The Sword Experience with Adrian Paul
Apr 12, 2017 22:04:24 GMT
Post by Cosmoline on Apr 12, 2017 22:04:24 GMT
I've stuck my toes in a number of sword schools outside my comfort zone over the years, and one thing I've always wanted to do was theatrical swordplay. So when I saw that the Highlander was coming near some relations of mine I decided it was a good chance to combine visits and get some training in. Adrian Paul isn't exactly a household name, but he's a veteran TV and film actor with a solid ton of swordplay on screen thanks in large part to the syndicated series. Outside his roles he's kept up a decades-long practice in JSA and has dabbled in other systems as well. TSE was not a fluff piece. He's not phoning it in. We had the short version, and we got three hours of intense and fast paced training. It compares with Chinese and HEMA sword classes I've taken on the martial side. He has the class divide into two and then gives each group one half of a two person scene.
Things kick into overdrive as we have to memorize a pretty complex series of moves, after which we have to dovetail them in with the other partner's moves. I got stuck with a pretty ridiculous set of moves with my back turned to the opponent. Obviously this is theatrical though so we can be ridiculous. And it really did present me with a challenge to my usual methods. As Adrian pointed out, it's always good to stretch your brain muscles by doing things out of your comfort zone.
Overall it was well worth the price and a lot of fun. I recommend it to anyone who wants a light physical and heavy brain workout. As a bonus I got a cool wooden sword and I had him sign my battered I.33, right under Pius II's verse.
Things kick into overdrive as we have to memorize a pretty complex series of moves, after which we have to dovetail them in with the other partner's moves. I got stuck with a pretty ridiculous set of moves with my back turned to the opponent. Obviously this is theatrical though so we can be ridiculous. And it really did present me with a challenge to my usual methods. As Adrian pointed out, it's always good to stretch your brain muscles by doing things out of your comfort zone.
Overall it was well worth the price and a lot of fun. I recommend it to anyone who wants a light physical and heavy brain workout. As a bonus I got a cool wooden sword and I had him sign my battered I.33, right under Pius II's verse.