[Artemisia] Making Fighting More Fun

[morgan wolf]

Caoilte,

You raise a valid point, especially about those northern bear pits, but there is a much easier answer- let your opponents know that you are new.  Part of being a Chivalrous fighter is giving each opponent the *best* fight you can, which doesn't necessarily mean doing your utmost to destroy them.  As most experienced fighters will tell you, giving a new fighter the best fight means fighting at their level, or a bit more.  That means if I'm facing a guy who's in armor for the second time EVER, I'll tell him before we fight exactly what I'm planning on doing to him, so that he has an idea of what to block, I'll be a bit more defensive than usual to give the new guy some time to throw some shots, and if I do beat him (nothing is guaranteed), I'll immediately tell him what I did to beat him, and how to stop it next time.  I also make a habit of, if welcomed to do so, standing with the newer guys to watch the other fighters, so that I can point out how
 Cormac's lead leg is open when he blocks a head shot, or how Ely drops his sheild when he throws a leg (just examples, not necessarily accurate anymore).

Remember, even when you're new, we want to kill you , not hurt you.
 
Morgan


----- Original Message ----
From: "ttherrien at netzero.net" <ttherrien at netzero.net>
To: artemisia at lists.gallowglass.org
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 7:36:40 AM
Subject: Re: [Artemisia] Making Fighting More Fun

A few thoughts from a "newbie". 

First: It is somewhat intimidating to go to events and watch tourneys such as bearpits, and the like, and realize that you are likely to be squaring off against fighters who have been doing this for some time and are (sometimes) deadly serious about this. As a Tae Kwon Do student I was introduced to sparring by fighting opponents at or near my level under the supervision of an instructor. This let me cut my teeth and receive some good instruction. Perhaps some would adopt this practice, at least once in a while, in heavy fighting. Let me add this, however, NO ONE beats the SCA for having people who will teach you if you show the least bit of interest.
Second: Expense. Armor and gear will eat your lunch, especially if you are new. That alone has held me back from getting started. I understand the need for safety. But if I can't afford to buy, or make the gear, I won't jump in. I am not crying poor, nor do I think anyone else is. But this is a hobby that will quickly empty a wallet. There must be ways to get people into the game without breaking the bank. Sadly, I am new enough that I haven't found them yet. 
Thanks for the discussion, though. It helps to know that others are seeing some of the same things I am.
Caoilte McBain


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