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More from vixyyfox
So... at my age, I have once again come back to my old love of fencing. This does not come without some regrets as, in life, things change. In this case - how - the game is played no longer reflects the original intent of the game. Thanks to the electrification of the scoring system, true style has fallen away in lieu of speed. That is to say, where style was meant to keep the swordsman ALIVE, speed puts the light on first. In this, all the definitions so laboriously composed, except for those seeking papers in the field of coaching, are relatively unknown.
Therefore, I am revisiting a card game I was trying to create years and years ago. Of course I could not resist doing a furry version while I was at it. This has been created in MSpaint, which is as much an antique as I am myself. I do find the process a good meditation.
If you live in the Orlando area, and are a fencer, I would suggest looking up the Sword Masters Fencing Club. They have a professionally run salle, and will also be expanding in the near future.
https://www.swordmastersclub.com/
Therefore, I am revisiting a card game I was trying to create years and years ago. Of course I could not resist doing a furry version while I was at it. This has been created in MSpaint, which is as much an antique as I am myself. I do find the process a good meditation.
If you live in the Orlando area, and are a fencer, I would suggest looking up the Sword Masters Fencing Club. They have a professionally run salle, and will also be expanding in the near future.
https://www.swordmastersclub.com/
Category All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Any
Size 350 x 138px
File Size 13.5 kB
I had no idea you were a fence! ;)
I guess you know that George Patton literally write the book on fencing for the US Army? I recently bought a copy of his "Diary of the Instructor in Swordsmanship," which is his follow-up to the actual manual, with more nuance to it.
I always wanted to learn how to fence. It annoyed me that while my school had the equipment, their insurance policy forbade them using it.
Now I'm a bit to rickety to be a good fence. The only fencing I do is with wood posts and staples.
I guess you know that George Patton literally write the book on fencing for the US Army? I recently bought a copy of his "Diary of the Instructor in Swordsmanship," which is his follow-up to the actual manual, with more nuance to it.
I always wanted to learn how to fence. It annoyed me that while my school had the equipment, their insurance policy forbade them using it.
Now I'm a bit to rickety to be a good fence. The only fencing I do is with wood posts and staples.
I fenced with a University Club for a semester in the early 90s- Grad school. Had to quit - was getting in the way of morning classes. I'd be so keyed up from practice I couldn't sleep afterwards. Started to nod off in one very prickly prof's class - someone I wanted on my Thesis committee. Club had all the gear to use and at times we did fun stuff like pull out some bleachers from the wall of the gym and try to fence while backing up stairs like old Errol Flynn in some of his films - guy really knew his stuff. I'm surprised we didn't break ankles....
Some years ago I spotted a nice older Foil at the local flea market. Made in France - probably early 20th Century. Sharp tip - none of the blunt safety stuff from the club. Guy wanted $10 for it - grabbed on the spot. I still do some of the foot work and lunges just for exercise - have a nice long living room / dining area in the house and no one else around to get in the way. Recently spotted a pair of modern fencing foils at a thrift shop - all set up for the wires. Weird ergonomic grip on them. Had no interest in those.
Some years ago I spotted a nice older Foil at the local flea market. Made in France - probably early 20th Century. Sharp tip - none of the blunt safety stuff from the club. Guy wanted $10 for it - grabbed on the spot. I still do some of the foot work and lunges just for exercise - have a nice long living room / dining area in the house and no one else around to get in the way. Recently spotted a pair of modern fencing foils at a thrift shop - all set up for the wires. Weird ergonomic grip on them. Had no interest in those.
