Zoom Rabbit Posted May 26, 2003 Author Share Posted May 26, 2003 Admiral: You really do run Valhalla! Back yard practice tips Individual practice Assuming that you built the bike frame pell I mentioned on page one and are practicing regularly like I told you on page two, you should now be ready for some pointers on back yard practice. First pointer: Center of percussion (COP.) Take your wooden bokken and hit it against the bike frame--not hard, as you just want to feel the stick vibrate. Now hit it at other points along the length of the stick, noting how the vibrations change as you do so. You will find that there is a certain spot, about two-thirds of the way down the blade, where the vibration is least. This is the center of percussion, the place where resonance in the stick itself is the least. Don't ask me to explain the physics and math of harmonics and vibration (because frankly I don't really understand it myself) but just call this the 'sweet spot' and know that it is the part of the blade where you are supposed to strike your target. When you find the COP, take out your trusty lockback and carve a little notch on the back of the bokken...take a red magic marker and color in the notch. Now you have a handy visual marker to help you train yourself to strike on the COP. Second pointer: If you aren't stretching beforehand, then go back to page two and read what I said in the lecture titled Practice. It's that important. Third pointer: When you feel comfortable with the bokken (i.e., you haven't smacked yourself upside the head recently) then it is time to practice with your real sword. What Professor Admiral says about whacking things with a steel sword applies here as well. A sword can be expected to take punishment from another sword (assuming you paid at least $300 for it, anyway) but it most specifically will not take abuse against a bike frame. Or an old washing machine. Or a broken chair. As I've said before, the wooden bokken is for hitting things, not your precious expensive sword. With the naked blade, I work out my cuts and exercise as I mentioned in Practice. I also perform an exercise I call 'one leaf' to fine tune my aim. This is a more advanced exercise--use your discretion, and only try this when you are certain of your abilities to keep ahold of the weapon and not cut yourself (or others.) Simply find a tree in the yard that hangs down low enough that you can reach its lower branches...and try to cut just one leaf in half. It isn't as easy as it sounds, believe me. You will probably get 'five or six leaves' at first. Group practice Sparring with a buddy is okay, but you probably get winded pretty quickly when the two of you get together. The trick to fix this is to get as many people as you can involved. You would be surprised at how many people have always wanted to try swordfighting. It isn't hard to get five or six people involved, and you have enough time taking turns that you can get your wind back. Important: Have fun, but remember the four things (in pairs, obviously) that you must have to do this with at least a minimum of safety... 1: Bamboo shinai practice stick. It's only twenty bucks, you friggin' cheapskate. 2: Helmet with visor. Motorcycle or motocross type helmets are ideal for this, and of course there are helmets made specifically for this kind of activity. If you're on a 'ZR back yard budget,' though, the motorcycle hemlet may be easier to find secondhand. The visor is essential! Your eyes are what needs to be protected the most, and believe me--glasses or even goggles aren't going to stop the tip of that practice stick in combat. 3: Athletic cup. Extra large, or course. 4: Gloves. Ninety percent of the time, when you get hit sparring, it is on the hands. If you ignore me on this point, you will sooner or later find yourself going inside to dig out a pair anyway. Padded skiing gloves offer the best protection, but even a pair of fleece liners will keep your hands from getting cut up. This concludes today's lecture. Safety first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylilin Posted May 26, 2003 Share Posted May 26, 2003 What's wrong with a modern fantasy blade? I happen to love Final Fantasy VII. And I think the sword is cool looking. Who are you to show contempt towards me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 27, 2003 Author Share Posted May 27, 2003 Aw, Kylilin, I'm not being serious. You can have any sword you want. I have many wall swords of my own for decoration (and burgular decoys); that they are mostly ethnographic examples and not modern fantasy swords is a personal choice. In addition to the fantasy dagger, I also have a three-piece matched set of samurai 'dragon' swords...although they are nicer than the standard plastic-handled Highlander swords, with an old-school saki-zori curve and red alligator skin handles. So when I made fun of dragon swords on the previous page (Purchasing and caring for a samurai sword (part two: crap)), I was also making fun of myself as well... I am being serious about the limitations of stainless steel, though. It's a safety issue. Stainless steel=*PING!* 'OW!' *(Bleed, bleed, bleed)* 'Somebody dial 911!' *Thud!* I've broken many a cheap sword in the back yard, and know of what I speak. For the beginning student here, I would spare them that particular danger, for a little knowledge would make the lesson unneccessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Well my problem with fantasy swords is I think they look ugly. Other then that they are almost always far to heavy and usually have stainless steel blades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylilin Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 I wasn't going for functionality, I just think it looks cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 27, 2003 Author Share Posted May 27, 2003 Well, I don't normally do this...but this website sells full tang high-carbon steel fantasy swords. Having not tested one myself, I cannot attest to how any of their products perform. They do come in just under the price range of $300 I mentioned, but they just might be safe for actual use. You never know when a pictish warrior could come charging through the mists of time in a berserk rage into your living room, and you might have to put him down. http://www.imperialweapons.com Note: they also have modern nihonto samurai swords, made in the traditional style--very good-looking stuff. Bring a thousand bucks, though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylilin Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 You never know when a pictish warrior could come charging through the mists of time in a berserk rage into your living room, and you might have to put him down. I have a shotgun for that. C'mon, wouldn't this be cool to have hanging on your wall? