh, Rob Runacres, his last fight must be mentioned as an example of technical excellence and effectiveness. The most gorgeous fight I've witnessed in ages, like watching a manual come to life and get stabby.
One last thing, all of the members of SotS, who made the event possible, thanks so much, you made it great.
There is another day of training today which I had to skip in order to be back for tonight's lesson. but with notables such as Fabrice Cognot, Reinier Van Noort and Andrew Feast teaching it should be another great day. Make sure you are there for the next one, a fantastic event.
Then it was my turn to teach, I had a last minute lesson plan change as it seemed that most of this weekend's lessons were to have a similar feel, opting instead of an organic feel to go for a very point by point, precise dissection of Thibault's 7th chapter. One of the frustrations of teaching Thibault is explaining how even an inch drop in the tip of the sword can significantly affect the manner of your approach but fortunately the level of the attendants was generally very good and I was able to use their own correct responses to alternate pressures and positions to illustrate why we needed a precise posture of the straight line to work against.
My lesson was simply dealing with pushing/subjecting the opponents blade to your inside (left side if you are right handed) line and reacting to disengages with thrusts to the outside (right if you are right handed). bearing in mind that in effect you are sweeping a sword to the left and taking a total of four steps, it's amazing how you can fill an hour and a half with counters to simple responses.
As it was we managed about to gett half of them, and I was very pleased that the general expressions of doubt turned turned to greater and greater interest as we progressed through the options, this mirrors my own experience and echoes Thibault's sentiment that it may seem counter intuitive but it works.
Then the competition...
another outing of the open rules (some changes of will be going up on the site which had been implemented in time for the competition).
I have to say this is the best run comp I've attended, this is a result of three things.
The rules: these work very well now.
The competitors: these were outstanding on the whole, and good humoured without exception.
Phil's pool/seeding system.
Most of the fights were a joy to watch and the Phil's system managed the pools so well that we were promised and delivered a stunning final and a worthy winner Thibault Ghesquiere. Thibault was amazing throughout, had the least hits against him throughout the day and frankly kicked arse, Fabrice and co must be very proud.
Oh, Rob Runacres, his last fight must be mentioned as an example of technical excellence and effectiveness. The most gorgeous fight I've witnessed in ages, like watching a manual come to life and get stabby.
One last thing, all of the members of SotS, who made the event possible, thanks so much, you made it great.
There is another day of training today which I had to skip in order to be back for tonight's lesson. but with notables such as Fabrice Cognot, Reinier Van Noort and Andrew Feast teaching it should be another great day. Make sure you are there for the next one, a fantastic event.
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Tues and wed classes this week
Good hard work from the Beckenham class last night, all longsword work, footwork and counter cuts, comparing the single dominant step (right out to right side) with the left, right left, step and how this affects angle and safety.
From there it was repeated pommel and half sword drilling from the bind. More of that tonight as well as some more wrestling to start.
Other news: the rapiers have arrived and the DVD is so close to being done you may be able to feel it breathing down your necks. Also new t shirt orders are being taken with some...interesting new options, get your order in asap.
Monday, 19 September 2011
Monday Barbican class
Weapon work:
Longsword only tonight footwork body positioning and non signalling parries, counter cuts against open attacks.
Unarmed: A little wrestling to warm up.
Longsword only tonight footwork body positioning and non signalling parries, counter cuts against open attacks.
Unarmed: A little wrestling to warm up.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
This Week.
Last night was stick and Longsword, entering with a setting aside, covering off line without over commitment.(as Nick very rightly said, fencing with the body not the sword).
Tonight in Beckenham and also Wed and Thurs: more of the above, and continuing with the balance position in the wrestling. again the emphasis on aiding and giving the right pressure for your partner, before we move to uncooperative play.
Friday of course is rapier.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Wednesday Blackfriars class
Tonight is all unarmed wrestling and grappling with the longsword. It's going to be warm work so bring water and a top for after.
Also don't forget, we are in COMBAT magazine this month, it's out now with a breakdown of the first short staff sequence.
Also don't forget, we are in COMBAT magazine this month, it's out now with a breakdown of the first short staff sequence.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Sword and buckler an outsider's view, priest training day.
