tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63137815188018476212024-03-10T12:48:25.753+10:00A Fencer's RamblingsHenry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-40109154826634654792023-10-28T13:28:00.000+10:002023-10-28T13:28:03.331+10:00Let's Talk About Space<div style="background-color: white; font-family: "ABC Oracle Plus Variable", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variation-settings: var(--global-fontVariationSettings-fontWidth-regular),var(--global-fontVariationSettings-fontWeight-regular); line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Greetings,
<br />I am going to apologise to all the astronomers and astrologers, that's not the sort of space that I am talking about. I am talking about the space in which a person fences with another. This can be the training area, or it can be a formalised arena such as a list field.
<br />There are considerations that need to be made concerning this concept of space, especially in regard to the concept of Distance as it relates to space in this context, as will be seen as this discussion progresses. This is because Distance occupies space. The Distance between two combatants occupies a certain amount of space, and this is contained within the overall space in which they are fencing, or training.
<br />For simplification, and for focus, we are going to focus on the space within an arena (or a list field) as this is where this concept becomes most important. <em>The individual who can "occupy" the space the best is the one who will dominate the space.</em> This will give the individual the ability to move the other around the space, and by virtue of this ability, control the Distance between the two individuals.
<br />Now we need to break this down a little bit, isolate some of the aspects and how they apply to see how we can use this to our advantage...</div><p>Read the rest here: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/lets-talk-about-91803789">https://www.patreon.com/posts/lets-talk-about-91803789</a></p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-11454845765445990052023-07-13T10:51:00.000+10:002023-07-13T10:51:15.587+10:00Of Things Long and Pointed...<p> Greetings,<br /><br />I have not been writing here for a little while. I have been focusing on some larger projects which are found on <a href="https://patreon.com/henryswriting?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link" target="_blank">my Patreon page</a>. I will no doubt be back again at some point, both to promote projects found here and also to present some shorter ideas that I have had, however, on to the meat of the conversation...<br /><br />Speaking of which I have just presented part of one of these <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/things-long-and-85853129?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_fan&utm_content=join_link" target="_blank">for public viewing</a>. It concerns a project concerning the subject of "spears." I say "spears" in that they come in different forms and this is demonstrated in parts of the investigation throughout. Have a read of what I have put in the post indicated in the link above, and you will have an idea of where this project is heading.<br /><br />The project itself will be presented in a little while, this is just <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/things-long-and-85853129?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_fan&utm_content=join_link" target="_blank">a "taster"</a> for what is to come. While you are on the page why not have a look at some of the other things on the page, see if they interest you. There will be quite a few more coming as the months progress. If you've enjoyed my posts here, and there will be more coming, just not as regularly as they used to be, then it is likely that you will enjoy what you find on <a href="https://patreon.com/henryswriting?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link" target="_blank">my Patreon page</a>. Come have a look, come join the adventure.<br /><br />Cheers, <br /><br />Henry.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-17917879392136933272023-05-01T11:13:00.001+10:002023-05-01T11:13:34.075+10:00Practice Targets<p> Greetings,<br /><br />A short note about practice targets that I noticed...<br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>People's brains are obsessed with hitting the middle of a target, or target areas where delineated. Point a dot on a target and people will try and hit the dot.</li><li>The target needs to be identified to serve a particular purpose, or sections for particular purpose if multipurpose in design. The trainer and trainee both need to understand this purpose before they begin.</li><li>"Body Targets" need to account for the position of the weapon, thus Lines, or recognise that they are absent.</li><li>The target size needs to be proportional; a) to the skill of the combatant, b) to the target being sought, c) to the height of a "normal" thrust of the combatant.</li></ol><div>These are just some quick points to consider when designing and using targets. They need to be considered when training students, especially when training them for a particular technique. Are you training them to strike a particular target, or use a particular technique? The target you use will affect the training that you use, and the result. Is the target you are using the most effective for the result you want? <br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.<br /><br />Like this post? You will find more posts like this, and more in-depth studies of fencing, along with some of my other writings on my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/henryswriting" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. </div><p></p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-51792228742609896572023-04-09T06:50:00.020+10:002023-04-09T06:50:00.164+10:00Response to Changes...<p>Greetings,</p><p>I have noticed a distinct drop in readership of my articles, and I seriously am thinking whether it is time whether I have said all that I need to say on this blog. This is not a decision that I take lightly considering how long I have been writing the articles on this blog and the number of times that I have heard from people about how they have found this or that article useful. </p><p>My first article was posted on 9 April 2009, which means at the publication of this post, I have been writing <i>A Fencer's Ramblings</i> for 14 years. Overall, I am quite surprised about the number of people who have visited its pages, and the number of people who have found the articles useful. I have always written from my perspective as a fencer. I have always tried to be as honest as I can about my feelings on matters which I think are important in regard to fencing, and fencing of all kinds for that matter. </p><p>I believe there is a bond which holds fencers together. When I say "fencer" to doesn't matter if you use a longsword, foil, rapier, shinai, epee or lightsabre, if you wield a sword there is a connection between you and others who use a sword. Indeed, that community is larger if you include those who use other martial arts weapons. In all cases there are two things in common Time and Distance, we are all affected by it in our Arts. There is even a comparison and connection to be made with <i>all</i> combat arts due to these two principles.