The product in review is a Late 14th Century Gambeson from the company Lord of Battles purchased from the site Kult of Athena.
The Gambeson is a medieval equivalent to a jacket which served as regular piece of clothing and as a piece of undergarment in preparation for wearing a full harness or suit of armor. In the practice of HEMA, the gambeson is used for protection as a form of padded armor in bouting or free fencing with weapons such as the longsword, sword and buckler etc. The gambeson is also used in the study of armored combat as an undergarment which is worn before donning the armor (I will explain this is future blog posts).
In searching for a gambeson which is affordable within my budget as there are many sites in which a gambeson can be priced from $300 to $500. In my case, I searched through the site Kult of Athena. I looked into the Late 14th Century Gambeson as seen here. I measured my chest and arm length to get an approximate number when deciding the size. I fit into a medium and ordered it afterwards.
After I had ordered and it arrived, I decided to wear it to get the feel of it. Visually,the gambeson is simple yet elegant in overall design. When donning it, the gambeson did fit me and the arm length was perfect. At first it felt stiff, but after moving around in it it then felt less stiff as it is padded. After doing a couple of half and full cuts with the longsword, the movements felt natural. A note of concern for me as the buttons in which the threading seemed too thin and appears to be at risk for breaking from constant wear and tear.
Then i decided to test it on how it performs in free fencing. After a couple of bouts, the gambeson held up well. However in one bout, the right sleeve in the elbow area ripped at the seam during a close encounter. This raised a concern for me for the sewing of the gambeson. I took it to a tailor to get the rip repaired and to my satisfaction it held up well after a few swings.
Overall, this is a good gambeson to start off with. I would deem it best suited for drills and controlled free fencing. However I would discourage using it in tournaments, free fencing for a long period of time or as armor undergarment due to its susceptibility to tear.
This is an item in which to start with for the moment and in time purchase the upgrade (see my post HEMA ona Budget).
Overall, the Late 14th Century Gambeson from Kult of Athena is a good starter to practice and train in. If desiring for usage in free fencing and armor wearing, please search for other alternatives.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Friday, May 26, 2017
Be a Man - Be a Warrior - Be a Knight
Be a Man - Be a Warrior - Be a Knight
The above statement seems like a meme or an incomplete thought at face value. However, when the mind is applied to this phrase; the saying becomes a chain of thoughts linked together that shows a deep and profound message.
Be a Man
In today's generation and culture, the definition of a man is completely lacking. Depending on the upbringing of the individual, the thought and opinion of what a man is can range to mean anything. For example, some believe that one becomes a man by simply doing an act of bravado or stunts that boosts the ego of the individual. In other cases, various cultures gives a short and non descriptive definitions of manhood (grow up, work hard, get married, have a family, live life, no trouble mantras). However, what the individual needs is a definition of a man that is to the point and descriptive. Why? Because men by nature are more prone to action rather than thought. However, that does not speak for every man.
What does it mean to be a man? From the lessons learned from my father, my grandfather, my conversations with single fathers and married fathers, here is what I have learned. To be a man, is to be one who leads by example for himself and his family; one who is steadfast in his beliefs and practices what he preaches; one who builds a legacy for his family and generation; one who accepts his mistakes as lessons and does right for himself; one who loves selflessly and is pure in heart.
This may seem at face value, all ideals in the clouds, however this definition gives definition as to the actions and motives of a real man. It is wisdom for one to learn his/her role in life before committing to the role.
According to Jewish author and Rabbi Shalom Arush, he gives a profound definition of a man in his book where he states:
This quote may sound preposterous if not ridiculous. However, when pondered, the definition speaks of what a man is and ought to be towards others (family included). The quote speaks of the actions that a man who shows and acts out of love. Read the definition carefully, and one will see that love is the action of giving from oneself selflessly. Yet one will ask, how can a man accept humiliation with love? The answer is this, the humiliation the Rabbi is talking about is within the context of marriage. The humiliation that is mentioned is the humiliation a parent will experience from ill mannered children or when the man does something that humiliates his wife. The accepting of this humiliation or the recognition of humiliation is the act of being down to earth in humility and owning up to the mistake which the man does out of love for his wife and family.
