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Post by kung on Oct 21, 2022 18:53:59 GMT
Welcome aboard gorr, we place great value on wisdom as much as intelligence, and judging by your introduction you have a fair amount of each.
KUNG
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Oct 21, 2022 19:53:09 GMT
Welcome to the forum gorr. I thought the name looked familiar and checked, I approved your membership a few hours ago. Our stories are parallel somewhat. Aside from some weapons/tools, mainly machetes, but not all, I started with a cane. My favourites are Cane Masters as they have the oversize cattle crook that you mentioned. I needed a defence weapon and tried several and rejected all until I happened upon a cane and successfully survived several conflicts without receiving a scratch. My adversaries were dogs, most with the four-legged type, but there have been some two-legged ones thrown in. As someone that has been there, I can’t stress enough the importance of having a sparring partner. In my case there were no instructors available so I hunted one up at the local gym, carried a laptop and videos of some moves. I’d showed him the videos so he knew what I wanted and then we went to it. Although he knew nothing of stick fighting other than being somewhat familiar with a bo he made a good instructor. He was also a good martial artist representing our country for karate in the Olympics.
I think the Windlass M1860 cutlass is a good one. I like cutlasses and hangers, preferring them to sabres. My cutlass is a now discontinued Weapons Edge. As for sabres most out there are copies of calvary sabres and I find not the best for duelling, most being blade heavy and a bit long for my quarters, although outside for the usual backyard targets, I can manage. For power it’s my much-reworked Windlass M1860 Officers Model. My M1902 would make a good duelling sabre and I love handling it. Your use of a mirror is an excellent idea.
As for you wrapping the grip; you’ll find several of us doing the same thing. AndiTheBavarian is big with that. I have wrapped many of mine. In some cases, to change the geometry and in others for comfort or to protect the existing grip.
At 83, I consider 70 as being not much more than a young whippersnapper. 😊
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tera
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Post by tera on Oct 21, 2022 23:40:40 GMT
Welcome, and congratulations on overcoming the need of a Cain. As one of my Sensei used to say, "When you are having a good day, train. When you are having a bad day, train." I'm a firm believer that anyone can be a little better today than they were yesterday. It is hard work, but you are proof it's possible.
Honored to have you aboard!
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AndiTheBarvarian
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Oct 21, 2022 23:51:48 GMT
Welcome to the forum! Bad knee made me use a cane for half a year recently. More training moulinets, less lunging.
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Post by glendon on Oct 22, 2022 10:06:19 GMT
Welcome Gorr!
I am heartened by you and Pgandy, and others who continue to train and improve well after mainstream society says to knock it off already and take up the armchair. Pablo Casals, a famous and erudite cellist, was once asked why he continued to practice every day when he was in his eighties. He replied, "Because I believe I am making progress."
I am interested in reading from any older folks here what doesn't work for them, or what modifications are necessary and why. I don't necessarily mean a personal account of infirmity; I mean what core principles can still be relied upon, and what basic postures are crucially unavoidable.
For example, if one needs a cane, even temporarily, how do you adjust your stance if you suddenly switch it from being a tool for balance to being a striking object?
Please understand this is in no manner a criticism of aging. I really do think a book on the subject of elderly combat is in order, whether full of rumination or real-world account. There's nothing like experience to show what works and what is drawing-room, armchair sensai b.s.
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AndiTheBarvarian
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Oct 22, 2022 10:23:27 GMT
I used the cane primary to take load off my hurt knee when walking and on stairs, not for balance. So not lunging was my main concept. Fine! Ouch!
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Post by randomnobody on Oct 22, 2022 15:15:17 GMT
Welcome aboard, gorr. Always great to see someone from the Old Guard join us; their perspectives often tell much more than the younger folk can.
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Ouroboros
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Post by Ouroboros on Oct 22, 2022 23:49:25 GMT
Welcome O gorr I enjoyed studying Hutton and combining some of his drills with offline footwork while recovering from a couple surgeries over the last few years. Swords keep one flexible. Mind, im a mostly katana guy but also have a nice 1897 Brittish Infantry I enjoy, alongside a quick n light French 1882. Have a great time reading--this place is a veritable library of knowledge esoteric& good luck on your journey. Ouro
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Oct 23, 2022 13:03:31 GMT
My intro missed that I have been exposed to swords since an early age (military officer family, cadet, army officer) but always as ceremonial objects worn on parade or hung on the mantle (except for one Japanese NCO bringback from WWII). My interests never led me beyond that until now, as noted above. I had assumed as much. Good to have it confirmed.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Nov 5, 2022 20:58:26 GMT
As last few threads have strayed too much to the US M1902 sabre, for which I'll take the blamed, I have moved those posts to “The M1902 U.S. Army Saber” found in Renaissance and Military Swords found under General Discussions.
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