You want to talk fencing? We’ll talk fencing. Just say when!
With the new Training Program this year, a lot more responsibility has been given over to the students on what you want to learn and where you want to focus your training. That’s awesome and it offers so much flexibility and ownership! But it can be challenging to navigate the waters of your own progression … Read More
Instructions and Notes – Written by: Melonie Fitch Notes: All pattern pieces are labelled with Pattern Number (see size chart for sizing) what to cut and NSA. NSA = No Seam Allowance. You will have to add seam allowance when you cut into your fabric. Don’t forget! My recommendation is 1/2” but 5/8” is standard … Read More
With steel prices going up and the group growing, it’s a good time to buy a sword and start getting your gear together. Once you have your kit, you won’t have to worry if the loaner gear will run out or if you’ll get to train with the same gear every week. You’ll just have … Read More
In my Big Orange Book, I wrote a chapter on Being an Underdog and how that mindset is so beneficial in fencing. Here’s my general stance. I believe one of the strongest positions a fencer can be in is as an underdog. It may seem counter-intuitive, but being an underdog can be incredibly advantageous because … Read More
I’ve been thinking a lot about learning lately. Reviewing the training program and working with Shay to study her style at a high level put my brain on high alert for ideas floating around related to learning. In this case, it was an idea of Exception Bias that come up in one of the RPG … Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in a fight is normal, even feeling overwhelmed with information is normal. We have given the students in our training program so much knowledge it can become burdensome in a fight. If you are going through training, and you are feeling this; try to focus on one thing at a time. If you … Read More
When we talk about a Fencer’s Physicality instead of Mentality, we often think about the basic skills we are using. Blocks, Attacks, Footwork, etc… That’s all well and good, but I wanted to take a broader look this past week and focus on the building blocks of physicality itself. From there, as always, how could … Read More
I’ve always been a strong believer that you can learn about fencing anywhere. The things you learn at work, at home, at your grandma’s house, or walking down the street may be hiding exciting principles you can apply to your owning fighting or fencing philosophy. A case in point would be what I learned from … Read More
Two experiences this week prompted this train of thought and something that I wanted to share. The first was in Shay’s Thoughts for our upcoming practice (March 19, 2020) and the other was a video Sigmar posted to BAND. Here was Shay’s Thought: “We are going to work on intentional movement. There is so much … Read More
Break the barrier and start doing things on your own! Once you start experimenting and stop looking for someone to tell you what to do, the caliber of conversation that we can have changes dramatically.
I’ve decided to try my hand at making digital instructions to help you make your cloaks so you can make them anytime you want (like in the off-season). If you have any questions, please contact me or any of the Broderers. We would love to help you!
The Universe was on our side this year and we were able to hold the end of season Torchlight Tourney for Order of the Rose. As the previous victor, Renald ran everyone through a 5-Round Swiss Tournament* and everyone was limited to a single short sword. *A Swiss Tournament is a non-elimination tournament where the … Read More
After a discussion with Evanlyn and Veron, I brain-dumped an idea of how to revamp the training program. The goal is to separate the “ranking” and the “learning” aspects of fencing within Order of the Rose, to have an experience similar to what it takes to become a Master Swordsman, and to bring back some … Read More
It was a delightful privilege to fight against, and alongside, the fierce women of Terrasylvae. And I had so much fun. Thank you to the hosts and the participants. Love you all!