Another question that is asked: how does a man accept complaints or accusation without being defensive or offended? Again, context is needed. Within any relationship or marriage, one is not exempt from complaints or accusations on small things. A man is one who hears these things and takes action to correct the root of the problem causing the partner to accuse or complain (husband or wife; boyfriend or girlfriend). What about honor? Keep in mind this, that honor is a spiritual/moral/ethical/mental trait that is not given not can be taken away. Honor is the gift the warrior/knight gives to himself and treasures in the heart of his lady. Therefore, if Honor is a given gift, there should never be "honor seeking' as it is a sign of ingratitude to the gift.
Be a Warrior
When a man accepts and commits to the Path of the Warrior, the man becomes a warrior based on the merit of living and being committed to the warrior lifestyle. The warrior is one who walks in between two worlds, one of peace, and the other one of war. Now this definition is not limited to one who serves in the army, navy, marines or special forces. This definition speaks of the individual who fights the battles from within (as in a community or home town). This individual is not a vigilante, but rather a man who has prowess and wisdom to act within the law to see that justice is accomplished. However,, for the warrior, his wisdom or direction of the Path can be determined by what source of wisdom does he benefit from. One can benefit from the study of Bushido, Sufism, Taoism, Stoic Philosophy etc. A warrior can choose which source of wisdom he/she can identify with or comprehend. This is the opposite of what a Knight is/
Be a Knight
When a man chooses to live and be committed to the lifestyle of the Knight, the man becomes a warrior that follows the precepts of Chivalry as defined by the authors Ramon Lull, Sir Geoffrey de Charney and Christine de Pizan. Unlike the warrior which can choose any form of warrior wisdom, the Knight bases his/her wisdom on the writings of the mentioned authors. In addition, the Knight follows the Path by practicing the Knightly Arts, poetry, courtship and staying committed to the principles of True Chivalry. This is the Path that I am on and I remain committed to this Path. Why? Because I not only see the value of practicing the lifestyle, I see the value of teaching this lifestyle to others who hear the call of True Chivalry.
Valiant Knight, Be a Man to be a warrior. Be a warrior to be a Knight. Be a Knight to be the example to all.
The above statement seems like a meme or an incomplete thought at face value. However, when the mind is applied to this phrase; the saying becomes a chain of thoughts linked together that shows a deep and profound message.
Be a Man
In today's generation and culture, the definition of a man is completely lacking. Depending on the upbringing of the individual, the thought and opinion of what a man is can range to mean anything. For example, some believe that one becomes a man by simply doing an act of bravado or stunts that boosts the ego of the individual. In other cases, various cultures gives a short and non descriptive definitions of manhood (grow up, work hard, get married, have a family, live life, no trouble mantras). However, what the individual needs is a definition of a man that is to the point and descriptive. Why? Because men by nature are more prone to action rather than thought. However, that does not speak for every man.
What does it mean to be a man? From the lessons learned from my father, my grandfather, my conversations with single fathers and married fathers, here is what I have learned. To be a man, is to be one who leads by example for himself and his family; one who is steadfast in his beliefs and practices what he preaches; one who builds a legacy for his family and generation; one who accepts his mistakes as lessons and does right for himself; one who loves selflessly and is pure in heart.
This may seem at face value, all ideals in the clouds, however this definition gives definition as to the actions and motives of a real man. It is wisdom for one to learn his/her role in life before committing to the role.
According to Jewish author and Rabbi Shalom Arush, he gives a profound definition of a man in his book where he states:
A man gives, he pampers others, listens to others, pays attention to others, concedes his wants for the sake of others, is forgiving, doesn't seek honor, doesn't want to benefit from others, supports others, helps, others, and empathizes with others. A man can accept humiliation with love, and can also accept complaints and accusations without being offended or defensive.
The Garden of Peace. Arush, R. Shalom. Pg. 99.
This quote may sound preposterous if not ridiculous. However, when pondered, the definition speaks of what a man is and ought to be towards others (family included). The quote speaks of the actions that a man who shows and acts out of love. Read the definition carefully, and one will see that love is the action of giving from oneself selflessly. Yet one will ask, how can a man accept humiliation with love? The answer is this, the humiliation the Rabbi is talking about is within the context of marriage. The humiliation that is mentioned is the humiliation a parent will experience from ill mannered children or when the man does something that humiliates his wife. The accepting of this humiliation or the recognition of humiliation is the act of being down to earth in humility and owning up to the mistake which the man does out of love for his wife and family.