</p><p>A person who holds a sword, that is a fencer. Matters of politics and religion should be left outside the training space. That is, <i>all</i> matters of politics, that includes social politics thus gender, sexuality and disability, they should all stop at the door of the door of the school or practice hall. They have no place in the practice of the sword or any other combat art. If the person can safely hold the weapon and safely control the weapon in a practical setting, they should be trained. This is my policy in regard to training, this is how I feel on the matter. I hope that I have made myself clear on this matter throughout my articles. Any other interpretation is an interpretation of the reader, not the author.</p><p>I have spoken on disability issues because I am a disabled fencer, from this perspective I have spoken from experience and the research that I have performed. I have found fencing to be the thing that keeps me going regardless of whatever else is happening in my life. I hope that I have inspired some other fencers in similar condition to be the same.</p><p>I have spoken about some gender issues. Some of these were from the perspective of a teacher teaching people of different genders, and some of these were from the perspective of a fencer playing against a person of a different gender. Of the second, let me make it clear, I do not treat my opponents differently based on their gender; a fencer is a fencer, an opponent is an opponent. Regarding the student, that is an entirely different matter, a person's body is different to another person's body, and a teacher needs to take this into account, more so when it comes to different genders. I have written these articles on the basis of study and experience, I hope that they have encouraged people. </p><p>Mostly, I have enjoyed writing these articles. Some have been written out of frustration for the state of affairs of swordplay in our current era, but most have been on the basis of a spark of interest, something that people might find useful. I hope that people have found the articles interesting regardless of their origins. My intent has always been to write things which are of use to my readers.</p><p>I would like to thank all of my readers, you are the ones who have kept me going. I would also like to thank those who have encouraged me along my way, writing special comments, and encouragements. Even criticisms of my work have sparked me to do better, to ensure that I get the right information to people. I thank you all. I will continue to write, don't worry about that. It's just that the posts and articles that I write will arrive in a different format. </p><p>I have found that there are people who derive benefit from my posts, and that fills me with some joy, unfortunately this feeling does not put books on my shelf, nor money in my account, so I can keep my readers up to date. The commercial element which I mentioned some time ago is going to have its sway.</p><p>So, some statements need to be made about this blog, some of which have already happened: <br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>"A Fencer's Ramblings" will remain without on-site advertising; </li><li>Articles which have been previously published in my book <i>Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings</i> will be cut, and people directed to the published form. This is to encourage people to buy the published form and thus support my writing. Of note, the disability, and articles about females and fencing will remain;</li><li>Posts presented here from now on will be less regular and smaller, and will indicate toward a new source of information (see below); </li><li>I am going to move to a more fiscally-opportune method of delivery for my information, and an opportunity for those who really enjoy my work to demonstrate just how much they enjoy it, in a fiscal sense, as unfortunately good feelings doesn't publish books or pay for what needs to be paid;</li><li>I know that there are some people will not appreciate these changes and will make statements of their own about the content, and myself, that is their prerogative, and no care of mine. </li></ol><p></p><p>I have set-up a <a href="http://patreon.com/henryswriting" target="_blank">Patreon</a> site for those who are interested in continuing following my writing and fencing exploits. If you want some one to blame, you can blame these changes on the state of economics, the increasing price of food and basic necessities, governments' obsession with money rather than people, and the capitalist system in general, among others. I was happy writing as I was, prepared to write as I have been, but pressures have forced me away from this. To maintain my lifestyle I must find additional means of income, hence, I must change format. If this causes issues with some of my readers, I bid you a fond farewell. I look forward to seeing everyone else in my new venture.</p><p>Thank you all again.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-59217756116637954082023-03-17T11:01:00.006+10:002023-03-17T11:10:54.552+10:00A Response to: "Can you wear medieval armour to a longsword tournament?"<p> Greetings,</p><p>The following article is a response to an article posted by Keith Farrell, <a href="https://www.keithfarrell.net/blog/2023/03/can-you-wear-medieval-armour-to-a-longsword-tournament/" target="_blank">Can you wear medieval armour to a longsword tournament?</a> The reason being that I have found quite a few assumptions regarding the wearing of armour, and the SCA...</p><p>I have previously written about the difference <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2017/08/armour-in-hema.html" target="_blank">between armour and PPE</a>. So, I am not going to go over that old ground. I will summarise, the gear that people wear during HEMA is PPE it is <i>not</i> armour. There is a distinct difference between the two sets of gear, and that is the point that Keith Farrell is making in his article, unfortunately he has also made some assumptions, and inadvertently pointed out some issues. My statements for this article...