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One of the main errors I see people making in solitary practice is over-practicing a single action. Generally this comes in the form of practicing a complex, multi-part action, without the needed external stimulus to give the technique its contextual relevance, timing, and feeling.
Devon Boorman ·
Being able to mechanically conduct a technique is important for establishing a combative base. However to be successful with a given technique requires a much greater level of understanding of its application.
Devon Boorman ·
Even brand new students who’ve never held a sword before share experiences of feeling like they look stupid at their first class. Many resist ever having a first class because of this.
Devon Boorman ·
Keeping a new skill in the active portion of the brain allows you to return to serious study of that skill (for example in a weekly class) more ready for new information and with a much higher level of retention of previous material.
Devon Boorman ·
I’ve recently become more aware of a "helpful" person in my classes. This person is so helpful they want to make sure that their partner never fails, never feels bad, and is successful in all that they do.
Devon Boorman ·
Ideally every lunge, every cut, parry you perform on your dominant side you would echo on your non-dominant side. This not only leads to a more physically pleasing physique, one where you don’t have a massive shoulder on one side, butt cheek on the other, but also to a healthier and higher performing body.
Devon Boorman ·
Slow practice and fencing does not prepare you for combat. The truest test of martial combat exists without self-imposed limitations on speed.
Devon Boorman ·
Often when we start into something new, we’re eager to get past that first awkward and potentially embarrassing stage and get onto looking like a badass as quickly as possible.
Devon Boorman ·
Perfection is the enemy of a healthy training mindset. Not simply the pursuit of it but more dangerously the achievement of it. There’s no ‘up' from perfection, only the stagnating and psychologically draining task of trying to maintain it.
Devon Boorman ·
This week we’ll examine some useful tools to help alleviate stress during combat training and get us on the path to sound tactical responsiveness.
Devon Boorman ·