Another question that is asked: how does a man accept complaints or accusation without being defensive or offended? Again, context is needed. Within any relationship or marriage, one is not exempt from complaints or accusations on small things. A man is one who hears these things and takes action to correct the root of the problem causing the partner to accuse or complain (husband or wife; boyfriend or girlfriend). What about honor? Keep in mind this, that honor is a spiritual/moral/ethical/mental trait that is not given not can be taken away. Honor is the gift the warrior/knight gives to himself and treasures in the heart of his lady. Therefore, if Honor is a given gift, there should never be "honor seeking' as it is a sign of ingratitude to the gift.
Be a Warrior
When a man accepts and commits to the Path of the Warrior, the man becomes a warrior based on the merit of living and being committed to the warrior lifestyle. The warrior is one who walks in between two worlds, one of peace, and the other one of war. Now this definition is not limited to one who serves in the army, navy, marines or special forces. This definition speaks of the individual who fights the battles from within (as in a community or home town). This individual is not a vigilante, but rather a man who has prowess and wisdom to act within the law to see that justice is accomplished. However,, for the warrior, his wisdom or direction of the Path can be determined by what source of wisdom does he benefit from. One can benefit from the study of Bushido, Sufism, Taoism, Stoic Philosophy etc. A warrior can choose which source of wisdom he/she can identify with or comprehend. This is the opposite of what a Knight is/
Be a Knight
When a man chooses to live and be committed to the lifestyle of the Knight, the man becomes a warrior that follows the precepts of Chivalry as defined by the authors Ramon Lull, Sir Geoffrey de Charney and Christine de Pizan. Unlike the warrior which can choose any form of warrior wisdom, the Knight bases his/her wisdom on the writings of the mentioned authors. In addition, the Knight follows the Path by practicing the Knightly Arts, poetry, courtship and staying committed to the principles of True Chivalry. This is the Path that I am on and I remain committed to this Path. Why? Because I not only see the value of practicing the lifestyle, I see the value of teaching this lifestyle to others who hear the call of True Chivalry.
Valiant Knight, Be a Man to be a warrior. Be a warrior to be a Knight. Be a Knight to be the example to all.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
HEMA on a Budget
The practice of HEMA is a martial activity to be enjoyed. With many physical and mental benefits, who cannot admit that it is fun. Yet the smile turns downward at the thought of expenses for the gear and equipment. However, I want to return that smile back as I share with you how to budget HEMA.
The first and important thing that must come into mind when budgeting the weapon trainers, equipment and clothing; is for one to research the various sources to purchase these things. There sites such as Albion, Arms and Armor, Kult of Athena, Windrose Armory, Absolute Force, Revival Clothing, Purple Heart and many others. However, don't get lost in the sea of options and choices.
The next thing that you want to ask yourself is what type of practice do you want to do. If you plan on practicing longsword, then you will need certain things such as gauntlets, a jacket or gambeson, a fencing mask, arm and elbow protection, shin and knee protection and shoes. If you plan on doing Rapier or Side Sword, then you would need a jacket, hand, arm and leg protection with a fencing mask. It depends on what you want to do.
The next thing is when you decided what you want to do, ask people or other practitioners for gear recommendations, this will help in the decision making.
Afterwards, take measurements of your yourself (hand, head, chest length, waist length etc) so that you can easily decide on what gauntlet or jacket works best for you. The clothing is what you need to invest in first before getting into the expensive part: the weapon trainers.
Depending on the discipline or study that you are interested in will determine what kind of weapon trainer you can consider investing in. Let's say that you want to study Longsword, you have may choices for steel longsword such as the Liechtenauer, the Meyer from Albion, or the Spada da Zogho, the Fechterspiel from Arms and Armor. One must not get lost in the idea of "this sword looks cool, so let me buy it now." Rather, one has to evaluate what can be affordable or what can be saved up for purchase. When the evaluation is done, one has to research reviews of each choice and determine which one suits to there aptitude for the training.
When all of this is done, then the ordering can proceed from there.
For me, I followed this procedure and did my research and I have benefited from following the procedure. And I learned somethings that not only improved my understanding of myself such as what fits me and and what I need to invest in quality based items. Right now I have the gear that I need, the next thing for me is saving the money for the longsword trainer that suits me for what I practice.
