Upcoming Longsword Tournament (either division) Preperation

[MichaelJPierce]

Though I am looking forward to the speakers and classes of the upcoming International Gathering in Texas, I have to admit that I am really looking forward to the tournaments that will also be held.

I see myself as a novice and probably won't do to well in the tournaments overall, but I hope to learn something from all those that will be participating.

One aspect of what I'd like to know before the event is what you are doing to personally prepare for the tournament. Are you going outside of your way to prepare or are you just treating it as just another activity? If the first, what are you doing to prepare? If the latter, what do you hope to glean from participation in the tournament?

I also understand there may be a rapier/cut and thrust division as well pending interest, though I may be remembering reading that wrong, but if you are planning on participating in that division as well, please answer the above.

For myself,

I've been studying a great deal of footwork, including ways of judging ranges, some of which is loosely based around the philosophy of George Silver's "Just" lengths and his own definition of proper timing. I've also been scouring through youtube videos of various groups in the US and Europe. I do have some difficulty with practice since I do not have a longsword or equivalent to practice with. Luckily, with my new job I'll be able to purchase something before the event, but hopefully with enough time to practice.

As far as techniques go, I'm focusing on closing, throws/takedowns, half-swording, and counter cuts. I chose these areas to focus on because of my lack of reach being only 5' 7". To practice these techniques I have collected a small library of videos from youtube that I felt had the most effective interpretation of techniques and demonstrated them done in real time.

That's about it.

Again those questions

Are you going outside of your way to prepare or are you just treating it as just another activity? If the first, what are you doing to prepare? If the latter, what do you hope to glean from participation in the tournament?

[Mark W]

I have a tournament coming up in a month, so my prep is the following:

Guard transitions... if you can get the basic four guards into muscle memory, then they will become your flinch response when things go south and you have no idea what's happening. Never underestimate the value of pulling Ochs (especially) or Pflug when all else fails... it tends to clear the area in front of you and get you some breathing space. Practice the guards diligently and ALL THE TIME.

Cuts. Do Meyer's cutting exercises again again and again. Do them advancing and retreating. If you have a good length to travel while doing it (a soccer field, say), then do the first cut sequence again and again, all the way to the end of the field, and then do it with retreating footwork all the way back. Then do a light jog (up and back) the same distance to rest your arms if you like. Then use Meyer's second cutting pattern and do the same thing. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Master Strikes. The best thing to get down is a good vorschlag. Have each Master Strike as hard and fast as you can make it. Then learn two techniques for each one, so you have an option for either a hard or soft bind for each master strike. Have a plan if the opponent closes to grapple, or if you're a good wrestler, have a plan to do so from each bind. However, I've found that in tournaments people tend to retreat more often then they should, making Ringen am Schwert less likely than other options. If they do close, a good shove to the opponent's elbow as he closes often suffices.

The first thing to go all to hell under pressure is footwork, so practice that as much as you can stand.

Also, visualize yourself winning, and also visualize combatants in front of you as you practice techniques. Creative visualization is an important skill to develop. And it's fun.

Best regards,

-Mark

[Jake Norwood]

I'm eating too much, sleeping too little, and neglecting my swordsmanship. That way I'll look good when I lose.

Mwahahahahahaha...


(sadly, I'm only kidding about that last part)

Jake

(who will still destroy anyone and everyone with a Dussack. Everyone. Destroyed. Dussack. Bring it.)

[Will Adamson]

I would be eating more doughnuts to get more padding, but it's Lent.

[Matt Anderson]

Though I am looking forward to the speakers and classes of the upcoming International Gathering in Texas, I have to admit that I am really looking forward to the tournaments that will also be held.

I see myself as a novice and probably won't do to well in the tournaments overall, but I hope to learn something from all those that will be participating.

One aspect of what I'd like to know before the event is what you are doing to personally prepare for the tournament. Are you going outside of your way to prepare or are you just treating it as just another activity? If the first, what are you doing to prepare? If the latter, what do you hope to glean from participation in the tournament?

I also understand there may be a rapier/cut and thrust division as well pending interest, though I may be remembering reading that wrong, but if you are planning on participating in that division as well, please answer the above.

For myself,

I've been studying a great deal of footwork, including ways of judging ranges, some of which is loosely based around the philosophy of George Silver's "Just" lengths and his own definition of proper timing. I've also been scouring through youtube videos of various groups in the US and Europe. I do have some difficulty with practice since I do not have a longsword or equivalent to practice with. Luckily, with my new job I'll be able to purchase something before the event, but hopefully with enough time to practice.

As far as techniques go, I'm focusing on closing, throws/takedowns, half-swording, and counter cuts. I chose these areas to focus on because of my lack of reach being only 5' 7". To practice these techniques I have collected a small library of videos from youtube that I felt had the most effective interpretation of techniques and demonstrated them done in real time.

That's about it.

Again those questions

Are you going outside of your way to prepare or are you just treating it as just another activity? If the first, what are you doing to prepare? If the latter, what do you hope to glean from participation in the tournament?

Eddy Merckx, the great Belgian cyclist, when asked by a newbie how to train for the Tour De France said "ride lots" I think the best way to train for fencing is to "fence lots".

[Jake Norwood]

All kidding aside, that really is the best advice. Supplement it with flourishes and lots and lots and lots of pell work. Drill fundamentals. Do a little every day. 20 minutes a day will go farther than 2 hours a week, most of the time.

Jake

[Ben Floyd]

(who will still destroy anyone and everyone with a Dussack. Everyone. Destroyed. Dussack. Bring it.)

Looking forward to a rematch!