The days are getting shorter, but that doesn't keep us out of the saddle. There is still programming happening into December, so come on out and enjoy crisp autumn sunshine with a sword in your hand and a horse beneath you. Private Classes & Drop-ins There are one or two drop-in spaces available for selected…
There was something missing from my last post Authenticity of Combat on Stage: Pain. It's not the operator ("attacker") who convinces an audience that damage was done. No matter how accurately or fast they cut. No matter how much tension they hold in their muscles or how loud their battle cry. If the victim doesn't play…
Our psychology has a tremendous impact on our performance whether in a competition, or even in practice sparring or drilling. Many people who are perfectly capable performers on one day or in one environment can find themselves falling apart in different circumstances. A large contributor to this is one’s internal dialogue. Mindset can feel chemical…
Blue Spur Spear Fundamentals: Basic Defences from the Ground Last week we looked at attacks with the spear as demonstrated in the Blue Spur curriculum; this week we'll focus on defences. There are six defences to practise: three from the high ward and three from the low ward. Defences from the High Ward Forehand (against…
Last weekend, North America's longest standing Western Martial Arts conference took place. This is a beautiful four day event of swordplay and martial art that spans many disciplines. This year, workshops included everything from Bolognese sidesword to Persian sword & buckler, and from wrestling technique to combat psychology. Beyond workshops, free-fencing plays a part every…
Read More... from This Week in Video: Swordplay at WMAW 2015
I've noticed a bunch of videos in my news feed recently about punching. If you want to improve your hand strikes, check out these tips: The Lead Punching with the hand that is already forward is known as a jab in modern boxing. It’s considered a light punch because there’s not much room to accelerate…
It is refreshing to be alive in a time to see so much progress in our society in regards to LGBTQ* acceptance and civil rights -- though we still have a long way to go despite a lot of recent victories. This year in June we saw the Supreme Court of America legalize same-sex marriage. …
Read More... from Trans*gressions: the struggles and victories of trans athletes
What makes a technique in swordplay appear graceful, fast, and -- most of all -- effective, is usually the efficiency and precision of the movement. Being able to perform a technique with the least amount of extra movement and in a manner that does the job as directly as possible is essential to high level…
Blue Spur Spear Fundamentals: Basic Attacks from the Ground The second checklist item in Spear section of your Blue Spur guide is Demonstrate the basic attacks and defences of the spear in the extended position. This week we'll look at attacks, and cover defences next week. There are five types of attacks of the spear…
Sometimes we have some fun during all the seriousness of swordfighting. Just sometimes. Fun with Fiore This week's video is a Vancouver B Movie Factory episode, "The Flower of Battle", filmed at our riding facility, Red Colt Farm, in Richmond. With Oscar-worthy performances by students Michael Molnar, Ben Davis, Chris Richardson and Mounted Combat Program…
Read More... from This Week in HEMA Video - Fun with Fiore and The Vancouver B Movie Factory
Stage combat performers and choreographers should always ask themselves the same question that magicians ask: will the audience believe this illusion? The Effect When teaching a magic trick, the illusionist always performs the trick first, so that the student can appreciate what effect the trick should have on the viewer. When reading magic instructions in…
At our Friday night open sparring sessions I enjoy getting in and doing a few passes, just like everyone else. During this time, it’s not uncommon for one of my students (after we’ve fenced for a bit) to ask me for some feedback on their fencing. I’m glad to be asked this question, and I’m pleased in general that…
Read More... from Ask for Sparring Feedback Up Front -- Not Afterward
You know the expression about teaching a man to fish instead of giving a man a fish. In the case of self protection, sometimes it’s a matter of teaching someone to fish compared to giving them a picture of a fish. Indian Vodafone Initiative Tony Wolf posted this video on the Bartitsu.org blog, along with some commentary: The…