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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Asthmatic Nerd with a Sword

It’s been three months… Bear with me.

Last summer in Ropecon (an annual Finnish RPG convention) I saw a sword fighting show held by the Greywolves, a history re-enactment and live action role playing (LARP) group. At the end of the show they answered questions from the audience and I found out that they organize weekly combat training close to where I live.

I joined the Greywolves a few weeks later. I wanted a hobby which would get me off my bottom and to get an idea what fighting with medieval weapons feels like. Right now my battle scenes are magical badassery plus claws and teeth. I was a bit nervous at first because I’m not exactly the fittest person and I have exercise-induced asthma. But so far I’ve only needed to take my medicine once, after a warm-up running.

We use an array of weapons from several periods, but the main focus is on Viking-era weapons. Of course, safety comes first: no stabs, no quick strikes unless the fighters know each other well, only strike the armoured parts, don’t hit the knees. And we only use blunted weapons.

So far I’ve wielded swords, spears, sabres and also a spear and dagger combo. Swords are still a bit too heavy for me and my arm tires before the three hours is up. For now I prefer sabres and spears. One ‘opponent’ said that I used a “where’d she go” style. I was supposed to push my opponents shield up, step out of the sword’s way and bring the sabre to his neck. Instead I pushed at his shield with mine, stepped quickly to his side and brought the sabre to his neck. My arm was already aching from holding up the large wooden shield, and I suspect I would’ve had trouble even at the beginning of the session, but my feet weren’t tired.

We’ve used spears only twice during my time, but I’ve had fun on both times. I especially like the move where the opponent grabs my spear, I step to the side and press a wooden dagger to his neck.

Yes, you get smacked with a sword every once in a while, but it’s still fun.

LINKS

  • Viktor Berbekucz - A Hungarian swordsmith. I’m thinking of ordering a sabre from here.

5 comments:

  1. I love the re-enactment parts of the Scottish/Irish festival we go to. It amazes me. I don't have time to attend any kind of organized group, but my husband and I bought recurve bows many years ago to get in touch with our medieval sides. Now our kids are learning archery, too!

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    1. Scottish/Irish festival sounds cool. I've only taken part in the battle-sessions, they also have crafting, movies, live action role-plays on special days.
      Your kids are so lucky :)

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  2. I would love to see that ... er, and do a little training myself. I'm going to need it if I have any hope of my high fantasy fights to sound authentic. :)

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  3. This is unbelievably cool - finally a type of exercise I could get into!

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  4. That sounds awesome!! I'm totally jealous.

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