and now for something a bit different ...

Posted by: Reiki

and now for something a bit different ... - 04/10/05 08:52 PM

I just thought I'd let you all know that I'm getting into a whole different type of MA with weapons for a bit of fun.

I've just joined up with a jousting group

We train sword fighting on and off the horses, plus proper jousting against another rider or hitting a target.

Quarter staff work will probably come later and I expect I'll be rather handy with that too considering my skills with the bo. We also will be learning spear and archery techniques on and off the horses.

We are fortunate to have one fully trained horse that worked on the Last Samurai and who is quite handy with the lance and doesn't bat an eyelid at anything unusual.

As the group is in its infancy, it will take a while to get everyone up to speed, however I'm at a distinct advantage with my riding skills and my sword handling skills, however handling the lances opens up a whole new category in working with big sticks!

Thoses things are really BIG sticks!

They are 14 feet long and weight about 5kg or so.

I have to learn to balance one of these vertically upright [and horizontally when in action] and be able to control my horse at the same time at warp speed!!

It's quite tricky ... especially as my horse thinks its a dragon on the right side of her body and wants to get away from it as fast as possible!! She's ok on the left side and I've managed to be able to ride and balance the thing vertically so far.

One of the other guys teaches European sword fighting and I've been quite interested to see some differences between it and the Japanese and FMA styles we work with.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/10/05 09:49 PM

That sounds pretty frickin sweet!
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/11/05 07:06 AM

Ive seen a couple full armour jousts at rennesance (sp?) festivals here in my area. It looks pretty cool, but I can only imagine how difficult it is. I've ridden a horse a couple of times. Don't think I could land a 14 foot lance in such a small target anytime soon lol Good luck with it though!

coxne
Posted by: Reiki

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/11/05 11:57 PM

The hardest thing I've found so far is to balance the lance upright properly...

it seems to have a mind of its own and my horse doesn't care much for it wobbling about all over the place yet! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

I can handle riding one handed or no handed, its easy, but the lance balancing act is quite tricky especially if its windy and you're going fast!
Posted by: laf7773

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/12/05 12:03 AM

This sort of training could give someone a new perspective on naginata training. Or waza from any weapon dealing with a mounted opponent for that matter. It could surely help you understand these techniques much better with the knowledge of how a person may actually react balance wise if they are on horseback.
Posted by: Reiki

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/12/05 02:49 AM

Well take it from me [and I'm an advanced level rider] it's not at all easy holding onto a 14ft pole and riding about!

I'm looking forward to the beheading cabbages with swords and poking eyes out training on horseback. Think I'll perfect it with the bokken first to save my fingers and the horses ears! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]

The thing that is surprising to me is the very limited range of movement. It's very interesting and I'll keep you up to date on progress.

I heard in the weekend that the local TV current affairs ppl want to come out and film us, <<gulp>> I think they should wait a few months first so we can get a bit better!
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/12/05 04:51 PM

bump because that is bleeding awsome

p.s. If they do film you you must post somehow so we can see it

regards HUCK
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/12/05 05:06 PM

Fantastic stuff. You would probably love battle re-enactment events where you could try out your weapon skills against a couple of thousand other heavily armed lunatics! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]
Not to be confused with live role-play, re -enactment events use real weapons, but with dull blades. couple of my friends nearly changed the outcome of the battle of Naseby [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG] . It helps that you get to eat lots of food cooked on a spit and drink mead until you see twice as many oponents. Give it a go when you feel ready.
Posted by: Reiki

Re: and now for something a bit different ... - 04/12/05 05:24 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cord:
Fantastic stuff. You would probably love battle re-enactment events where you could try out your weapon skills against a couple of thousand other heavily armed lunatics! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]
Not to be confused with live role-play, re -enactment events use real weapons, but with dull blades. couple of my friends nearly changed the outcome of the battle of Naseby [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG] . It helps that you get to eat lots of food cooked on a spit and drink mead until you see twice as many oponents. Give it a go when you feel ready.
[/QUOTE]

ROFL! drunk in charge of a horse & with a sword...
It could get VERY messy not to mention dangerous especially if its one of mine. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]
I need ALL my wits about me if I'm going to run someone through with a lance or decapitate a few cabbages from the back of a horse.

I've heard a lot about the SCA and re-enactment people. I had no idea how popular the whole thing was until I started doing a few searches!

The 1st TV crew is coming on Sunday to have a look-see. The blades [& cabbages] will be ready and we'll be making coleslaw! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]