Darkyard Practice - Tips on Range and Other Notes

I would be remiss if I did not thank His Grace Dag for inviting me to the recent Darkyard practice.  It has been a long winter, and the opportunity to knock the rust from my blade was not one to be missed.  If truth be told, I was able to make it to Cynnabar's practice the prior weekend.  Nevertheless, taking some instruction from His Grace is always welcome.

Where to begin!  Some random themes and thoughts:

Got some video

Watched Dag and Ragnvaldr fight

Talked about the Crusades, and met Sir Bran

Practiced with Dag - good discussion about my form, moved back to a more guarded stance as opposed to the open "Ragnvaldr" stance.  Talked about my tendency to swing the sword, rather than snap it.  Talked about leg blows, how to more effectively drive into them.

Practiced with Sir Bran.  Keeping people honest with the forearm snap.  Punch blows vs. snap blows.  Sir Bran's sneaking his leg forward.  Sir Bran's surcoat, helm (great etching on left cheekplate, of Jesus).

Practiced with Andre (the Giant).  Lost elbow cop.  Good practice!

Range discourse with His Grace Eliahu and His Grace Ragnvaldr.  Opponent's weapon, height, stance, arm length.  Using assumptions of range against the experienced (when they take it for granted).  Sliding legs in, then only moving body into range to strike.  His Majesty's elliptical movements.

Lots of great fighting - can't wait to go back to learn more.

Acting as a squire and practice, use vs. abuse at events.

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