@KBE6EKCTAH_CCP @Snubnoze707
So I've taken up the study of fencing, longsword German style (Lichtenauer). The club near me is competent in it's teaching. The rookie stuff is dealt with very well by one of the second in commands, has his patter down. Usually one would spend a couple of months with him working on footwork, guards and various attacks from said guards, I was sent off to join the main class on the second session due to my familiarity with the martial arts and experience in iai do.
I am satisfied with the teachers knowledge and ability, whilst not bad he's not the best at actually teaching, he gives too many techniques at once. Showing on response to a situation and drilling it a few times before he shows 3 more. It is as if one would be drilling all week off that info but seeing as a partner is necessary for most that is unlikely. It probably helps keep people who aren't competition or application minded interested.
That said, for a quick study like myself it's almost ideal.
There is a decent emphasis on lateral movement. Iaido was all in a line, so the wider stance has taken a little getting used to. So far, everything I've been taught is mechanically sound, the only slight concern is that the application is fencing so one has to consider training to add the power for following through a blow and properly setting ones feet to deliver the necessary power.
Of course in iaido the uniform covered the legs to reduce tells, emphasis was on setting the feet and striking, like boxing. Sword fencing is to sword fighting as as point fighting taekwondo is to K1. That's not entirely a criticism however, we have seen the benefit that points fighting training has brought some fighters in the UFC for example. One must be mindful of the limitations.
I'm probably over emphasising the issue, it's not that they don't teach beyond just fencing, as the og text did not pertain to just fencing. It's just a slight tendancy to focus on the sword.
I haven't yet sparred anyone, just partnered set routines. That's fine with me because whilst there is kit to borrow, it's as grim as communal sparring kit is. This next pay check I'm getting a face guard and neck protector, then clamshell gloves, then a practice jerkin, then a practice sword. At home I use wood rather than a sword. I used to do so for iaido because the balance being off helps train the musculature involved and I think it's appropriate for now.
So yeah. Enjoying it. For the next month its buckler and sabre which should be fun. To be honest it's just really nice to be studying a martial art again,.it's one of the only things I'm good at and it's fun if nothing else than feeling good at something.