<br /></p><p>1. It isn't about what a person wears, it is about how the person <i>acts</i>.</p><p>2. Take a better look at the SCA, at least it has <i>standards</i>; standards which do not exist in HEMA, standards which HEMA groups are only just realising they <i>need</i>.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Beginning "Reasons"</h2><p></p><blockquote>"However, the vast majority of events would not. It could be for safety reasons (such as making sure there are no gaps through which a thrust could slip), for aesthetic reasons (at this tournament, we want everyone to look like modern sportspeople), for liability reasons (our insurers require that we mandate that every piece of equipment is CEN rated), or for whatever reason the organisers deem relevant."</blockquote><p></p><p>The majority of HEMA events will not let a person wear armour to them, he states and then he gives reasons...<br /><br />Safety, making sure there are no gaps; if the armour is fitted to the individual, and they are wearing the appropriate material underneath, there are no gaps. Considering there are no universal <i>safety standards</i> for HEMA, no established conventions, only rules established for each tournament, I disagree. Unlike the SCA which has such <a href="https://www.sca.org/resources/document-library/#marshal" target="_blank">universal standards and conventions</a>.<br /><br />For aesthetic reasons "we want everyone to look like modern sportspeople"; where I say has the "Historical" gone from HEMA, let alone the "Martial Arts"? How HEMA has lots its way is another <i>long</i> subject which has certainly been highlighted by this statement, which I discussed in a <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2014/02/martial-art-versus-martial-sport.html" target="_blank">previous article</a>. This is a discussion which is controversial and ironically contrary. If people wanted to look so "modern" why is there such a popular line in medieval and Renaissance period looking equipment?<br /><br />For liability reasons, equipment must be CEN rated; certainly a piece of steel has more resistance than any piece of cloth. Further, I refer forward and back to the SCA's standards, and it has insurance for each of its groups and its activities, which have a history going back to the 1960s. Again, this will be discussed in more detail below as it is a subject which requires further discussion.<br /><br />The final one is <i>the classic</i>, "or for whatever reason the organisers deem relevant" autocratic rule at its best, a way for a person in charge simply to ignore the stated or printed rules and exclude by saying, "I don't like it." for whatever prejudices they might have. So much for being Inclusive (one of the reasons I went back to the SCA,), again discussed below.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Gear Inspection</h2><p></p><blockquote><p>"Without knowing the provenance of any given piece of equipment, it is probably easier just to mandate that people wear HEMA gear from recognised HEMA manufacturers, so that there is the best chance that everyone’s equipment is going to be fit for purpose with no nasty surprises."</p><p></p></blockquote><p>What you need is experienced Safety Marshals, and to look at the equipment. If we want to play the like with like, let's look at Red Dragon gloves, or their old "gorgets", both by recognised HEMA manufacturers, both neither allowed in tournaments anymore. "Recognised HEMA manufacturers" do not guarantee against a) old gear, or b) gear in disrepair. A person still needs to inspect the gear to ensure there are "no nasty surprises." HEMA needs to train people to be Safety Marshals (Hey, like the SCA does, an idea which I tried to transfer locally, it lasted survived briefly until people realised a) they couldn't fight as much, b) it required them to do some extra work, and c) HEMA might have to look at <i>standardising their rules</i>. I keep saying that for some reason).<br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Armour and Assumption</h2><p></p><blockquote><p>"For example, the people who tend to wear steel helmets for sword sports tend to be reenactors, SCA people, and HMB people. The SCA and HMB people are certainly in the habit of hitting hard when they fight – the whole purpose of wearing the steel armour is so that they can do so."</p><p></p></blockquote><p><i style="font-weight: bold;">Big</i> assumptions made here, an assumption that SCA is like HMB, clearly Keith has not had a good look at the SCA. We don't all fight armoured combat. Yes, <i>armoured</i> combat, big difference. There is also period fencing, combat archery, and equestrian to play with. If you hit too hard in fencing, you get censured, and potentially removed from play, the same applies in armoured combat too. So you need to be specific. Apples and oranges, both fruit, but different. In period fencing, in cut-and-thrust we use longswords in much the same manner as HEMA (with many fewer injuries), so maybe armour works after all.<br /></p><p>Wearing armour is not a sign of hard hitting, it is a sign of wishing to protect yourself. Nothing more to make assumptions about wearing armour and the calibration of the individual based on their kit, is the same as making an assumption about the skill of the opponent based on the value of their sword, or its condition. Such things are prejudices against the individual who is wearing or using the item, simply based on what they are wearing or using.<br /></p><p>The SCA is a nice, easy, big target, that many people in HEMA will agree with. However the SCA at least has internationally-recognised and nationally-recognised safety standards. They don't change from group to group, or from tournament to tournament. I know that I can use the same kit anywhere around Australia, and with little modification, anywhere around the world. Further we have authorised safety officers, the system has checks and balances, that HEMA does not have. Issues that <i>I have seen. </i>Issues that <i>I have witnessed </i> as a safety officer at more than one HEMA tournament. No, it may be a bigger target but it is also a safer target for those who play within its rules.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Pre-Judgement</h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">How would it feel if a person decided that:</span></h2><p>"You shouldn't fence with those people because they do German longsword and that's all about wrestling and multiple strikes to the head?" OR "You shouldn't fence with that person because they are wearing pants from Leon Paul, so they will just whip their sabre about and flick your forearms?" OR "You shouldn't fence with that person because they are using a feder, because they are so light it will whip around and hit you too fast?" OR "You shouldn't fence against that one because his weapon is too heavy and so it will hit too hard?"