Round 'n' Round!

"This is the segno, where you'll make your students walk, stepping forward as well as back, with weapons in hand, round about, putting their feet in the edges that cross the segno tondi."
~ Achilles Morozzo

The circle has been a part of martial traditions across the world.  Morozzo knew it was important enough to illustrate an eight pointed star or compass to express its importance.

The circle is actually a frame for four intersecting lines creating eight directions; this gives the fencer complete mobility with the ability to expand in attack and contract in defense from any angle and direction.

My left arm is still, mostly, out of commission. Without being able to effectively cover myself, I am working even harder to keep a narrow target while making my movements smoother.

I'd love to say this has been easy, but the small bruise coming up from a spot that got tagged a few times. :). It hasn't been a total disaster; it's been frustrating and a lot of fun, too.  This is all part of the learning and there is never a good reason  to avoid footwork. .

The Master Form

In fencing, there are several weapon forms: dagger, cloak, buckler, baton, etc., but the master form is what you begin with: single rapier.

It makes sense; while training in Asian Martial Arts, the horse stance and strait punch is what you first learn and you go back to it with each advanced level.

Two weeks ago, I had a tendinitis flare up in my left arm. I'm still nursing it, so no off hand weapons for me.

That part sucks.

In the spirit of omlettes out of cracked eggs,  having a wounded arm is forcing me to focus on single rapier.

That part is great!

In order to protect the elbow, I tucked my hand behind my back.

This made me focus on a more narrow stance and being able to defend my zones without the help of an off hand or an off hand weapon, also how to engage the blade and overcome my opponents weapon.

There were some well earned lessons and many fun fights.  

Back Again

It's been a while since my last entry, life got real busy, real fast.

Since I last posted, I got hired as a high school graphic design teacher and taking classes for my accumulated hours.  I'm loving it and it has me crazy busy!

I'm still fencing, that hasn't changed; it's as much a part of my life as ever.  Back in March, I was taken on as a cadet to Master Orlando Sforza (SCA); I'm very proud.

My Cadet's Scarf bearing the device of Master Orlando Sforza
to be worn on the left arm.

Posts resume this week!