authorization

If you read yesterday's Twitter posting, you'll know - I passed SCA rapier authorization (prior post re: whether to try or not; what authorization is and isn't). I was kinda nervous because I'm still wrapping my head around SCA rapier/fighter culture but belfebe had some encouraging words (thanks!).

( the details )

( melees )

( clothing notes )

( fencing outdoors )

As ever, everyone was kind, everyone was helpful, and like every fencer I've run into under any discipline, eager to help, to teach, to work with you. This is fantastic for me, and I hope at some point I can give back in kind.

What I'll do different next time: read the rules on off-hand weapons so if someone shows up with an unlikely thing I won't be surprised. Plan for a full day instead of having to leave when the fun starts, and take enough Claritin so that I won't feel like I've inhaled a dust elephant by noon. And warm up, especially arms/shoulders - footwork is light but point in line is rough!

Edit 8:39 pm: belfebe has pix.

twofer

Meanwhile, back in my sport fencing game:

I've developed the bad habit of always trying to wind up in the inside lines. My game has suffered because of the predictability, and because I end up doing stupid things (jabbing remises, breaking awkwardly at the wrist) to get there.

Work: confidently attacking into the outside lines without weird wrist wobblies and disengaging/other prep to set my opponent up so that they'll give me the outside line (because it's a smaller target, it's easier to protect/harder to get to).

Did some exercises today to improve my point control on the inside (Badger showed the optimum point so I won't bounce off - ribcage/underarm NOT shoulder) and fenced some bouts where finishing in 6 counted for 2 points. These really illuminated just how mindless my actions are. Time to kick that habit!