</p><p>All of these arguments are false. All of these arguments are prejudices. They all pre-judge an individual based on what they study, what they are wearing or what piece of equipment they are using, and not by how they actually fence, not by how the individual <i>acts</i>. The same as judging person by the fact they are wearing armour.</p><p>If a person wearing armour was to scare people off, then why would the SCA be the largest organisation which participates in three different form of combats <i>in the world</i>? Hard hitting does not come from a person wearing a particular type of gear or using a particular type of weapon, it comes from the way the individual is trained, the individual's mind-set, and the individual's <i>actions</i>. Anything else is blatant prejudice, which a person needs to examine within themselves.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Signs and Symbols</h2><p>I will state quite clearly that I have no idea about any other recreational group in the world, however I will state that the SCA has policies regarding anti-discrimination and Inclusivity which are stated in their organisational documents. The swastika is banned from display in the SCA, it has quite strict rules about Heraldry, which would be the symbols that are being spoken about here. So, there would be none of the stated issues from members of the SCA, at least.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>"It is all a bit of a sliding scale. Does all of that apply if someone turns up with steel gauntlets because they want to keep their hands safe? What about steel knee or elbow cops, or a gorget with steel plates? There is clearly a reasonable end of the scale, and with some items the most reasonable explanation is that people want to wear them because they believe these items to be more protective than the more modern alternative."</p><p></p></blockquote><p>Properly made and fitted gauntlet of steel protect properly and work better, why else would they have persisted with them for hundreds of years? Examine most of the gorgets available today and you will find that they are made of steel, as they were hundreds of years ago when they were used for real, little surprise. There are new ones made of hardened plastic, but their designs are the same as the steel ones. Previously there were no elbow or knee protectors for HEMA so people used skateboard pads. Later ones covered the front of the knees and a little of the side. Compare the modern ones and you will find they are copies of armour. So why wouldn't a person wear the steel ones instead? It would seem that the only unreasonable part is that people have assumptions or have double standards about aesthetics. I know the history, I watched it change.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><p></p><blockquote>"And of course, it is always worth revisiting some of our base assumptions every so often, to consider if the way that we are doing things or if the decisions we have made are still sensible and working well for us. It is always good to let people ask “why” or “why not”, and it is also important that if we feel strongly about the issue, we have a good explanation to offer in our answer!"</blockquote><p>Yes, assumptions, there have been quite a few made in this article. I would have expected a little more research done about the SCA before making such grand statements about it. I would have expected there to be more interest taken in investigating the subject of what the SCA actually does rather than assuming that the SCA's armoured combat is all that they do. This is a <i>big</i> assumption. </p><p>Go have a look at some actual armour. Go have a look at what is actually being offered. Go have a look at what people are actually wearing for armour in the SCA and outside. Make your statements based on some actual research done by some investigation of the topic at hand.<br /><br />The aesthetic question is a double-standard. Make a choice. Either wear modern sporting gear or wear period gear. Admit that you are doing a modern sport version or perform it as a martial art. Pick which one you are doing. Plunder-hose for all those German enthusiasts belong to the sixteenth-century, many of the wonderful jacket designs which are coming out, likewise belong to the same period. The aesthetic question is an excuse, it is a lie. It might as well come under the autocratic organiser's "I don't like it."</p><p>I wear steel armour because I know it is not affected by heat. I know that it is not going to crack or degrade unless I allow it to rust. I know the state of the material. I know where my armour comes from, I know what it is based upon, the reason it was used. I know its history. More to the point it was made for me, so it fits me. This is my "why." More to the point I am doing an <i>Historical </i>martial art, so it is appropriate that I wear historical equipment or a reasonable approximation thereof, at least within my means. <br /><br />If you're wondering about whether our art was practiced in full armour <i>historically</i>, examine Maximilian I tournament book, <i>Freydal </i>of 1515. These two combat with different weapons in armour, for sport, in much the same way we do, the armour is for protection, nothing more. Well not quite "nothing" there was a certain element of fashion involved, but that's another question.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MXzivbpIMvGzWIGZexlyqi9kRJk2XxEq-JyFz5Tn2zOsT1l7-euFxkAOfWeG88MX1Br-ic-uLuRghNTIo33yAn3jjXA3lzpZVkhq5X3l7EbPjTM11ksdFpYtXhXGKiMdrhIfLdE9zTjnDhLyZkZJIlyhcYJWRpz6p2JWwUFmywH4jT2eT2s0cs3y8w/s1437/Freydal_Repro1882_Tafel_135.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MXzivbpIMvGzWIGZexlyqi9kRJk2XxEq-JyFz5Tn2zOsT1l7-euFxkAOfWeG88MX1Br-ic-uLuRghNTIo33yAn3jjXA3lzpZVkhq5X3l7EbPjTM11ksdFpYtXhXGKiMdrhIfLdE9zTjnDhLyZkZJIlyhcYJWRpz6p2JWwUFmywH4jT2eT2s0cs3y8w/s320/Freydal_Repro1882_Tafel_135.