Den Of Geek goes on a warrior priest training day
N P HortonI had the monkish equivalent of Darth Maul menacingly eyeing me up,? ?like the easy foppish meat I obviously am?…
Ahead of Priest’s release on DVD and Blu-ray today, Nick went off to a remote forest to learn all about sword fighting, and becoming a warrior monk...
Published on Sep 2, 2011If you haven?’?t yet seen? ?Priest,? ?you may not be aware of the joys of watching kindly religious figures turn into bad-ass warriors, and then killing vampires with such things as ninja throwing crosses and rosary darts.
But the question was, could a mere Den of Geek writer be turned into one of these holy warriors?? ?The answer is sort of.? ?A bit.? ?Look,? ?I got to play with swords all day, and that?’?s good enough for me!? ?Summoned to a mysterious crypt in an ominous wooded glade? (?actually the rather lovely Abney Park in Stoke Newington?)?,? ?I was greeted by a hooded figure who promised to take us to meet our sacerdos,? ?and then train us in the feudal arts of sword and buckler.? ?Which basically meant I?’?d be taught sword fighting by a monk?. Just your average Wednesday afternoon, really.?
Our robed warrior stepped from the shadows to greet us.? ?He looked absolutely ripped under his cowl,? ?and the glimpses of a mass of tattoos peeking out from the sleeves suggested this guy meant business.? ?He then picked up a long sword and, with a practised air, swung it casually in his hands as he approached.? ?Not for the first time this afternoon,? ?I started to wonder whether learning to sword fight would be as fun and light-hearted as I’d imagined.?
The possibility of having my head chopped off and rolling through the undergrowth in a bloody mess started to play out before my eyes.? ?I had the monkish equivalent of Darth Maul menacingly eyeing me up,? ?like the easy foppish meat I obviously am?…
Read more...
Monday, 5 September 2011
Monday Barbican class.
Rapier, working against attacks in the 1st instance.
Longsword; heavy cutting drills and counters with the false edge.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
This Week.
Fantastic classes last week, well done all involved.
This week we have:
Sunday: Longsword; off balance attacks, counter wind, half sword and disarms.
Monday: Longsword and rapier. Off balance assaults and timing of counters and attacks in the first instance.
Tuesday: Longsword and sword and buckler, off balance attacks, the fast snap and secondary attacks.
Thursday beginners class footwork and cutting drills with longsword.
Friday: Rapier: attacks in the first instance.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Bi Monthly competitions. First date set 27th November.
All members of the LLA are invited to the first inter class competition.
A chance to meet and beat your companions at arms. The first competition will take place at the OLF gym in Hither green on the 27th of November and will consist of three weapon categories:
Longsword.
Rapier.
Sword and Buckler.
The rules can be seen here.
At the end of the event the winner of each category will be presented with the LLA interclass cup
If you win three bi monthlies in the same weapon three times, you keep the cup.
A chance to meet and beat your companions at arms. The first competition will take place at the OLF gym in Hither green on the 27th of November and will consist of three weapon categories:
Longsword.
Rapier.
Sword and Buckler.
The rules can be seen here.
At the end of the event the winner of each category will be presented with the LLA interclass cup
If you win three bi monthlies in the same weapon three times, you keep the cup.
Monday Barbican class.
Tonight it's more sparring: Rapier, longsword and sword with buckler. For beginners it's drills from codex Wallerstein.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Extreme Range In Stock
We have longswords back in stock, all our longswords are now the Rawlings Range Extremes, much stiffer and hard wearing, you can find them in the shop.
Sutton class Friday 19th and update.
Rapier tonight, timing attacks and counters. A very fluid and fun exercise this. It's been a very busy this week along side the normal classes (fantastic sparring Monday and superb hard work drilling from the rest of the groups) we've had the Priest* promotion and then tomorrow rushing off to teach at Fightcamp (before rushing back for Sunday's class Also the first of the steel gorgets is in for inspection. See you there.
*Paul Bettany's vampire fest
*Paul Bettany's vampire fest
Thursday, 18 August 2011
The Arbour Stepney class.
Tonight’s beginner class: longsword from codex Wallerstein, simple winds and counter winds with cuts to the elbow.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Beckenham Spa Class Tuesday 16th
Sword and Buckler; sword changes, separations secondary attacks and re binds.
Longsword; simple thrusts counter winds and counter counter winds.
