What is it about fencing? Sword fighting or fencing is essentially a game of high speed chess with muscles. I have found that as I meet fencers young and old, once you are a fencer, you are always a fencer. You form a special bond with other fencers and sword fighters, they become your lifelong tribe. … Continue reading What Is It About Fencing?
Saber
The Tactical Virtues of Sword Fighting
More to come on my thoughts about the four tactical virtues of masculinity . . . For now, the video should sufice. https://youtu.be/EVq9RSa9-mA
Saturday Sword and Buckler
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
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
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
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
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 . . . ?
Training Highlights from 2020
I found additional video footage of my wife and daughter training during 2020. It is so exciting to me to see their progression over time. As the year progressed, we added safety gear, armor and started using heavier swords. I cannot say enough about our Swordmaster, Greg. He is just amazing. Sword fighting is the … Continue reading Training Highlights from 2020
The Loyal Order of the Sword – “Castle Battle”
Over the last few years, my wife, daughter and I have begun fencing and sword fighting [Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) Style] with an emphasis on crossover martial arts and street fighting. Our group is The Loyal Order of the Sword here in the Phoenix area. Sword fighting has been one of the best things … Continue reading The Loyal Order of the Sword – “Castle Battle”
The Doc, The Horse & The Sword 