Sparring montage, Essen Germany May 2022

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RufusScorpius
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Posts: 2,593

Sparring montage, Essen Germany May 2022 May 30, 2022 11:37:05 GMT

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Post by RufusScorpius on May 30, 2022 11:37:05 GMT

Ok, after a long wait and much fooling around with the totally unreliable and slow German internet, I finally managed to upload and edit a sparring montage between myself and Markus313. I am still working on the dan dao videos from Paris and you can expect to see that soon.

We were trying out a number of different things, mostly for fun. We started with a confined space where one would guard the door and the other would try to force entry. The results were interesting to say the least. I expected the buckler to dominate, but in reality it didn't do much better than anything else. The ninjato was really good, mainly due to it's shorter length. One-handed swords were really tough, actually, and required considerable skill. Cutlasses turned out to be most effective when turned to the side and using the curve to stab around at the head.

We then did some free form sparring, again with mixed weapons just for no other reason that it seemed like it would be fun. I still don't have a good grip on the dual-wielding yet- plenty more work to do in that area. I think overall we had 10 or 11 matches, but not all of them made it onto film.

And no, I still haven't got my sparring gear delivered that I sent to myself 6 weeks ago. It's still stuck in German customs and since I leave for home this coming Saturday, I have little hope of seeing it any time soon. So no comments about the gear I'm using as I literally had to buy it from Amazon and get whatever was available for next day delivery. One does as one must....

Anyways, enjoy!

markus313
Member

Posts: 1,478

Sparring montage, Essen Germany May 2022 Jun 5, 2022 19:32:22 GMT

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Post by markus313 on Jun 5, 2022 19:32:22 GMT

It was great to have Rufus visiting me multiple days for training and such. A great guy to hang out with and I learned a lot. Such a great guy with an open mind, lots of real life experience, always aiming to keep improving no matter what, willing to kindly share his knowledge and a great teacher on top. Very inspiring.

One thing I always loved about sparring is that not only it puts general principles and formal techniques into perspective, but also that it mercilessly points out one’s weaknesses, faults and misperceptions (especially when videotaped). Weaknesses I have a lot, and looking back I am happy to now being more able to reflect, based on what Rufus showed me − and to keep practicing accordingly, putting pieces together. It’s all great fun.

So thanks a ton, Rufus.

Last Edit: Jun 5, 2022 20:11:29 GMT by markus313

Now follows the conclusion, that whosoever shall think or find himself in his fight too weak for the agent's, or patient agent, and therefore, or by reason of his drunkenness, or unreasonable desperateness shall press within the half sword, or desperately run in of purpose to give hurt, or at least for taking of one hurt, to give another, shall most assuredly be in great danger of death or wounds, and the other shall still be safe and go free.
- PARADOXES OF DEFENCE, George Silver, 1599

glendon
Member

Posts: 224

Sparring montage, Essen Germany May 2022 Jun 6, 2022 12:57:56 GMT

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Post by glendon on Jun 6, 2022 12:57:56 GMT

Gentlemen,

In an age when the multitudes are busy creating false personas, common decency is no longer common, and the truth is distorted to cover the liabilities of the story-teller, I salute your courtesy, openness and honesty. Its nice to put a voice (and face-mask) to the words.

Slainte!

RufusScorpius Member Posts: 2,593	Sparring montage, Essen Germany May 2022 Jun 6, 2022 18:56:04 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by RufusScorpius on Jun 6, 2022 18:56:04 GMT And you, gentlemen, are far too kind. I am just a dabbler passing through life where everyday I learn more about how little I know.

RufusScorpius
Member

Posts: 2,593

Sparring montage, Essen Germany May 2022 Jun 7, 2022 17:14:24 GMT

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Post by RufusScorpius on Jun 7, 2022 17:14:24 GMT

I have finally got a chance to sit down and take a good look at the sparring. Yes indeed, video does reveal major flaws and errors, as well as things done correctly.

Defense:
1. I notice in general that I need to keep my elbows down more- this will minimize some of the "easy" hits that I've been given away to my opponents for free.

2. I see that when dual wielding I tend to raise my off-hand too high, again revealing an easy target if my opponent wishes to capitalize on it.

3. I'm failing to move off-line and therefore exposing myself to secondary hits.

Offense:

1. Dang, I'm slow. Need to practice more.

2. Dang, I'm fat. Need to eat less.

3. I'm overextending on some slashes- I need to remember to pull back to stop the momentum and keep the sword inside my box to guard against a counter strike.

