Today was a great day. Any day I get to sword fight is a great day. I couldn't wait to meet with the group this morning. Over the last four weeks I've treated about 20 patients with COVID-19, this makes over 400 patients in total in the last 18 months. And, with all this excitement, … Continue reading Saturday Sword and Buckler
Dagger
Saber and Rapier Training
I look forward to Saturdays. They decompress me. This Saturday was not different. Our focus this last weekend was getting inside the opponent's striking range and consistent strikes while conserving energy. Greg is a fantastic teacher. See one, do one, teach one is the approach. We start with sabers. Notice a couple things. First, look … Continue reading Saber and Rapier Training
Sword Fighting Concepts – Part 1
I was watching one of my favorite movies, The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), in the background this evening while doing some charting. I love this movie and I love the book even more. I read this book as a young boy and have never forgotten many of the lessons taught within its pages. As … Continue reading Sword Fighting Concepts – Part 1
Why Do You Do That Sword Fighting Thing?
I was asked, recently, by a friend, "Why do you do that sword fighting thing?" As I've pondered this question, I found my answer in the words of Jack Donovan. “Strength, courage, mastery, and honor are the alpha virtues of men all over the world. They are the fundamental virtues of men because without them, … Continue reading Why Do You Do That Sword Fighting Thing?
The Training Continues
I have been busy this last month and between work, life and the excessive temperatures of up to 115 degrees, I haven't been able to record as much video as I'd like. However, I've got some good video of many of the Loyal Order of the Sword students working with Greg, our Sword Master. Below … Continue reading The Training Continues
Adam & Greg Continuous Sparing
It's taken me a few weeks, but I finally got to edit the video of Greg and I sparing with rapier and dagger. This was a memorable training session, with Greg's lightening fast strikes to the head whenever my defenses were open. Did I tell you that I just love fencing with rapier and dagger? … Continue reading Adam & Greg Continuous Sparing
The Drug I’ve Started to Depend On
It's Monday, again. I slept for 7 1/2 hours. I woke feeling very rested. But, my week's already filled with a hundred inane tasks of paper pushing, signatures and mental demands . . . It feels like everyone and everything is darting into my office and blowing up my phone to tear the flesh from … Continue reading The Drug I’ve Started to Depend On
Saturday Morning Sparing in the Heat
I look forward to Saturday mornings. To be frank, Sword fighting days are my therapy, this morning was no different. Sword fighting is a release valve for all the adrenaline, dopamine and cortisol that builds up in my system over the week. As a physician who sees 30-40 people per day, I mentally feel like … Continue reading Saturday Morning Sparing in the Heat
Saturday Morning Sword Fighting . . .
Nothing invigorates me more than early morning sword fighting. This morning was no different. Russell came over from the Mesa area and joined us. He specializes in Filipino Martial Arts, and it is always fun to spar with him. I've included sparing clips below with each of us taking on Greg, the Sword Master. I … Continue reading Saturday Morning Sword Fighting . . .
What do you do when you can’t sleep . . . ?
I woke up in the middle of the night, actually the early hours of this morning, . . . mind spinning through all the fun I've had with my family and friends fencing. I really truly enjoy the experiences this has brought to my life. So, I sat down at the computer, and I compiled … Continue reading What do you do when you can’t sleep . . . ?
The Doc, The Horse & The Sword 