Take Five, From the Top
I’m working on a new description of classes for students interested in training with the Valkyrie WMA Alliance. It’s not a difficult thing to do, but it is an opportunity to re-examine a lot of my base assumptions, and maybe…
Movements subtle, strong, swift, supple and bold
At the still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless; Neither from nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is, But neither arrest nor movement. And do not call it fixity, Where past and future are…
Being Most Excellent
I like to be perfect, but I’m not very good at it. Despite my efforts, I’m constantly making mistakes. It’s pretty obvious, with all my experience, study, and teaching, that I know exactly what to do all the time. At…
Slow work
Some of my favourite moments when fencing have been in slow work. Moments of sublime joy, and surprise, can come out of the steady pace. It’s a place of insight into your fencing and your thinking, the kind of learning…
Balance, Timing, and the War.
The problem with most martial arts teaching, especially in written form, stems from a basic misunderstanding. In order for me to explain the technique I want to teach, I have to break it down. I have to talk about the…
Sex and Swordplay
I’ve always thought of swordplay as being one of those rare sports where women have an equal chance to compete with men. Strength and speed are factors in swordplay, and so is size. In absolute terms men have all the…
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