4. The exchange starting at 19:20 - dang, that was a sweet hit.... Started with a distraction strike to get my range and test the opponent's response to a high strike- then faked a high strike and went underneath. My best hit of the day.

5. 20:45 - got him with a nice left-hand diagonal strike. My second best hit of the day.

6. Failing to capitalize on obvious openings. Partly due to being in bad positions (on-line, too far away, etc.)

Footwork:

1. Very clumsy. I see that I am "plodding" instead of gliding. Disgraceful and without excuse.

2. Need to keep my knees bent more (dang arthritis, artificial knee, pins and screws). Must work on flexibility exercises which will help. Although I will never be 100% again no matter what I do, I can still be significantly better than what I currently am today.

Overall:

Meh. I'm out of practice and could use some more training for sure. Generally competent, but nothing that can be said to be excellent or inspired. My one-hand technique is by far the weakest area as I've had little training or practice with it.

I would be interested in the opinions of others. Sometimes we can't clearly see our faults and strengths through our own eyes.

Last Edit: Jun 7, 2022 17:55:12 GMT by RufusScorpius

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mrstabby: Hello, welcome even under these sad circumstances. Maybe put out a thread in the Renaissance/Military subsection. Nov 28, 2024 6:52:12 GMT *

trooperwill: I have just been appointed conservator and Guardian for Dave Kelly and have no experience or knowledge of swords. I would appreciate any assistance that folks who know Dave or have visited with him and seen his collection could give me. need appraisal Nov 28, 2024 0:05:16 GMT

mrstabby: Been thinking the same - but the person that set up the page might not be there anymore and old code gets messy when not maintained. Might be a "repair subscriptions, destroy function X, repair X, destroy Y" situation by now - would mean a total overhaul. Nov 18, 2024 7:29:27 GMT

choseychas: Huh. Is there no fix on our side then? Or is it that you need to contact an admin since the auto system is down? Nov 18, 2024 3:58:50 GMT

eastman: problems with the forum software are the cause, not a goal to limit the club. There is an error with the software that messes up activities that require the sending of email. Nov 18, 2024 3:57:36 GMT

choseychas: That's what I figured, wasn't sure if it had become a limited club where you have to know someone to get in or what was going on. Nov 18, 2024 2:39:40 GMT

eastman: that situation has been constant at MyArmoury for the last 2-3 years Nov 18, 2024 0:32:06 GMT

choseychas: Anyone have any info on MyArmoury registration? Been wanting to make an account for a year or more (can't remember at this point) but every time I've checked they've halted registrations. Nov 17, 2024 21:55:36 GMT

alinkinthechain: I also do love Boston. I've traveled a bit and nothing feels as wonderful as that city to me. I'm lucky to live nearby Nov 12, 2024 15:28:16 GMT

txhighlander: Boston might be my fav. So much history, and clean! and great food. New York was cool for a day to see iconic landmarks Nov 7, 2024 17:00:22 GMT

eskiso: someone can help me to identify a sword and its origin, to see its commercial value please. 2346

Nov 1, 2024 0:13:58 GMT

blackngold: Dallas is the worst place in the country to fly in and out of. High winds can delay your flight by 6.5 hours and leave you sitting on the tarmac for an additional 2 (ask me how I know)... Oct 31, 2024 2:21:20 GMT

nerdthenord: Oh I’ve been there lol, I’m in Texas. Dallas is certainly not high on my travel list lol Oct 27, 2024 8:35:23 GMT

Arlequin: Come to Dallas, we can be your worst

Oct 27, 2024 2:59:53 GMT

nerdthenord: I just got back from 10 days in Chicago and Milwaukee, absolutely amazing. Chicago was easily my favorite big City I have ever been to Oct 25, 2024 13:59:11 GMT

nerdthenord: Very horrible news, I'm so sorry Oct 25, 2024 13:58:20 GMT

alinkinthechain: This is sad news Oct 16, 2024 18:58:13 GMT

glendon: Dave Kelly is out of action. Oct 15, 2024 20:32:42 GMT

wildv: Post in the classified here on the forum. I'm always interested in Bugei but this is most likely a scam. Sept 4, 2024 14:10:12 GMT

Timberwolf: . Sept 2, 2024 23:25:21 GMT *

Sparring montage, Essen Germany May 2022

Post by RufusScorpius on May 30, 2022 11:37:05 GMT

Post by markus313 on Jun 5, 2022 19:32:22 GMT

Post by glendon on Jun 6, 2022 12:57:56 GMT

Post by RufusScorpius on Jun 6, 2022 18:56:04 GMT

Post by RufusScorpius on Jun 7, 2022 17:14:24 GMT

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