Always something new to learn
Published: Mon, 03/11/13
part P domestic installer course training to do household
electrics. I knew a fair bit of the practical stuff already but I
am learning how to test circuits for continuity, polarity and
resistance. Also what is and isn't in the wiring regulations
and how to interpret them. Most of all of course it is about
safety. Did you know that 50 milliamps will kill you so residual
current circuit breakers drop out of circuit at 30milliamps? It
still gives you a jolt but it shouldn't do you any harm. One
of those things I sort of wish I had done years ago but maybe now
is the right time.
On Saturday I taught cudgel for the first time in a long time. I
have been doing a lot of training with the cudgel myself using
Ivar's basic exercises and doing quite a lot of study and
research of my own. I have been developing an integrated system of
training using staff, axe and cudgel and cultivating an awareness
of the lines at each level. The cudgel is probably the only one
you are likely to ever use for self-defence if you are unlucky
enough to ever really need to. It does have potential to be
effective for dealing with an attacker but there are a lot of
provisos to consider first. So the training consists of simple
strikes, partner exercises using the strikes and looking at
targeting for actually doing some damage. Then there is the
problem of how to train safely but still keep an element of
realism. I took along my saber mask and protective gloves and used
a wooden knife to simulate attacks. Then each person present had
30 seconds of driving me off with a light stick. It was
instructive to say the least and I will be happy to teach more on
the cudgel at the course in Buckland St Mary on the 6th of April.
I will also bring cudgels and my mask over to the USA for the 11th
to 13th May Training course.
The cudgel does give you quite a lot of power, but, as with
electricity, you need to know what you are doing with it or there
is potential for creating dangerous situations. Don't forget
the Summer camp either as this will give us time to really go into
depth on the martial arts training and other aspects of Stav.
Visit http://www.iceandfire.org.uk/forthcoming.html for full
details and for booking.