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Freydal#/media/File:Freydal_Repro1882_Tafel_031.jpg</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Cheers,</p><p>Henry</p><p></p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-63587504704340859922023-03-13T00:00:00.009+10:002023-03-17T12:10:52.723+10:00On Teaching<p> Greetings,</p><p>I have discussed teaching from different perspectives, mostly the student-teacher relationship, and the differences between an instructor and a teacher, however it is a big step to go from student to teacher and there are many who stop at this precipice and look out and wonder if they have the wings to fly. I am going to tell you that you do. </p><p>There are some simple things you will need to learn that will make you a better teacher. Just because you are a great combatant, and know your actions, doesn't mean that you will make a great teacher. The more interesting thing is that, if you've been fencing for a while, it's likely that you've actually taught before, maybe without knowing it. Newer students will learn from older students, this is how the culture of a school or organisation is built, implicitly. There are rules and regulations, but people learn more from the things that you do and don't do, more than from what you say. More directly, from the explicit aspect; if you've corrected, you've taught; if you've shown someone a trick, you've taught. </p><p>Here are some simple instructions to follow to help with your teaching as you progress. Oh, one last thing, the best way to get more, and better, opponents is to teach them. This is how I started.</p><p>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Everyone is Different</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We have different bodies; this counts double when the student is of a different gender, and triple when they have a disability</li><li>We have different learning methods, because we have different brains</li></ul><p></p><p>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preach what you practice</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>You know this method the best; teach how <i>you</i> fence, the only exception is when you are teaching a particular method, and don't do this your first outing</li></ul><p></p><p>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Say it, Demonstrate it, Get them to do it</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This covers 3 out of 4 methods of learning</li><li>Encourage people to take notes to cover the 4th method</li></ul><p></p><p>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be Afraid to say “I Don’t Know."</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Be honest about your knowledge; better to be honest than a found a fool</li><li>Go find the answer yourself – it makes you a better teacher; don't expect the student to find the answer alone</li></ul><p></p><p>5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Enjoy it.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>People want to learn; people who come to the classes come voluntarily</li><li>Critics are minimal annoyances; use them, take their criticism on board where it is applicable</li><li>You can have fun, and teach properly; there is no need to "act the drill sergeant"</li></ul><p></p><p>6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Plan it.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Write a lesson plan; objectives, methods, and drills</li><li>Writing a plan is the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything</li><li>Take the plan with you; it's not much use if it sits on your desk</li></ul><p></p><p>7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Update it.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Review your knowledge, keep learning; knowledge improves, the stagnant fencing mind is doomed to failure</li></ul><p></p><p>8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Things will go wrong.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sometimes this will lead to new avenues of research</li><li>Sometimes this will be something you missed</li><li>Sometimes you will get back to the plan, or not; depends on the way it goes</li></ul><p></p><p>9.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Practice it.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It takes practice to become a good teacher, always learn to become better</li></ul><p></p><p>10.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Encourage, and challenge, them to be better</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Part of it is holding their hand, part of it is pointing the way and expecting to meet them there</li></ul><p></p><div>These are my 10 points for teaching. They are a set of summarised aspects for the beginning teacher to get you started. The more experienced teacher will likely find some familiarity in the statements which have been made, and hopefully will find some use in what has been presented as well. Most important in all of this, always keep learning and improving your knowledge.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Update:</h2>Some additions to the list from a good friend James Wran:<br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Keep learning.</li><li>Learn how to teach. Constantly seek out teaching and learning methodologies.</li><li>Teaching isn't the finish line.</li></ul><div>The best teachers are also students, because they keep learning. They learn their art, but they also learn more about teaching and better ways to teach students. There should not be an end to your learning, your teaching should only be an able assistant to your learning process, now you can better understand what you do, and why you do it. One of the greatest advances to my learning and becoming a better fencer was becoming a teacher. Just keep learning.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-79351572368855915862023-02-13T00:00:00.001+10:002023-02-13T00:00:00.137+10:00Most important trait in swordplay...<p> Greetings,</p><p>What is the most important trait in swordplay? Is it courage, honesty, skill, or sportsmanship? The latter of which comes in many different forms. Indeed, each of these attributes could be considered to come in different forms, and there are other attributes that could be named as vital to a fencer who wants to progress. Maybe it is being inquisitive, having a sharp mind, the ability to analyse and question? Again, attributes which contribute to a fencer which will progress mightily along their path.</p><p>For our current discussion, I would like to look at the concept of honesty, and not just in regard to what belongs to you and what does not. I would like to look deeper into this concept as it applies to the training in swordplay and also the combatant using those skills in training and bouting with another. For without this trait, it is difficult to progress. A fencer who is not honest with themselves will stagnate, cause their career to end much sooner than it could, and prevent them from attaining greater heights of skill and knowledge.