Our new Mounted Combat memberships are live starting today, which means members are now able to sign up for practice rides and our new Mounted Combat Practice nights. But, you ask, what exactly happens at a Mounted Combat Practice? Mounted Combat Practice Basically, these Monday evenings are the MC Program equivalent of Open Floor: an…
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The first rank exam a student of Bartitsu faces is to test whether an apprentice who wears a green sash is ready to progress to the scholar level and wear the blue sash. We hold this evaluation every four months or thereabouts, and a Bartitsuka must have at least three months of instruction to qualify…
This is the second part in a series on Awareness. Part 1 explored how to develop your ability to recall and diagnose what’s happening in combat through three games. In this post I’m going to delve into the second definition of awareness: Feeling, experiencing, or noticing something (such as a sound or sensation). Tactics Being…
Last week we rolled out our new Mounted Combat Membership with a special offer: buy your 2017 membership before the end of October and get November and December benefits for free. So what exactly are those benefits? Here are the details ... Mounted Combat Membership 10% Discount on Mounted Combat Program Courses This includes: Riding…
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“… every night almost some one or other, who either heated with wine, or made choleric with the loss of his money, raises a quarrel, swords are drawn, … ”[1] The recently completed Para Olympics Wheelchair Fencing competition did bring to mind an item I once read about a fencing master demonstrating his abilities by…
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I was reluctant to see John Wick (2014) because I didn't think the story of an unstoppable gun-toting Keanu Reeves seeking revenge for his puppy would be entertaining. Boy, was I right. But what the story lacks in... story... it makes up for with action. The gun-fu as performed by Reeves is exceptional. And now,…
Merriam-Webster defines “awareness" as: Knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists Feeling, experiencing, or noticing something (such as a sound, sensation, or emotion) Knowing and understanding a lot about what is happening in the world or around you Awareness is an essential part of martial performance and learning. It allows you…
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Riding Level 4 Overview Now that I've covered all the Level 4 Horsemanship material for the Red Spur rank, I'll be moving on to Riding Level 4. To give you an overview, here's your checklist: Turn Out. Horse & Rider. AD shirt, boots, breeches, helmet, gloves. Mount - Dismount. Adjust stirrups, mounted. Position & Balance.…
The mere act of bowing isn't a show of respect for your instructor if your other behaviours are not equally respectful. Although my classes are fairly informal, that doesn't mean that respect does not exist. A Low Threshold In my Bartitsu classes (as well as my stage combat classes), we do not have many explicit…
There is a camaraderie that forms when you fence with someone and enjoy the experience. I’ve seen this in wrestling, sword fighting, and other martial arts. There is an intimacy to that kind of visceral connection that forges bonds. These types of bonds are not often formed in other places. This is especially true for…
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Horsemanship Level 4: Saddlery pt III Finally (yes, it's been a couple of months!) the last part of the Horsemanship Level 4 requirements is demonstrating how to correctly put on and remove a horse blanket. First take a look at these two videos, the first of Ali & Noah from Help! My Daughter Loves Horses! and…
As combat performers, we often get obsessed with the improvement of our physical performance. We often assume that the emotional aspect will happen by itself. But, it's important for both choreographers and performers to incorporate the anger and fear and pain and exhaustion of battle into your rehearsal and practice. I've expounded on this before.…
When I first started going to the gym, it was with a colleague from work. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays instead of going home from work we would head to the gym together. We were generally there for an hour, sometimes we’d work out together, sometimes we would follow different routines. Though our approach to…
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