Meeting the Kodiak Kid

[Purple Fencer]

Jeff...I think you need to rethink the "kid" part of your screen name!

He came by SwordPlay last night to get some fencing in. Pulled up as I was out in the back parking lot giving a sabre lesson, took a foil lesson with Tim Weske, then lined up and fenced anyone he could...I even got on the strip against him (first time in foil for weeks!), and found he's quite fast...and that my point control has gone the way of the Dodo! It was fun fencing him.

So how'd you like meeting the infamous Donald Benge??

Again, Jeff, thanks for stopping by at my suggestion. It's a long drive from Diamond Bar. Hope it was worth the trip.

[Inquartata]

Damn, I know that sabre is considered the bastard red-headed stepchild of the fencing world, but they really relegate you to the parking lot at your salle? That's harsh, man...

[Purple Fencer]

Well..it IS a little cramped in there!

Actually, we've moved to the lot - with the lower light level -- for a time because I'm experimenting with something. I'm trying to get my student to learn to "use the Force" as it were when her opponent does a sudden speed or tactic change. If she attacks, I retreat so she misses, then start coming forward at a regular speed, the analytical part of her head's going to start calculating distance and closure speed until all the numbers line up, telling her she's in range to do a beat attack...for lack of a better term, a "shooting solution."

However, there is also the "gut reaction" thing going on...when one just has a feeling that they can pull of an attack, regardless of what the "numbers" say. I figure the lower light level will make it a bit more difficult to see me, thus focusing her use of "the Force." Ultimately, I want her to use the analytical mind and gut reaction together.

It may be working..I think I'm seeing a little faster reaction when I change speeds on her...she still hits too far down the blade for my taste, but improvement comes in small incriments.

[Kodiak Kid]

O.K. Sam I'll see if I can draw a little mustache on my avatar..
Had a great time fencing with you and your pals at Swordplay. If you ever get to Kodiak....
Oh Yes, Mr. Benge was quite entertaining. Ever been to his house? Quite a bit of information stored in his residence I can tell you. bought his game and a calendar and some other stuff. Nice gentleman!