Learn yourself and what you want to get out of your practice. Then make the purchases based on research and critical thinking. The result: a well equipped and prepared fighter.
The first and important thing that must come into mind when budgeting the weapon trainers, equipment and clothing; is for one to research the various sources to purchase these things. There sites such as Albion, Arms and Armor, Kult of Athena, Windrose Armory, Absolute Force, Revival Clothing, Purple Heart and many others. However, don't get lost in the sea of options and choices.
The next thing that you want to ask yourself is what type of practice do you want to do. If you plan on practicing longsword, then you will need certain things such as gauntlets, a jacket or gambeson, a fencing mask, arm and elbow protection, shin and knee protection and shoes. If you plan on doing Rapier or Side Sword, then you would need a jacket, hand, arm and leg protection with a fencing mask. It depends on what you want to do.
The next thing is when you decided what you want to do, ask people or other practitioners for gear recommendations, this will help in the decision making.
Afterwards, take measurements of your yourself (hand, head, chest length, waist length etc) so that you can easily decide on what gauntlet or jacket works best for you. The clothing is what you need to invest in first before getting into the expensive part: the weapon trainers.
Depending on the discipline or study that you are interested in will determine what kind of weapon trainer you can consider investing in. Let's say that you want to study Longsword, you have may choices for steel longsword such as the Liechtenauer, the Meyer from Albion, or the Spada da Zogho, the Fechterspiel from Arms and Armor. One must not get lost in the idea of "this sword looks cool, so let me buy it now." Rather, one has to evaluate what can be affordable or what can be saved up for purchase. When the evaluation is done, one has to research reviews of each choice and determine which one suits to there aptitude for the training.
When all of this is done, then the ordering can proceed from there.
For me, I followed this procedure and did my research and I have benefited from following the procedure. And I learned somethings that not only improved my understanding of myself such as what fits me and and what I need to invest in quality based items. Right now I have the gear that I need, the next thing for me is saving the money for the longsword trainer that suits me for what I practice.
Learn yourself and what you want to get out of your practice. Then make the purchases based on research and critical thinking. The result: a well equipped and prepared fighter.
Friday, May 19, 2017
Study on Book of Chivalry - 2
We continue with our study of the Book of Chivalry by Si Geoffrey de Charney.
We will look at several things that speaks to the subject of relationships and ethical conduct.
The author Sir Geoffrey de Charney states the following on Deeds done for the sake of a Lady as follows:
The author makes a very profound statement, that anything done for the sake of a lady has to be done with alacrity and must increase the honor and renown of both the warrior and the lady.
Yet however in today's times, to find a woman of 'great honor and superb qualities' is very difficult. It doesn't take much to see the local club or bar to find women seeking sugar daddies or a boyfriend to replace their admirer or abusive boyfriend. And in like manner, we find men going to the strip club to find a moment of pleasure, or seeking the girlfriend that fits his fantasy. We also have those men that have multiple women to talk or get intimate with and the same with women with many men to get intimacy or someone to talk to. We even have men who remain single without seeking a relationship out of frustration for the diva mentality in women today. Even single women who remain celibate out of their frustration of the male mentality of carnality, apathy, and the bohemian lifestyle. The natural question is this: Why search for the woman or the man who has the best inner qualities if if requires hard work?
The answer is this: the warrior who is inspired by a woman of valor will have a life partner by his side to push him to excellence and to greater deeds in life. The woman who is inspired by the virtuous warrior, becomes a woman of valor who is not afraid to face the trials of life.
As the first quote points out, the woman who pushes the warrior to do things that will increase his own honor, renown, and personal excellence is the lady that should be loved and honored. The question that would asked is: how does one know if the woman is the right one to be vulnerable to? The answer is this: the woman that asks about you and your well being and care for you with her actions is the lady to whom the warrior can be vulnerable to.
Now I am not going into a topic concerning male psychology in regards to relationships, yet it should be noted by that men do not like to be vulnerable as they perceive it to be a sign of weakness. However, to the woman of valor, the "weakness" is a sign of humanity. Because the woman of valor is one who builds up a man both emotionally and ethically.
As the second quote points out, the woman of valor is the woman in which time, energy, love, honor and loyalty is owed to. Yet how can we warriors know this?