I did and a few years later at the same local flea market I picked up a war souvenier Wakazashi - Meiji period one - machine made - 1870 to probably 1900. They needed blades for anyone from rank of Corporal and up in the Japanese Imperial forces. . Did a restoration of that one, blade was in an old Shirasaia - magnolia wood storage scabbard when turned into US authorities at the end of the War. Paid $15 for that one. I tend to find screaming deals on good blades at that dang flea market - 5 minute drive from home, ditto on nice optics found there at very low prices.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54135909/ There ya go - the Foil. The Wakazashi can be found in my gallery
I had 15 bucks I wanted to spend as a donation and well a kinda cruddy but usable Mitchell 300 spinning reel from the late 1950s caught my attention. I love the old French made Mitchells. Cleaned and lubed it - working perfectly now. Oh if I'd known of a local fencing club I probably would have done the same. Alas all of my arms training these days involves handguns and long guns and more importantly working on de escalation skills. I'd rather talk someone down from doing something stupid than have to go use of force on them.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54135909/ Posted a pic of the blade for you and KD to see. Soft red felt inside of the handguard. Use of Aluminum for the handguard makes me think it is post WW 1. Fancy wrapped cord on the grip. I store it with a wine bottle cork on the tip for safety. Was laughing, cork from 4 Foxes winery.
French grip - right handed - and some idiot sharpened the tip. I can't say for sure, but 50's or 60's. *smiles... I had a saber back in the early 80's and sharpened the tip to carry on my motorcycle during the riots in Miami. I probably would have thrown it at them as a deterrent before speeding off.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthope.....epee-460092730
and not everyone knows what they are talking about. On that one, they list the number 5 on the blade as an identifier(?) - that's the length of the blade. I used to like fencing with a number 4 (one inch shorter) as I felt it was better balanced.
The FF would be the manufacturer (obviously) but there have been many many blade manufacturers and all gone now.
Yours is a nice blade.
Vix
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthope.....epee-460092730
and not everyone knows what they are talking about. On that one, they list the number 5 on the blade as an identifier(?) - that's the length of the blade. I used to like fencing with a number 4 (one inch shorter) as I felt it was better balanced.
The FF would be the manufacturer (obviously) but there have been many many blade manufacturers and all gone now.
Yours is a nice blade.
Vix
*smiles... I taught fencing for years and years. I am also well aware of General Patton's ability with the sword. I even used him in 'The Adventures of Sir Edwin Dunfrees' which is a sword fighting book the likes you have never seen. (Yes I am smiling - I hate self-promotion).
It is on Kindle, and you can get it for free, but I will warn you, it's a page turner.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sir+Edwi.....ref=nb_sb_noss
And yes... I know Mr. Rickety very well. Your last comment reminds me of one of my favorite cartoons showing a young man holding a hammer and boards looking in on a bunch of fencers - Fred found out that he was quite mistaken when he signed up for Fencing 101.
Vix
It is on Kindle, and you can get it for free, but I will warn you, it's a page turner.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sir+Edwi.....ref=nb_sb_noss
And yes... I know Mr. Rickety very well. Your last comment reminds me of one of my favorite cartoons showing a young man holding a hammer and boards looking in on a bunch of fencers - Fred found out that he was quite mistaken when he signed up for Fencing 101.
Vix
I'm not familiar with the area, but I have an old time fencing maestro friend in Springfield, Missouri who might know someone.
https://www.evangelistafencing.com/
Nick and I have been friends for years. He's classic in every sense of the word and was trained by Ralph Faulkner.
If you ever have a question, feel free to note me, as I might be able to help.
Vix
https://www.evangelistafencing.com/
Nick and I have been friends for years. He's classic in every sense of the word and was trained by Ralph Faulkner.
If you ever have a question, feel free to note me, as I might be able to help.
Vix
Admittedly, I've never tried legitimate fencing. I have, however, engaged in a kind of mock fencing with my little brother (9 years old) using his two wooden swords. I would like to semi-standardize these pretend duels, since he's actually growing enough to physically keep pace with me here. Still, it's better than letting him get hopelessly addicted to video-games, which would otherwise be the case if I didn't exist.
Also, if you're creating a card game with this, I'd be interested! What would it be like, precisely?
Also, if you're creating a card game with this, I'd be interested! What would it be like, precisely?
First... you can get nerf swords that might be a bit safer, and you can whop the heck out of him. I'm pleased you would do this for him.