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Personally, I would not be caught dead with that in my collection. In my opinion that is an ugly sword. It is sword designs like this one, is the reason I abhore modern fantasy blades. Keep in mind that I a traditionalist with swords. Now if you like this sword and are willing to pay for it, then go ahead. ------------------------------------------- I've just gone to that site and they have commited sacrilage. THey had a viking helmet with horns. The vikings never wore horned helmets. That is a modern myth and one that really annoys me to no end. (Not to mention they took a roman helment and just stuck horns on it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynk Former Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 @ Kylilin: Heh, that sword is kinda like the sword the bad guy in my anime will be usin... except his will be much heavier... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Well if it's a fantasy website... Ironically though I knew they didn't wear horns in their helmets from watching a fantasy TV show called Gargoyles. Kylilin: I'd definitely put that sword under the "Acquired Taste" category. ^_~ Lynk: It's been done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 28, 2003 Author Share Posted May 28, 2003 Kylilin: That looks more like a sword I'd see on Star Trek. Live long and prosper! I think it looks just fine, albeit too blade-heavy for its own handle. Home security note: Pictish warriors were notoriously difficult to put down--the stopping power of a .45 might be more suitable. Lynk: How can a cartoon sword outweigh a steel one? You've lost me, man! Redwing: Sometimes they throw just enough authenticity in to make you think the movie is realistic. Highlander is a good example of this...MacLeod seems to be an antique dealer in the story, but he carries a very old nihonto katana around without a scabbard, strikes steel pipes, railings and poles with it as if it were indestructible and then uses a file to get the resulting notches out. All of these things would be laughable if they didn't encourage an uneducated new sword collector to screw up his precious sword because he saw it in a movie... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Out of all the movies I've seen that have dealt with sword fighting. Only two have been realativly realistic. THey are Braveheart and Gladiator. (Mind you they are not perfect but far greater then others). Before Braveheart I don't remember a single film/tv show that presanted medieval fighting that did not consist of stabs, or cuts to the chest and arms. Amoung other things in Braveheart limbs were easily cut off. So if you want to see some movies that depict somewhat realitic sword fighting Watch Gladiator and Braveheart. If you just want to watch movies with swords Then Highlander is good, also 13th Warrior. ----------------------------------------- Zoom: I agree with your setiment about movies causing people to carelesly hit things (hence why in my last lesson I said dont' do it) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 29, 2003 Author Share Posted May 29, 2003 For an authentic movie about samurai, try American Samurai (if you can find it.) The swordplay in there is quite authentic--iaijutsu (the Japanese quick-draw) is seen, and this is the only movie where I've seen the swordsmen parry with the back of the blade properly. Sword reverence is also seen in Japanese social context. Rent it, buy it...watch it. Plus, you get to see limbs cut off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynk Former Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Originally posted by Zoom Rabbit American Samurai I've been trying to find that movie, i wanna see it x.x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Here you go. There isn't a DVD. American Samurai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynk Former Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Originally posted by Admiral Here you go. There isn't a DVD. Dammit, I only buy DVDs though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Originally posted by Admiral Out of all the movies I've seen that have dealt with sword fighting. Only two have been realativly realistic. THey are Braveheart and Gladiator. I thought the final sword duel in Rob Roy was done pretty well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 I'm not familar with that movie. I guessing they used Rapiers, and I would bet they used cuts instead of thrusts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylilin Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 These are from the recorded sayings of Yamamoto Jin'-emon: If you can understand one affair, you will understand eight. An affected laugh shows lack of self-respect in a man and lewdness in a woman. Whether speaking formally or informally, one should look his listener in the eye. A polite greeting is done at the beginning and finished. Speaking with downcast eyes is carelessness. It is carelessness to go about with one's hands inside the slits in the sides of his hakama. After reading books and the like, it is best to burn them or throw them away. It is said that reading books is the work of the Imperial Court, but the work of the House of Nakano is found in military valor, grasping the staff of oak. A samurai with no group and no horse is not a samurai at all. A kusemono is a man to rely upon. It is said that one should rise at four in the morning, bathe and arrange his hair daily, eat when the sun comes up, and retire when it becomes dark. A samurai will use a toothpick even though he has not eaten. Inside the skin of a dog, outside the hide of a tiger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 29, 2003 Author Share Posted May 29, 2003 Yunnow, Kylilin, that reminds me of nothing more than Navy basic training. My God, they