The answer is this: as it is common knowledge in any relationship to know the person first before dating, so it is with the warrior and the woman of valor. The warrior has to know who the person is first, and must be his decision to be vulnerable with her based on her actions rather than on what she says. If she takes care of the warrior in times of need or physical illness and shows selfless love, compassion, caring and kindness, the warrior can confine her love in his heart.
In summation, the points laid out by Sir Geoffrey de Charney are to find and confide in a woman of valor who will push the warrior to a higher standard of excellence and to deeds that will increase honor and renown for him and her. The woman of valor is the woman the warrior can confide in with vulnerability because he knows that her actions match with her words and with her heart. The warrior has honors, loves and cares for such a woman benefits her and himself. The warrior who benefits others, benefits himself.
Love and honor the woman of valor, Brave Knight!
We will look at several things that speaks to the subject of relationships and ethical conduct.
The author Sir Geoffrey de Charney states the following on Deeds done for the sake of a Lady as follows:
And they are so fortunate that their ladies themselves, from great honor and superb qualities that reside in them, do not want to let them tarry or delay in any way the winning of that honor to be achieved by deeds of arms, and advise them on this and then command them to set out and put all their efforts into winning renown and great honor where it is to be sought by valiant men; these ladies urge them on to reach beyond any of their earlier aspirations.
And one should indeed honor, serve, and truly love these noble ladies and others whom I hold to be ladies who inspire men to great achievement, and it is thanks to such ladies that men become good knights and men at arms.
The author makes a very profound statement, that anything done for the sake of a lady has to be done with alacrity and must increase the honor and renown of both the warrior and the lady.
Yet however in today's times, to find a woman of 'great honor and superb qualities' is very difficult. It doesn't take much to see the local club or bar to find women seeking sugar daddies or a boyfriend to replace their admirer or abusive boyfriend. And in like manner, we find men going to the strip club to find a moment of pleasure, or seeking the girlfriend that fits his fantasy. We also have those men that have multiple women to talk or get intimate with and the same with women with many men to get intimacy or someone to talk to. We even have men who remain single without seeking a relationship out of frustration for the diva mentality in women today. Even single women who remain celibate out of their frustration of the male mentality of carnality, apathy, and the bohemian lifestyle. The natural question is this: Why search for the woman or the man who has the best inner qualities if if requires hard work?
The answer is this: the warrior who is inspired by a woman of valor will have a life partner by his side to push him to excellence and to greater deeds in life. The woman who is inspired by the virtuous warrior, becomes a woman of valor who is not afraid to face the trials of life.
As the first quote points out, the woman who pushes the warrior to do things that will increase his own honor, renown, and personal excellence is the lady that should be loved and honored. The question that would asked is: how does one know if the woman is the right one to be vulnerable to? The answer is this: the woman that asks about you and your well being and care for you with her actions is the lady to whom the warrior can be vulnerable to.
Now I am not going into a topic concerning male psychology in regards to relationships, yet it should be noted by that men do not like to be vulnerable as they perceive it to be a sign of weakness. However, to the woman of valor, the "weakness" is a sign of humanity. Because the woman of valor is one who builds up a man both emotionally and ethically.
As the second quote points out, the woman of valor is the woman in which time, energy, love, honor and loyalty is owed to. Yet how can we warriors know this?
The answer is this: as it is common knowledge in any relationship to know the person first before dating, so it is with the warrior and the woman of valor. The warrior has to know who the person is first, and must be his decision to be vulnerable with her based on her actions rather than on what she says. If she takes care of the warrior in times of need or physical illness and shows selfless love, compassion, caring and kindness, the warrior can confine her love in his heart.
In summation, the points laid out by Sir Geoffrey de Charney are to find and confide in a woman of valor who will push the warrior to a higher standard of excellence and to deeds that will increase honor and renown for him and her. The woman of valor is the woman the warrior can confide in with vulnerability because he knows that her actions match with her words and with her heart. The warrior has honors, loves and cares for such a woman benefits her and himself. The warrior who benefits others, benefits himself.
Love and honor the woman of valor, Brave Knight!
Monday, May 15, 2017
Review of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
There was a special deal at the local cinema, the film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword was premiering a day early before the official release date. So taking advantage of this deal, I decided to watch the movie. My initial response from watching the trailers was a sense of fantasy on drugs with a pessimistic viewpoint against heroism or the ideal of True Chivalry. However, I was in a for startling surprise.