The game would have a wooden board like cribbage, only it is designed like a fencing piste (strip). Distance is the key and you would advance your piece up and down the piste as you draw or discard the playing cards. When you have the cards you wish for the attack, you make sure the distance is right and execute your attack - but - at the same time you have to be aware of your opponent's defensive measures or counter attack.
I'm still working on how to play everything.
Vix
The game would have a wooden board like cribbage, only it is designed like a fencing piste (strip). Distance is the key and you would advance your piece up and down the piste as you draw or discard the playing cards. When you have the cards you wish for the attack, you make sure the distance is right and execute your attack - but - at the same time you have to be aware of your opponent's defensive measures or counter attack.
I'm still working on how to play everything.
Vix
I did it, just today! I bought two foam swords, with which we can play! ^v^
Speaking of your game concept, I would definitely buy it! However, I remember briefly seeing a similar concept utilized in Second Life once. Now, I'm sure your game would be rather different than that, but I'd still want one, even if not. After all, I prefer board games over computer games for the very opportunity of more interactive socializing.
Speaking of your game concept, I would definitely buy it! However, I remember briefly seeing a similar concept utilized in Second Life once. Now, I'm sure your game would be rather different than that, but I'd still want one, even if not. After all, I prefer board games over computer games for the very opportunity of more interactive socializing.
Never truly did fencing.
Did heavy weapons with the SCA for almost 15 years, as well as lots of mixed styles using shinai, some of the techniques that I learned with shinai were based on fencing tho, which lead to me having a rather unique long sword style and gave me an almost uncanny ability to disarm my opponent in the middle of THEIR attack!
My body isn’t what it was nearly 30 years later,…. Now I can only look at my old armor with fond memories.
Did heavy weapons with the SCA for almost 15 years, as well as lots of mixed styles using shinai, some of the techniques that I learned with shinai were based on fencing tho, which lead to me having a rather unique long sword style and gave me an almost uncanny ability to disarm my opponent in the middle of THEIR attack!
My body isn’t what it was nearly 30 years later,…. Now I can only look at my old armor with fond memories.
*laughs... and actually, a cudgel was a bonafied weapon. The Irish duel was quite unique. Both parties wore a top had and held a cudgel. Both parties were required to knock the top hat off the other fellow's head, after which they were allowed to beat the living daylights out of their opponent; but only if his top hat was knocked off first.
Vix
Vix
I had a rather nice shillelagh here, but I broke it years ago doing something stupid.
When I trained for the security at the nuke plant job back in 1980, I was trained to use a weapon system called a Monadnock PR-24®. When I went back for requalifications the following year, the instructor, a Sergeant on the local Police force and I were talking after class about improvised weapons. We found a cane left in the coat closet, and he gave me some tips on using it as a weapon. at 23 I had no need of a cane, but the concept was, "Use what you have at hand."
Here it is more than 40 years later and lo and behold, I can't make it to the mailbox without a cane. It's a much more lethal implement than one would ever think.
When I trained for the security at the nuke plant job back in 1980, I was trained to use a weapon system called a Monadnock PR-24®. When I went back for requalifications the following year, the instructor, a Sergeant on the local Police force and I were talking after class about improvised weapons. We found a cane left in the coat closet, and he gave me some tips on using it as a weapon. at 23 I had no need of a cane, but the concept was, "Use what you have at hand."
Here it is more than 40 years later and lo and behold, I can't make it to the mailbox without a cane. It's a much more lethal implement than one would ever think.
When I was getting ready to draw the duel between Jinjur and Kathy in my comic strip, I bought two plastic gladus-type swords (the pool noodles on bamboo didn't handle well) and using trash can lids for bucklers, my hubby and I had a sword fight in the driveway one afternoon. He reluctantly agreed to do it, and then turned out to be FREAKING GOOD AT IT. I think growing up as the youngest of four brothers may have helped there...
Anyway, actually fighting with "swords"--not going for points or style, but trying to kill each other as quickly as possible--gave me a lot of insights. Obviously-choreographed duels bother me, as one guy aims his swing over his opponent's head, and the other guy dances out of the way...no. You are trying to land a death blow, not AVOID hurting each other.
