Class plans...

I am sure the reasons why the change happened are becoming well known, again not the circumstances I wanted to become lead instructor, but I feel I've been heading this way for a long time.

So cue mad panic and study for a weapon I enjoy but have no great love for. Don't get me wrong, I like longsword but it doesn't 'sing' to me like single and offhand or quarterstaff does. Maybe because I have made those my study, happily picking up everything I can, and generally hanging new ideas on that framework..

Which I guess brings me to the greatest change in class structure. I will be stepping  away from play based instruction. It's never sat right with me, the principles need to be drilled in and the plays evolve/illustrate the concepts. I don't want the guys going 'this is the fifth master, 3rd refinement' I want them to feel as if they are doing the right thing, and then have it on video to alongside the play that just happened.

It will be a complete mash up. Sword vs dagger should teach distances, sure parries and rapid closing. I shall have  to play but sword in one hand and sword in 2 should be interchangeable with the Rawlings nylons and the hiltier feders. Which will open up more options. Then be tied back to the dagger work.

As much fun as I have had with how things were... I am already seeing so many, many more  opportunities and a way to turn the rag tag misfits into an unpredictable whirlwind of blades. With strong, sure and steady mechanics behind them.

Eep

Fight camp was a mixed event for me. There was a massive shadow cast by my esteemed and honourable maestro. Being.. less than honourable and my having to turn a desolation into a win in 3 weeks.

It was very unpleasant talking about the circumstances, we were fucked over to the cost of hosting something. Both cash and support, by the looks of it.

Which is why it is hard to describe how I feel right now. I have been offered so much and, casually, been shown so much faith that.. I am humbled. What I have seen is so beyond testosterone poisoning that 'oh fucking fuck... Me?' is my main reaction.

And in that atmosphere. I personally awarded a medal to a stuffed toy. Because that is the right thing to do.

This isn't the blog for politics

This blog was started due to the joy I found in HEMA, the people I respect and how positivity should be looked for well above politics and infighting and so on.

The hobby has sustained me through bad times, I have met great people, become a better person both physically and mentally.  I wouldn't be in the position I am if I didn't see my volunteering as giving something back. And all of that is an aside to the fact that sword fighting is pretty damn cool.

This is an unpleasant time for me and my relationship with the hobby. Part of it is that my personal feelings about stuff, I have taken a massive step into the unknown because of things that I would rather have prevented. It's rushed because the guys come first and the defining weekend of my HEMA experience is almost upon us. I wouldn't be half as enthusiastic if it wasn't for that terrifying weekend at the gunpowder mills. Being prodded into a rapier contest just to make up the numbers.. being the first time I actually used steel. Yes, these were the days of the ubershinai and when hanwei practicals were the best we could get.

If it was 'just me' I would have faded away, given up my spot on Danelli's waiting list and probably just stuck to cutting practice and occasionally scrawling notes in the margins of book while feeling resentful.

Fortunately, it is a lot more than just me. It's those who introduced me to the wider hobby. Those I have met through this hobby. Those who have a learnt a mutual language through the sword. I have to remind myself of those people. Those who look up to me and respect my opinions or at least have a good point (metaphorically or literally).

So, what happens next? Not a fucking clue. I shall, as ever, carry on looking at and for the opinions of people I respect. I will argue, pick up swords and discuss things that way. With nothing to prove, nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 It is important to me that this fightcamp is phoenix-like rather than shoegazing and blame. Still not quite sure what direction this will take, but it will be a better one.

I am not happy with what has been thrown at me. But this is not a full stop.

It is a stop thrust.