Longsword; simple thrusts counter winds and counter counter winds.
Monday, 15 August 2011
Monday at the Barbican
Tonight: mostly fighting. Rapier longsword and sword with buckler. Also paired blade awareness drills.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Don't Forget.
Don't forget Thursday's class is now in Stepney Green.
Hither Green is now Sundays. Longsword tonight,see you there.
Hither Green is now Sundays. Longsword tonight,see you there.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Update Tuesday.
Sparring at the Spa: Tonight's class is still on. the kind people at the Spa are sticking around till 9 for us, So, a shorter lesson tonight and we will mainly just fight. Looking forward to seeing you.
Don't forget there is a new beginner's class starting this Thursday in Stepney Green E1
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If you are interested in starting please contact us here, if you email please leave a contact number.
Tonight's Beckenham class and tomorrow's Blackfriar's class: Sword and buckler and dagger work, as yesterday, lots of drilling, lots of sparring.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Monday Barbican class.
I know there are a few problems out there tonight, our thoughts are with the communities that are suffering. We are training as usual: Sword and buckler tonight, lots of sparring, lots of drilling. I'll bring enough gear for everyone if you don't want to carry (do bring masks and gloves though).
Safe journey.
Safe journey.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Thursday Hither Green
Krump'n'Kreig; all longsword, lots of crooked cuts and countering with the "noble war".
Don't forget, next week the new Arbour class opens in Stepney, and the Hither Green class swaps to Sunday. See you there.
Don't forget, next week the new Arbour class opens in Stepney, and the Hither Green class swaps to Sunday. See you there.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Beckenham Class Tuesday at the Spa
Lesson part 1
Rapier: subjection and approaching the withdrawn thrust. lot's of this keeping it simple.
Messer and Longsword; breaking the krump with winding.
Sword and buckler; tread through against the bind.
Lesson Part 2
Dagger: learning the key. simple unarmed entry against the knife.
Update
Lesson plan changed last night as everyone was putting so much effort into sparring. We had: longsword sparring, everyone did great, Nick showing some excellent timing, however out of everyone I have to say the biggest improvement by far was by Tim, who seems to have at last figured out he is much bigger and stronger than everyone else (he did not rely on this, just...some people didn't seem to notice...till too late). From there we went into breaking the Krump and on to dagger work. Great session thank you all.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Monday Barbican class
1st half:
Longsword: sparring.
Sword/Buckler:sparring.
Rapier: sparring.
2nd Half:
Dagger work
Longsword: sparring.
Sword/Buckler:sparring.
Rapier: sparring.
2nd Half:
Dagger work
Friday, 29 July 2011
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Wednesday Blackfriars class
Longsword and Messer, grapples and counters, moulinetts and coin sack cutting. Pressing with the flats and an arm break or two.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Beckenham Class Tuesday:
Tonight; long sword and messer. Grips, pommel strikes, wrist throws and counters.
Monday, 25 July 2011
After Valhalla
This weekend found me and three members of the London Longsword Academy demonstrating medieval combat systems at the Valhalla Festival in Colchester.
We were part of a larger martial arts demonstration, covering every thing from traditional Japanese Budo, through to boxing and, kung fu and combatives.
Most of the displays took place in the boxing ring (background in some pics) we felt however that the energetic and interactive nature of display may need a little more space.
I started of by explaining the concept of mnemonic naming that runs through the Liechtenaur tradition of sword arts, and how this has parallels in many Asian systems. We then set about dismissing some of the preconceptions that the European long sword was a slow and cumbersome tool. quickly running through the guards before destroying them with masterstrikes and follow on techniques.
From there it was quickly onto free sparring as I continued to give background to the system and pull some brave volunteers to from the audience to learn some basic balance breaks. As you can see in the background the little ones who were the bravest, they behaved impeccably training safely and respectfully and their parents should be proud of them.
After a short break we moved onto some of the other weapons, starting with sword and buckler, giving and explanation of the geometry of the system and showing how far removed from the Hollywood hack and slash sword fighting the refined and cautious reality of the sword and buckler fight is.
People seemed surprised at the power generation involved how hard and how fast you can hit from short range, yet how simply you can close that energy down with a subtle and correct counter.