The film chronicles the rise of Arthur from poverty to the ranks of Kingship (no spoilers). Yet this has been marked by his removing the sword from the stone. However, instead of the traditional story line as laid out in "The Once and Future King" or "Le Morte d'Arthur" this film takes a different twist. Our hero was raised by women in a brothel and yet acts with moral judgement and with a down to earth attitude.
With this in mind, did this film show any trace or hint of True Chivalry? Yes and No. Let me explain why.
True Chivalry is marked by these characteristics: Prowess, Franchise, Loyalty, Courage and Courtliness. Prowess is another word for martial ability. Franchise is a Medieval French word that is used to describe practicing what you preach, living up to your own standards, embodying your own ideals as best you can, presenting yourself with integrity and dignity, and maintaining grace (genuineness). Loyalty in the context of being loyal to one's Lord or King. Courage or valor in the tournament, barrier or battlefield. Courtliness is the highest mannerisms and ethics in the Court (relating to non warriors).
With the definition or context given. Now the answer can be seen. The film did feature prowess, loyalty and courage in several scenes whereas there was a lack of courtliness. Franchise was seen more by Arthur and the rebels to a small degree but not enough.
What the film did not show was the concept of Inner Nobility which is this: the importance of upholding one's convictions and maintaining a sense of honor and dignity at all times, especially when no one else is watching. The reason why I say this is because Arthur comes off as reluctant at the beginning only to realize his calling later on and accepts it. While the end of the film does seem to to hint at this being realized, however by no mentioning of it or reference it leaves much to be desired.
Overall, I deemed this film to be entertaining and worth a watch. However, one must know what True Chivalry is so as to know what is real and what is false. The lesson to take from this film is this: No matter where an individual originates from, but rather where that individual will go is what will determine the future of that person. In addition, one can never outrun the past, it is wise to embrace the calling placed before you and make the best of everything. Inner Nobility is best seen in action rather than in empty words, the hero is not one who reluctantly walks away from the calling, rather is the warrior who accepts what is in front of him and makes the best of himself.
Know what the ideal is, and you will find in anything cinematic, but take everything with a grain of salt.
The film chronicles the rise of Arthur from poverty to the ranks of Kingship (no spoilers). Yet this has been marked by his removing the sword from the stone. However, instead of the traditional story line as laid out in "The Once and Future King" or "Le Morte d'Arthur" this film takes a different twist. Our hero was raised by women in a brothel and yet acts with moral judgement and with a down to earth attitude.
With this in mind, did this film show any trace or hint of True Chivalry? Yes and No. Let me explain why.
True Chivalry is marked by these characteristics: Prowess, Franchise, Loyalty, Courage and Courtliness. Prowess is another word for martial ability. Franchise is a Medieval French word that is used to describe practicing what you preach, living up to your own standards, embodying your own ideals as best you can, presenting yourself with integrity and dignity, and maintaining grace (genuineness). Loyalty in the context of being loyal to one's Lord or King. Courage or valor in the tournament, barrier or battlefield. Courtliness is the highest mannerisms and ethics in the Court (relating to non warriors).
With the definition or context given. Now the answer can be seen. The film did feature prowess, loyalty and courage in several scenes whereas there was a lack of courtliness. Franchise was seen more by Arthur and the rebels to a small degree but not enough.
What the film did not show was the concept of Inner Nobility which is this: the importance of upholding one's convictions and maintaining a sense of honor and dignity at all times, especially when no one else is watching. The reason why I say this is because Arthur comes off as reluctant at the beginning only to realize his calling later on and accepts it. While the end of the film does seem to to hint at this being realized, however by no mentioning of it or reference it leaves much to be desired.
Overall, I deemed this film to be entertaining and worth a watch. However, one must know what True Chivalry is so as to know what is real and what is false. The lesson to take from this film is this: No matter where an individual originates from, but rather where that individual will go is what will determine the future of that person. In addition, one can never outrun the past, it is wise to embrace the calling placed before you and make the best of everything. Inner Nobility is best seen in action rather than in empty words, the hero is not one who reluctantly walks away from the calling, rather is the warrior who accepts what is in front of him and makes the best of himself.
Know what the ideal is, and you will find in anything cinematic, but take everything with a grain of salt.