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">In Combat</h2><p>Honesty is required for a combatant to acknowledge a hit against them. It is required to disallow a bad hit against an opponent when the blade may have landed flat or without the required impetus. Both of these allow the fencer to have an enjoyable bout with a fellow combatant as both will know what's going on. Both will know how effective they are being, and where their technique may need improvement, both in defence and in attack.</p><p>Being honest and acknowledging a hit against you, allows you to learn. It allows you to see that you have made a mistake in some fashion, and as such can analyse the action to find out where the mistake can be found, so you can fix it. If you disallow the hit, don't acknowledge it, you lose the chance to learn from your mistake; you lose the chance to grow.</p><p>Likewise, being honest and disallowing a bad hit against an opponent in the same way allows you to examine the technique and see where you went wrong. This allows for analysis where you can improve the technique so you can be a better fencer, so you won't make the same mistake again. If you don't acknowledge the mistake, you again lose the chance to learn and grow.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Knowledge</h2><p>Away from the application of one weapon against another, there is still honesty to be found, and still honesty required of the combatant. This becomes even more important the more a combatant progresses. No fencer can know everything. The honest acknowledgement of this lack of knowledge gives the individual the opportunity to learn. Indeed, it opens the individual to learning.</p><p>The simple fact is, the more you learn, the more you will realise just how much there is to learn. The more knowledge you gain, the more you will realise just how much knowledge there is available, and the amount of knowledge that you do not have. This is a healthy attitude as it opens you to learn more, and keep learning.</p><p>The lack of acknowledgement of the amount of knowledge present demonstrates a person who is not interested in learning; it shows a person who has closed their mind, and is not interested in learning. A fencer who thinks they know everything they need to know, and really does not, as there is always more to learn. Knowledge is always growing and will never end, so the learning process must never end.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Learning</h2><p>Learning is essential to the fencer so they can grow. The combatant should take the opportunity to learn from as many teachers as they can once they have their basics mastered; even before, as a different perspective of the basics is often useful. The fencer should take the opportunity to learn from teachers from outside their school of thought as this will broaden their mind and give them a better understanding of swordplay in general. It will give them an advantage against what other opponent's may use in bouts, but it is also useful for broadening their mind, and gaining the understanding of the universal aspects of swordplay.</p><p>The fencer who does not keep learning will not learn how to deal with new techniques that others learn, new weapon combinations that appear. Likewise they will be unfamiliar with approaches from other schools of thought and be taken aback, while they may have theories about how to deal with these approaches, learning from the sources is always better. Without consistent and constant learning and practice, the fencer is bound to fail.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Trained Instinct</h2><p>Honesty must be a trained instinct that students within a school are shown and taught, as Seneca said, "No man’s good by accident. Virtue has to be learnt." They must be taught it by their teachers so they can understand its importance, and then have it demonstrated so the importance is shown from a practical perspective. For teachers this concept must be a consistent approach, so they must be aware of their actions. The students will learn everything from their teachers, both explicit and implicit in nature.</p><p>Students who are trained to call blows when they hit them are being trained in honesty. Likewise, they are being trained in honesty when they call bad blows on their opponents. The focus in these situations should always be on the progression of the students, not the outcome of the bouts. They need to be shown that it is better to lose with honesty than win with deceit; because they can learn from the loss. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Win Focus</h2><p>Unfortunately, this perspective is not the prevailing one in our present day; I can claim this for HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) as much as it is for sport fencing. As I write this I can already hear the arguments against what I have written, and against this I will ask some simple questions: <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Why are judges and/or electronic scoring apparatus needed? </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Why can't the fencers call the touches upon themselves?</div><br /><p></p><p>The arguments I will get from the sport fencers are: the touches come in too quickly; they can't call the hits that quickly; they don't know whether the hit is clean or not; or they aren't used to calling the hits on themselves. If both combatants are being hit, then it is a double, simple. If you don't know whether it is clean or not, then your technique needs improvement. If you're not used to calling the hits, that's a mere matter of practice. The last argument is the prime one that the HEMA people give as well, the others sometimes fall in not far behind. In my opinion they are becoming like one another.</p><p>Simply put, this is a result of the result being more important than the journey. The focus here is on the win rather than the development of the fencer. Fencers are focused on what works rather than developing the Art and Science of Fencing, or Swordplay, they are both the same, just different weapons for different periods. The prime problem is that people refuse to be honest, because the win is more important that what they can learn - this is a <i>failure</i>.</p><p>In HEMA there are long arguments about "double-hits" and "after-blows" in regard to rules-sets. It is very simple to fix this problem. If both combatants get hit, it is a failure to defend on both their parts, they both are penalised, because both have forgotten the essential part of fencing, "to hit without being struck." Any gap of time in between is meaningless. The sport fencers solved this problem with electronic scoring, unless you want to go down this path, fix it quickly.