For the last two weapons we concentrated on Talhoffer and Wallerstein’s messer and the shortstaff of Paulus Hector Mair, both very powerful systems, showing how we are not just dealing with a tentative tactical fight, at times we are dealing with extreme and aggressively brutal attacks.
Little did I know as I was explaining the staff work the lads had taken it upon themselves to spar staff in the background… With some trepidation I turned to see what was going on (this being the first time they have sparred with staff) I have to say I was very impressed, very sharp, and very controlled.
Thanks to the students who attended, Mark, Tim and Toby were patient and professional, the feedback I had from both the audience an organisers was excellent and suggested you we went down a storm. Thanks all of you, and Thanks Nili for taking the pics.
Tonight and the next few days, longsword messer and sword/buckler, usual venue, look forward to seeing you there.
We were part of a larger martial arts demonstration, covering every thing from traditional Japanese Budo, through to boxing and, kung fu and combatives.Most of the displays took place in the boxing ring (background in some pics) we felt however that the energetic and interactive nature of display may need a little more space.
I started of by explaining the concept of mnemonic naming that runs through the Liechtenaur tradition of sword arts, and how this has parallels in many Asian systems. We then set about dismissing some of the preconceptions that the European long sword was a slow and cumbersome tool. quickly running through the guards before destroying them with masterstrikes and follow on techniques.
From there it was quickly onto free sparring as I continued to give background to the system and pull some brave volunteers to from the audience to learn some basic balance breaks. As you can see in the background the little ones who were the bravest, they behaved impeccably training safely and respectfully and their parents should be proud of them.After a short break we moved onto some of the other weapons, starting with sword and buckler, giving and explanation of the geometry of the system and showing how far removed from the Hollywood hack and slash sword fighting the refined and cautious reality of the sword and buckler fight is.
People seemed surprised at the power generation involved how hard and how fast you can hit from short range, yet how simply you can close that energy down with a subtle and correct counter.
For the last two weapons we concentrated on Talhoffer and Wallerstein’s messer and the shortstaff of Paulus Hector Mair, both very powerful systems, showing how we are not just dealing with a tentative tactical fight, at times we are dealing with extreme and aggressively brutal attacks.
Little did I know as I was explaining the staff work the lads had taken it upon themselves to spar staff in the background… With some trepidation I turned to see what was going on (this being the first time they have sparred with staff) I have to say I was very impressed, very sharp, and very controlled.
Thanks to the students who attended, Mark, Tim and Toby were patient and professional, the feedback I had from both the audience an organisers was excellent and suggested you we went down a storm. Thanks all of you, and Thanks Nili for taking the pics.
Tonight and the next few days, longsword messer and sword/buckler, usual venue, look forward to seeing you there.
Saturday, 23 July 2011
You want to see us, where? Try here, upcomming events...
Two more events coming up this year, unlike the Valhalla event these are purely instructional, both of them pulling instructors in from around the globe to offer their expertise. They are:
Fightcamp is a multi style event offering instruction in several kinds of weapon and unarmed systems.
it runs from the 19th-21st of August in Coventry, this years event has over 40 lessons so it promises a little of something for everyone.
Then we have:
A weekend that is (as the name suggests) dedicated to the rapier, this very specialised and intensive event is aimed at students of the sword with at least a little experience, this will allow the instructors to move more rapidly onto more advanced principles of the art an excellent place to expand and compare systems and approaches, it promises to be a very informative event Rapier 2011 takes place on the 24th-25th September in Aldershot.
Both have limited places and are approaching rapidly so I would advise booking soon to avoid disappointment. (click the pictures to be taken to the home pages).
Fightcamp is a multi style event offering instruction in several kinds of weapon and unarmed systems.it runs from the 19th-21st of August in Coventry, this years event has over 40 lessons so it promises a little of something for everyone.
Then we have:
A weekend that is (as the name suggests) dedicated to the rapier, this very specialised and intensive event is aimed at students of the sword with at least a little experience, this will allow the instructors to move more rapidly onto more advanced principles of the art an excellent place to expand and compare systems and approaches, it promises to be a very informative event Rapier 2011 takes place on the 24th-25th September in Aldershot.
Both have limited places and are approaching rapidly so I would advise booking soon to avoid disappointment. (click the pictures to be taken to the home pages).
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