Sunday, May 7, 2017
On Warrior Meditation
Meditation by itself is an art that has been practiced by both warriors and non warriors for many years. Simply the art of mental relaxation and mental focus training. What I will cove here is meditation that is practiced by warriors and how one should conduct themselves in this practice.
The warrior meditates in the early morning or at early night depending on the individuals' schedule. The manner in which this is to happen must be in a time of the day where there is complete silence, no call phone ringing, no alarm clock, nothing except silence.
To begin with, sit in a relaxed position, and begin to breath slow but steady. This sets up the pace for breathing and for warrior meditation. The next step is establish the breathing and slowly close your eyes. While breathing, your mind must be focused on one thing, imagine in your mind that a light is shining above you and it is far away. Your goal is to get to that light. While keeping this mental picture, bring to mind the tasks of the day and what needs to be done. This should create a mountain in which you have to climb. No I must add that this is not an exercise in imagination, but rather a mental picture of your journey as a warrior and that each step must bring you closer to your end goal.
The next stage that follows is what I call "the war of the mind." What this means is the problems that warriors face in life: drama, emotions, desires based on pleasure, the need for pleasure, the ego, reacting to peoples' words or gestures, mockery, depression, anger, lust, greed for wealth, people or material things, the need to hide or lie, personal secrets or battles. All of this comes crashing on the mind, yet one will ask how can we fight against all these things?
The answers is this.
There is a saying that goes like this: "Fight with the head, forget the heart." While this sounds harsh if not brazen with roughness. In actuality, this saying gives profound advice. When a warrior engages in the battles of the mind and heart, the individual is to fight these battles with their mind and wisdom rather than with emotions (which can be unstable) and the desire to get things done with quick fix mentality. Instead, the warrior utilizes his knowledge of the problem he/she faces and calculates the strategy and plan to defeat the problem. The last thing is to take action to defeat the problem of the mind by following through with the plan by your physical actions. All the battles start and end in the mind. The victor of the battle must be your intellect and willpower to follow through by your action.
The battles and the problems will change in nature and level of difficulty. However, when one's mind is set on wisdom and discernment as a mountain, the problems become predictable and the answer the same: win the battle of the mind and heart and you will master yourself.
Mastery of self is what brings about victory after victory of these battles, it is best to know yourself and your potential so as not to loose hope or confidence.
When you meditate, ponder on what your problems are, and where you want yourself to be at.
The warrior meditates in the early morning or at early night depending on the individuals' schedule. The manner in which this is to happen must be in a time of the day where there is complete silence, no call phone ringing, no alarm clock, nothing except silence.
To begin with, sit in a relaxed position, and begin to breath slow but steady. This sets up the pace for breathing and for warrior meditation. The next step is establish the breathing and slowly close your eyes. While breathing, your mind must be focused on one thing, imagine in your mind that a light is shining above you and it is far away. Your goal is to get to that light. While keeping this mental picture, bring to mind the tasks of the day and what needs to be done. This should create a mountain in which you have to climb. No I must add that this is not an exercise in imagination, but rather a mental picture of your journey as a warrior and that each step must bring you closer to your end goal.
The next stage that follows is what I call "the war of the mind." What this means is the problems that warriors face in life: drama, emotions, desires based on pleasure, the need for pleasure, the ego, reacting to peoples' words or gestures, mockery, depression, anger, lust, greed for wealth, people or material things, the need to hide or lie, personal secrets or battles. All of this comes crashing on the mind, yet one will ask how can we fight against all these things?
The answers is this.
There is a saying that goes like this: "Fight with the head, forget the heart." While this sounds harsh if not brazen with roughness. In actuality, this saying gives profound advice. When a warrior engages in the battles of the mind and heart, the individual is to fight these battles with their mind and wisdom rather than with emotions (which can be unstable) and the desire to get things done with quick fix mentality. Instead, the warrior utilizes his knowledge of the problem he/she faces and calculates the strategy and plan to defeat the problem. The last thing is to take action to defeat the problem of the mind by following through with the plan by your physical actions. All the battles start and end in the mind. The victor of the battle must be your intellect and willpower to follow through by your action.
The battles and the problems will change in nature and level of difficulty. However, when one's mind is set on wisdom and discernment as a mountain, the problems become predictable and the answer the same: win the battle of the mind and heart and you will master yourself.
Mastery of self is what brings about victory after victory of these battles, it is best to know yourself and your potential so as not to loose hope or confidence.
