The first lessons.

The first lesson with a new recruit I mainly try to give them a overview of the hobby. So get them to pick and swing a few different weapons shields etc. Show them and basics and tricks just try and give them a idea of the options and depth of skills. ie sell fighting as fun. The only real knowledge I try to get across is basic safety, Legal target areas and don’t hit hard.



This is not appropriate for all recruits; some are sold and need real training straight away.





The first real lesson I concentrate on getting safety knowledge’s across.

The I tend to just overview the other basic knowledge’s

I spend most of my time moving threw some physical skills needed, swinging the sword hitting the legal target areas, moving the feet.

Limited amount of time on Fighting Skills ie feints.



I try and get them to do lots of the swinging threw the figure eight from different stances, not worrying to much on form and technique just cementing the figure eight and swinging the sword.



I have been told I try and get too many different things across should work on getting better form on only a couple of shots from a stance.

We have to think about what we want to achieve with any recruit's first lesson. As I can see it, if we're concentrating on only the first lesson, and not any ongoing effort, then there are two goals:

1: getting them back for the second training.

2: making sure they understand that this is a safe game, and that the individuals doing it are responsible for keeping it so.

In that order.

Both goals will involve some basic weapons training. After all, where's the fun when you're not able to do the very thing you've come along to do? However, a little variety is important - demonstrate that we use axes and spears as well as swords, that we make helmets and shields and sew costume, that we sing and we feast and we put on shows. Involve them, talk to them, ask them what *they* want to do. Everyone gets something different out of this hobby. Give them a range of activities and find out what their goals are.

From a fighting perspective, I think that what you're doing is good. Every recruit will be different - they will have a wide range of natural ability. If they have done some martial arts before, or have a natural talent, then take them further on the first lesson - even to a little slow safe sparring if they're up to it.

I have been told I try and get too many different things across should work on getting better form on only a couple of shots from a stance.

Good form will not come in a single lesson. It is better to get the basic concepts across first, and then start working on good form if and when they return.

Previously Michael Brown wrote:

The first lessons.

>
<br>

>
<br>This is not appropriate for all recruits; some are sold and need real training straight away.

>
<br>

>
<br>

>
<br>The first real lesson I concentrate on getting safety knowledge’s across.

>
<br>The I tend to just overview the other basic knowledge’s

>
<br>I spend most of my time moving threw some physical skills needed, swinging the sword hitting the legal target areas, moving the feet.

>
<br>Limited amount of time on Fighting Skills ie feints.

>


<br>I try and get them to do lots of the swinging threw the figure eight from different stances, not worrying to much on form and technique just cementing the figure eight and swinging the sword.




>I have been told I try and get too many different things across should work on getting better form on only a couple of shots from a stance.
<br>

Just my opinion.
From a beginner's point of view, simple stuff is the best as a trainer can overwhelm the student, breaking the confidence and desire to learn (Oh f********** that’s to hard for me!!). The amount you teach to a beginner has to be based on the person's ability to uptake the knowledge, someone like Garth is going to need very different style and knowledge training to that of Ollie.

The best way to demonstrate the other weapons (unless the guy has asked to play with something in particular) is the battle square and the two on two. With the battle square the senior members of the group can’t help to teach simply by making comments, and the two on two is good because there isn’t too much action to absorb.

Dumb suggestion, next training get Dave Winter to train Garth abit while Drew or Andrew, or Mike trains Ollie for awhile (if Ollie turns up). Reason: Garth ( I think could be very wrong) will soak up what Dave has to offer while Ollie just wants to swing a sword and have fun.

Strikes & Attacks after they can do the figure 8

The basic figure 8 strikes
Round house vs Straights
The figure 8 strikes are normally taught as roundhouse strikes. The sword passes in a circular swing going out side the line of the target. A straight strike is where the sword passes in the straightest safe line to the target. The easiest way to define it is to watch the movement of the hand, if it swings through a arc it’s a roundhouse, if it travels through a mostly straight line it’s a straight.

Forward thrusts
The safest way to deliver a thrust is to pull the sword back onto the correct line then thrust forward. The fastest way tis to push the sword forward onto the line then finish the thrust. This can be descried as the tip pulling the arm forward into the thrust.
Care must still be taken that the tip never crosses the line of the face or groin.

Dropping leg shots
The figure 8 leg strikes are taught as rising blows. The reasons for this are, it’s easier to make a rising blow miss the knees, and it teaches the concept of doing rising blows up and under shields etc into the legs and abdomen. Dropping or flat leg shots can be done safely but they take more skill to aim and time. Often the best way to make them safe is to swing the strike down till it’s close to the leg then to pull the sword up into the leg, or roll the sword flat up into the leg.

Attacks

Simple strikes.
The strikes in the figure 8 drills are done as simple strikes.

Doubles
Doing two strikes one after the other without passing through a guard

Feints or False strikes
False strikes are used to deceive your opponent as to what your intent is. So Feint high cut low is a usual one. You can feint with your sword, eyes, body etc. With a good feint you should be able to land the original strike if you opponent does not react.

Redirections
A redirection is where you intend to land a blow in one location but your opponent reacts too early and you have time to redirect the strike. Can be looked upon as a commitment feint, your opponent thinks you’re committed to the blow and reacts, giving you time to redirect your blow.

Combinations & second intentions
A second intention strike is when you do a strike to draw a expected defence that you then strike around. A combination is when you plan out a series of attacks and/or defences to get your opponent in a position to be struck.

Re Rising Strikes:

It appears to me that most rising strikes under the shield end up as body hits, not leg hits. Is anyone else noticing that?