Fightcamp and my back hurts
Published: Mon, 08/18/14
I think it was the last session, early Sunday afternoon. Advanced
German long sword drills with Scott Brown who is a rather
flamboyant American sword teacher. He comes every year to
Fightcamp and teaches several sessions so he must be highly
regarded as a teacher and swordsman. Actually we did one drill
which provided various ways of developing sensitivity and
awareness. Scott had apparently examined and analysed various
other ways of developing this level of awareness and found these
methods lacking. So he developed his own system of advanced
exercises. With enough regular practice I can see these drills
bringing considerable benefits in terms of skill, coordination and
sensitivity. However, two hours of just working the same drill was
pretty tiring and my back is feeling it today.
This is partly why I go to Fightcamp, to train with teachers and
exponents who have put the time, effort and thought into their
training and practice and are able to pass on their knowledge in
well organised workshops. I also have the opportunity to teach
there and I hope my staff training workshop made sense to those who
took part. I had good feedback from those who took part.
The other reason I go is to be reminded of the limitations of
competition fighting in tournaments. The tournaments and more
informal contests in the barriers are a major part of Fightcamp for
many people. Their training throughout the year in their clubs is
geared to being ready to see how they get on in the various
tournaments which are held at Fightcamp. Then I hear complaints
that all you see in the contests is the fastest person making
contacts which get them points and the skills practiced in lessons
are almost never demonstrated in the actual competitions.
We don't do competition in Stav, that probably doesn't help
our credibility in the sense that Stav training doesn't produce
fencing champions. In Stav training we are looking to develop a
high level of awareness and the ability to see where a situation
originated, where we are now and possible outcomes. It could mean
fighting, but more likely see the likely hood of a violent outcome
and choose a different way.
I decided to so quite a lot of sword training this year but there
were other sessions. I will tell you about the very different
lesson with a very different American citizen tomorrow.
regards
Graham
PS This week I am concentrating on getting ready for Stav Camp
this weekend, if you would like to find out how Stav really helps
you engage with real life then it isn't too late to come along.
See http://www.stavcamp.org or contact me by replying to this
email.