Anyway, actually fighting with "swords"--not going for points or style, but trying to kill each other as quickly as possible--gave me a lot of insights. Obviously-choreographed duels bother me, as one guy aims his swing over his opponent's head, and the other guy dances out of the way...no. You are trying to land a death blow, not AVOID hurting each other.
Watch a movie called The Duelist. You won't be disappointed. Hobbs choreographed that movie and he was a realist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_h7teMbJAk
Vix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_h7teMbJAk
Vix
I'm not sure if you saw this: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54019137/
It features a duel with rapier and dagger.
It features a duel with rapier and dagger.
All this talk of fencing reminds me of a short scene in one of my stories in which one of my characters uses the word "touche". Correct me if I'm wrong but, isn't that word used when your opponent manages to get through your defense and touches you with his sword? In other words, doesn't touche mean touch? I used that definition as an explanation for my character saying "Touche" when the other character caught him off guard with a rebuttal.
I'm an ex-fencer!
True story... my first teacher handed me a sword and asked me (hur hur... lil' bitty gurl) to make an attack (so he could look at my style and then help me gain confidence to attack, since every female in the class was very hesitant (social conditioning) to stab at anyone.) I lifted the sword and promptly went into "Viking berserker mode." After I finished the attack, he looked me up and down and said, "why don't you take up the hatchet and become an axe murderer."
But my fencing coach (who became Muchly Beloved Husband (50 years in... five days)) decided that he loved women with that kind of spunk.
True story... my first teacher handed me a sword and asked me (hur hur... lil' bitty gurl) to make an attack (so he could look at my style and then help me gain confidence to attack, since every female in the class was very hesitant (social conditioning) to stab at anyone.) I lifted the sword and promptly went into "Viking berserker mode." After I finished the attack, he looked me up and down and said, "why don't you take up the hatchet and become an axe murderer."
But my fencing coach (who became Muchly Beloved Husband (50 years in... five days)) decided that he loved women with that kind of spunk.
Interesting, I’ve only ever watched a few of the global level competitions. In theory, right of way rules are supposed to preserve some of that true style you mentioned. In practice, it still looks like a lot of high speed charging in to my eyes, especially for sabre. It’s impressive yet somewhat boring at the same time.
When I get them done, we'll see what we can do.
*smiles... I just had my first student at this club. She's 73 years old and always wanted to fence. How about that?
I didn't even know this was going to happen. I got to fencing tonight, and there was a lady sitting there, and she asked if I was her instructor. Then my phone rings and it's the club owner. He tells me she would be there and would I mind being her instructor.
She was very nice, and it was fun.
Vix
*smiles... I just had my first student at this club. She's 73 years old and always wanted to fence. How about that?
I didn't even know this was going to happen. I got to fencing tonight, and there was a lady sitting there, and she asked if I was her instructor. Then my phone rings and it's the club owner. He tells me she would be there and would I mind being her instructor.
She was very nice, and it was fun.
Vix
The modern sport does seem more laser tag, then the swordplay my captain schooled me in so long ago. It's been over 40 years since I picked up a foil.
I think cards are more my speed as well.
You are still a brave soul working on one layer in MSPaint. Krita, or in my case Corel is so much easier -- yet complex, as when you do everything on the wrong layer. XD
I think cards are more my speed as well.
You are still a brave soul working on one layer in MSPaint. Krita, or in my case Corel is so much easier -- yet complex, as when you do everything on the wrong layer. XD
I've had something of a desire to try my hand at traditional fencing, though I've never had the luxury of living near a club (or attended a school with one.) HEMA is similar, but practicing that alone and relying on historical treatises and training videos only goes so far, and I've had to put it down for the time being.
I'll have to give some of Patton's work a read, I know he mostly had experience with sabers, bayonets and such, but I'm sure some aspects of swordplay are universal. Its nice to see MSPaint is still getting mileage these days.
I'll have to give some of Patton's work a read, I know he mostly had experience with sabers, bayonets and such, but I'm sure some aspects of swordplay are universal. Its nice to see MSPaint is still getting mileage these days.
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