When you meditate, ponder on what your problems are, and where you want yourself to be at.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Reflections and After Thoughts on Springeck
Springeck was a fun filled and insight event in which the knightly virtue of Prowess was practiced most.
During the first day of the event, it started with sparring or free play. This is where we fought against one another to test each other skill at a chosen weapon or skill (longsword, messer, dagger, spear, rapier, sword and buckler etc.). For me it was a refreshing day to refine and take a critical look at my martial skills.
During the first match, I began to use the guards of the longsword according to Fiore de Liberi. The first match I considered to be a warm up from my many hits by my opponent, yet I was able to land a few blow though visually it did not appear that I was out of range.
The next three matches with the longsword were done with growing energy and using range and defense and a few thrusts to the hands and up close pommel strikes.
The next three matches were conducted with the dagger, the spear the the rapier according to V. Saviolo, these matches went well to my surprise. I recall that in my training that it is wise to train in every weapon form. The dagger bout was spontaneous as I was able to get into close with ease, a few times I did attempt the techniques as described from Fiore. The Spear match was a first for me and went very well to my own surprise. The rapier match also went well as I recalled the principles of combat as described by Saviolo.
After doing ten matches I was winded, and surprised by my duration. After taking a breather, I began to think about how far my journey of self training has lead me and so far I can say lead me to versatility with many weapons. Yet I know that I still have a long way to go in regards to experience in fighting.
The second day was relaxed as the morning was spent with two classes. Afterwards more free playing commenced and I participated.
My thoughts from these two days can be summed up as this: confirmation of martial versatility and the need for refinement and level progression.
Why is this important? The improvement and refining of prowess is a reflection on refinement and maturation of self.
The only two times that I remember participating in free play were in the summer of 2012 and early this year in January. In between 2012 and January of this year were days that were spent refining and polishing the basics and principles of knightly combat. The event was a test to see how far has that training has carried me, and I will say it has carried me to a great length.
The knight or the warrior never ceases in the training of his prowess. The knight never lets one day pass without his training. Why? Because the training helps the knight to not only reach higher levels of prowess but also higher levels of self refinement.
I will post more thoughts on future HEMA that I will participate along with videos so that you my readers can witness what I have described here.
Train on Valiant Knight!
During the first day of the event, it started with sparring or free play. This is where we fought against one another to test each other skill at a chosen weapon or skill (longsword, messer, dagger, spear, rapier, sword and buckler etc.). For me it was a refreshing day to refine and take a critical look at my martial skills.
During the first match, I began to use the guards of the longsword according to Fiore de Liberi. The first match I considered to be a warm up from my many hits by my opponent, yet I was able to land a few blow though visually it did not appear that I was out of range.
The next three matches with the longsword were done with growing energy and using range and defense and a few thrusts to the hands and up close pommel strikes.
The next three matches were conducted with the dagger, the spear the the rapier according to V. Saviolo, these matches went well to my surprise. I recall that in my training that it is wise to train in every weapon form. The dagger bout was spontaneous as I was able to get into close with ease, a few times I did attempt the techniques as described from Fiore. The Spear match was a first for me and went very well to my own surprise. The rapier match also went well as I recalled the principles of combat as described by Saviolo.
After doing ten matches I was winded, and surprised by my duration. After taking a breather, I began to think about how far my journey of self training has lead me and so far I can say lead me to versatility with many weapons. Yet I know that I still have a long way to go in regards to experience in fighting.
The second day was relaxed as the morning was spent with two classes. Afterwards more free playing commenced and I participated.
My thoughts from these two days can be summed up as this: confirmation of martial versatility and the need for refinement and level progression.
Why is this important? The improvement and refining of prowess is a reflection on refinement and maturation of self.
The only two times that I remember participating in free play were in the summer of 2012 and early this year in January. In between 2012 and January of this year were days that were spent refining and polishing the basics and principles of knightly combat. The event was a test to see how far has that training has carried me, and I will say it has carried me to a great length.
The knight or the warrior never ceases in the training of his prowess. The knight never lets one day pass without his training. Why? Because the training helps the knight to not only reach higher levels of prowess but also higher levels of self refinement.
I will post more thoughts on future HEMA that I will participate along with videos so that you my readers can witness what I have described here.
Train on Valiant Knight!
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