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Honesty is Vital</h2><p>Honesty is vital to a fencer's true progression in fencing. If a fencer wants to become truly skilled with a sword, or any other weapon for that matter, they need to be honest. They need to be honest in their practice. They need to be honest in their training, and the amount of training they are doing. They need to be honest in their study. They need to be honest in their combats, be it a bout with another student in a school or in a tournament. <i>Every one of these situations is a chance to learn</i>.</p><p>The teacher should encourage the fencer to follow a path toward honesty and responsibility. The important thing here is that the teacher can encourage, it is good for the fencing community and it is good for the community at large. Bringing things back to the fencer, it is also good for the fencer. The more honest the fencer becomes and the more responsibility the combatant takes for their actions, and their training, the better off they will be.</p><p>If you are not honest about how far you have come, how can you know how far you have to go? If you are not honest about how far you have to go, how can you dedicate yourself to that process?</p><p>If you are not honest in your combats, how can you learn from the experiences? This applies to both those fencers who under-estimate themselves as much as those who over-estimate themselves. You need to be honest about your level of skill and your current training, it is only with this honesty that you can progress further. </p><p>The only trait which may stand a chance at being as important as honesty is courage. Regardless of the courage it takes to face an opponent, it takes courage to accept how far you have to go. It takes courage to accept a hit, be honest about it, and then keep going. It takes courage to honestly evaluate what you have learned realise you have made a mistake and acknowledge it. </p><p>Ask yourself, how honest are you being?</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Henry.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-72747638415191857502023-01-13T00:00:00.001+10:002023-01-13T00:00:00.144+10:00Is Your School a Cult?<p> Greetings,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The following is a
discussion of cults, as the title suggests, it is intended both to be useful as
an identifying mechanism for highlighting elements, or even groups, where there
are similarities to cults. There is also the intent to show that there are both
positive and negative attributes which need to be noted, the positive which
should be embraced, the negative which should be removed. There is a lot which
has been said in the media about cults, most of it is misleading, it is hoped
that the reader will peruse the following with open eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Definition</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB">“In modern
English, a cult is a social group that is defined by its unusual religious,
spiritual, or philosophical beliefs, or by its common interest in a particular
personality, object, or goal. This sense of the term is controversial, having
divergent definitions both in popular culture and academia, and has also been
an ongoing source of contention among scholars across several fields of study.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Holiday%20Projects/Cults/Workings/Is%20Your%20School%20a%20Cult%20-%20Blog%20Article.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The definition given above comes from the
Wikipedia, on the page entitled “Cult” and as noted there is contention about
the definition. There is different emphasis on what a cult is depending on who
is talking about it. Some have a specific religious focus, some have a more
general focus, historically the focus has been more religious, so that is where
most of the definitions tend to lie. For the purposes of this investigation,
the definition above is sufficient as it covers more interest groups.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Types</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Now we need to have a
look at some types of cults to realise that not all cults are the Branch
Davidian, People’s Temple, Aum examples. These are destructive cults and made
headlines due to their destructive effects upon people’s lives, primarily the
deaths of many people. Another that can be added to that list is Charles
Manson’s family. These are not the only cults out there. We don’t hear about
the quiet ones, with their different views of the world, who go along with
everyone else, or sequester themselves away quietly, or the approximately 3,000
cults which are currently operating in Australia,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Holiday%20Projects/Cults/Workings/Is%20Your%20School%20a%20Cult%20-%20Blog%20Article.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
and that was ten years ago. The restriction of cults simply to the religious
version limits our understanding of them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">According to the
definition, any group which has a common interest in a particular object or
goal can be classified as a cult. Fencing clubs have a common interest in the
goal of learning how to fence, according to that definition, they can be
classified as cults, and it is exactly why this discussion is being made. We
unfortunately believe that cults are all like the ones seen in the media, but
they are not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Historically, cults
have been around for millennia, they can be traced back at least as far as the
Ancient Greeks and the cults of Gods who were not in the mainstream. Again,
this is primarily religious veneration for a holy representative. Later in the
ancient era we have the Imperial Cults, the cult of the emperor, a
state-sanctioned cult, one that was supported by the empire because it venerated
and deified the status of the leader. We see the same sort of thing if we
examine the Kim dynasty in Korea, or the veneration of Mao Zedong in China; not
so unoriginal. Not destructive for the people and state, but positive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Identification </span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">There are four
recognised, identifying features of a cult, which can be seen in cults around
the world, and in all the ones that we hear about. These four features are the
four structural features to find first.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Charismatic Leader<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">This individual is
likely the originator of the idea that created the group. They are the
individual who leads the group to their goal. Being charismatic, they can talk
the group around into doing things for them, because it is good for the group.
