getting into sword

topic posted Sat, November 7, 2009 - 10:25 AM by  Elle
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i recently was inspired to start learning to work with sword
www.swordandaxe.com/hanwei-scimitar.html
i'd like to get one of these eventually, but i'm thinking i'll start with a kult of athena balady since it's cheaper and if i wind up being terrible, it wont be a massive cost =p

any tips?
going to check out sabine and belladonna and others
pretty exciting.
haven't had alot to look forward to, but this will probably be fun.
posted by:
Elle
Omaha
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  • Re: getting into sword

    Sat, November 7, 2009 - 11:04 PM
    One of the best things you can do to improve your sword dancing is to learn to use your sword as it was intended. Props aren't just clever framing devices or extensions of the costume, they're items that have their own uses and purposes. We don't think about this too much with most props because we all know how to use things like baskets and candles. Your sword was modeled off a weapon, learn how that weapon was used.
    • Re: getting into sword

      Sun, November 8, 2009 - 8:25 AM
      that's a great tip
      i've been researching scimitar use/fighting style
      that might be a cool thing to learn from an SCA person
      the ones i always knew before were super dedicated to learning it the right way. will look into it
      • Re: getting into sword

        Sat, November 14, 2009 - 5:36 AM
        I have been thinking alot about this. I would love to find a teacher, and actually study a martial art that utilizes the sword so I can have a powerful base for working with it.
        • Re: getting into sword

          Sat, November 14, 2009 - 10:50 AM
          You could probably find a Kendo instructor somewhere in your area. Tai Chi also has a sword form if you're looking for something more meditative. Medieval groups can also be helpful if you want to try more of a free-form style. They also have the added benefit of letting you play with their stuff for free. A word of caution about medieval groups though; you can have a high rank and be a really crappy teacher. There's no skills test to determine if you can teach or if your technique is safe for others to study. You'll need to watch people fight, find someone who has a style you think would work for you, and then ask that person if they'd be willing to teach you. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from going this route; I fight with a Medieval group and I have a wonderful instructor. There are good martial artists in Medieval groups, but there are also a lot of people who will teach you things that will wreck your elbow and destroy your knees.
          • Re: getting into sword

            Sun, November 15, 2009 - 2:58 PM
            ahhh thanks for the advice Inaras, i hadn't even though about that.
            i guess i'll be visiting fight groups =p

            i am now in possession of a sword, thanks to my brother :)
            early christmas present :)

            it's a kult of athena balady :D yaaaay!

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