told you how to do everything--how to eat, how to fold your underwear, how to walk, how to run, three different ways to stand, even how to lace your freaking shoes!!! As one might guess from my inability to follow convention on Lucasforums...I was a lousy sailor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Originally posted by Admiral I'm not familar with that movie. I guessing they used Rapiers, and I would bet they used cuts instead of thrusts. The bad guy was a bit of a fop, so he chose a rapier, but Liam Neeson's character was true to his Scottish heritage and chose a much heftier blade. Both characters started to get winded after about 5 minues of hacking away at each other, and both were covered in small wounds all over thier bodies. There was no heroic leaping on and off the furniture, no swinging from chandeliers... just the grim determination of men engaged in a fight to the death. I think it was really well done for a movie sword fight scene,.. and most of thr reviewers I have read about it agree. Check it out some time, I think you'll like it. I really don't remember much about the rest of the movie though... Originally posted by Zoom Rabbit As one might guess from my inability to follow convention on Lucasforums...I was a lousy sailor. After my high school graduation I was besieged with offers by the various recruitment officers representing each of the armed forces in this area. I always told them the same thing, "Trust me, you don't really want me! I am complely undisiplined, cannot follow orders, and we'd both be wasting our time. Unless you really like to issue dishonorable discharges..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue15 Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 mmmm these ones interest me: http://www.swordsdirect.com/griffyn.html and http://www.swordsdirect.com/kit_rae_swords.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Edlib: Well then that tells me it's not very accurate. Now that doesn't mean it wasn't well done, just not very real. The Rapier is not a hacking sword, but a thrusting sword. Movies often show it the oppoiste (hacking and not thrusting). The reason for this is thrusts are far more dangerous then hacking. I'm also assuming that this is a period film, or at the very least each was well praticed with swords and are not neophytes. In which case they shouldn't be winded after 5 minutes. Something to keep in mind. They would be trained to fight all day with the sword. Being tired after 5 minutes tells me the director was going for drama over realism. And the Rapier is an excellent sword to pick. It is extermly light, agile and deadly. Now because a movie lacks realism by no means makes it a bad movie. I just want people to realize when a sword is used in a movie more often then not realism is forgotten. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Rogue 15: Yes, that is an ok looking wall hanger (once again keep in mind I don't like fantasy weapons.) This one will allow me to show you why. Notice how near the hilt the blade becomes much smaller (narrower). That area is supposed to be the strongest part of a European blade. However, since they have it being smaller then it should it is now one of the weakest parts of the blade, and could easily break there. Now for some that looks like a great sword. For me I just see problems left and right. Hence why I go traditional. I like to know all I need to do is put an edge on my swords and I can take them into combat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Originally posted by Admiral Edlib: Well then that tells me it's not very accurate. Now that doesn't mean it wasn't well done, just not very real. I'm also assuming that this is a period film, or at the very least each was well praticed with swords and are not neophytes. In which case they shouldn't be winded after 5 minutes. Something to keep in mind. They would be trained to fight all day with the sword. Being tired after 5 minutes tells me the director was going for drama over realism. The movie made clear that niether of these men were really expert warriors early on, although they did know how to fight. The bad guy was clearly much better trained than Liam Neeson's character, so he didn't get nearly as winded or suffer as many wounds during the duel. Plus, they were both just barely recovered from past encounters that had left each of them half dead at the time of the duel. And it was 5 minutes of screen time, which doesn't nessisarily equate to how long that they were supposed to be fighting, although the impression is that it was happening in real time. It's been a long time since I've seen it though, so I may be remembering some of it wrong. But compared to many of the sword fight scenes I've seen in many films, this one struck me as a bit more realistic than most, although maybe not to an expert swordsman, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 30, 2003 Author Share Posted May 30, 2003 Admiral: remind me never to pick a fight with you! Myself, I'm quite tired after five minutes of all-out determined sword work... I haven't seen Rob Roy, so my opinion on the realism of the fight is pretty invalid. I do know, however, that if I had a cut-and-thrust of that time period that I could hold off a rapier. While it is true that the whole point of a rapier is...the point, it is also true that some rapiers of the period were sharpened on the lower third of the blade, both to discourage grabbing and (from what I've read, mind you) for a limited slashing ability. I don't have a rapier, but I do have a Solingen-made smallsword that was built for dueling in the German tradition. Straight, thin and whippy, its killing edge is the point...but that doesn't mean I couldn't inflict injury with the edge proper. When I practice 'one leaf' in the back yard, for example, it is very good at precision slashing (I tend to catch the leaf on the first inch or so behind the tip.) It isn't a proper edge weapon; I wouldn't want to make it take the same punishment as a samurai sword in blocking, because the blade is just too darn thin. But when it's moving quickly enough, it has enough mass to stand up to a sword of similiar or slighter greater weight... Perhaps I must see the film now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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