Category Archives: Training Notes

This month we are working on staff technique. I will be teaching off this rough outline. Basics Weapon familiarity: different grips, passing from one side to the other, left lead, right lead While pacing Making a zoned hit to a … Continue reading →

Theme of this training was smooth entries without telegraphing, and adapting to the opponent’s movements to maintain your superior position no matter what nonsense he pulls. Shadowboxing in mirror with various weapons (stick, broadsword, short arming sword, longsword). Conceal your … Continue reading →

Working on developing a curriculum. This stemmed from that impulse, plus wanting to cover some box stuff. Everything done from both leads. Warmup: 5 strikes from point Stepping out from point in 8 directions (4 with each leg, no crossing over, … Continue reading →

Working the five strikes (inside high, outside high, inside cut short, outside cut short, and stab) with passing step footwork. Focus on hand – body timing (throw the strike out first, let the body follow it). First, dry hits solo. … Continue reading →

Working pressure responses off of zornhau bind Partners face off with left foot forward, vom tag hand position (hands drawn in close to chest, sword tip straight up). Attacker initiates with #1 attack to defender’s head following with passing step. … Continue reading →

Working on the transition from staff to empty hand Hits off the back with single stick (crunches) between exercises. Emphasize full body use, opposite shoulder coming in on back hand. 6×50 (100 hits/set) Forehand hit with staff dry- full step … Continue reading →

First workout of the new year and I woke up with a cold on January 1st, so workout design had the extra feature of ‘keep contact stick to stick’. I was looking to relate the mechanics of the internal figure … Continue reading →

Couple newbies today — staff basics lecture Hold long end out at side Hit like you’re doing a pushup – both arms fire Roll the hit or the stab, rolling back to ready position after hit (wrong: pull back and … Continue reading →

A few brief notes on what was covered in the first morning session. This was an open seminar with people of all experience levels attending. The material was accessible for all levels- a focus on the basics with some foreshadowing … Continue reading →