They convince members of the group that their way is the best way, and all the
real power resides with them, they make the final decisions.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Holiday%20Projects/Cults/Workings/Is%20Your%20School%20a%20Cult%20-%20Blog%20Article.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Belief<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">There is a belief
system of some kind which the group follows believing that it will lead them to
a better place. In a religious group this is obvious, even in a political group
this can be their political agenda. For others it is what they believe in,
where they are all striving to be in the end their goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">System of Control<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">There are ways that
the group can control its members to bring them further and further into the
fold. There are further study sessions required, more practice at a particular
thing. The group requires more and more time, and the view of the group is
adopted over previous views. The new worldview is used to cut people off from
the past. More activity required to remain a member, less and less of the old
life remains.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">System of Influence<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Mechanisms in place in
the group where an older member takes a newer member under their wing to show
them how things are, and how to behave. They change the reality, show them that
there is no achievement beyond what is found within the group. There are no
other explanations beside what can be found within the group. The belief system
of the group is the individual’s belief system there are no other answers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">These are the four
recognised identifying markers of a cult. You may read some of these and find
them familiar, you may find them eerily familiar in their description. If this
is the case, you may have found yourself within an organisation which could be
called a cult.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Through these
mechanisms there are expectations of sacrifice and donation. The individual is
expected to sacrifice time they would have spent doing other things to do it
with the group, they will have to donate in some form or another, whether it is
time, expertise, or actual money. This is also a characteristic, which falls
under one of the systems of control, highlighted above. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The organisations that
a person should truly watch out for oppose critical thinking, penalise members
for leaving and having periods away for any reason, and deliberately separate
them from their original communities. These actions are so the cult is the only
answer. There is a list of other violations which may be present in such
organisations, if you find these, leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">There is a long list
of attributes of cults, and they need to be examined honestly without any sort
of bias to colour a person’s impression. Without this all a person will see is,
how cults abuse their members and keep them contained within them, how they
recruit new members, how they are a threat to society. There are good elements
which can be found in this sort of group organisation, but there are also the
bad and the ugly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The Ugly</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">First the ugly, there
is the clear chance for an extreme abuse of power by a leader of such an
organisation. If they have the power to control such a group and get them to do
what they want them to do, then there is very little limit to what they can
convince them to do, especially with the correct belief system to follow. Here
we highlight evidence from every destructive cult there has ever been. Their
ends have been the result of an abuse of power, and extreme delusions of
grandeur.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The same abuses can be
committed by the people who the leader puts in charge with their “will” due to
the power bestowed upon them. They can act with the “will of the leader” and
perform acts which may not actually be what the leader wants, but in his name,
the same has been seen throughout history where many have acted with God’s
blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Bad</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">If this is the ugly,
what can the bad be? The bad are those things which will cause the group to
fail, or to fail in achievement of their goal. In such a situation, power is not
the problem, the problem is a lack of critical thinking. A dynamic group which
is working toward a goal does not need mindless obedience, it needs individuals
who can think for themselves. It needs individuals who can look at a problem
and think creatively to solve the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Likewise, the
death-knell of the dynamism of such a group is sounded at the appearance of
groupthink, where everyone agrees with everything, with no reason to do so.
People should have their own opinions about things, they should disagree,
argue, but also present alternatives to what has been presented. Groupthink has
been the cause of some of history’s greatest disasters and moving past it has
been the cause of some of its greatest achievements.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The Good</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">What can be found
within the concept of a cult which is good, and useful? What can we use from
the concept of a cult to make us stronger? For some, especially with the ugly
and bad highlighted, it would seem that there is little left, especially with
the highlighted identifiable attributes of a cult which have been presented.
There <i>is</i> something to be found, you just have to look at things from the
correct perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Look inside to how the
cult works, see how they turn their members toward a single project and focus
them on it, this can be used to advantage. Think about a school which could
focus its members on the training and education of its students, to the
exclusion of everything else, wouldn’t this school be powerful, would they not
gain a great advantage? The structure of the cult can be advantageous, if not
some of the other overtones, or religious zealotry. The same is used in some
small businesses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Conclusion</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You need to look
within the structure, pull the emotion away, remove what the cult does, and see
how they do what they do. They are effective at attracting a group of
individuals they want. They are effective at convincing the individuals they
want to remain with the group. They are effective at convincing that staying
with the group will be to the advantage of the individuals they have attracted.
If a school could harness these skills, they could gain the students and grow
to become effective and powerful. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Part of this process
is understanding how cults do what they do, how they gain and keep their
members. It requires honest research, research to educate yourself on what’s
going on really. Do some research on cults and their methods, it is well worth
the effort to identify their techniques and methods.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">If you suspect that
your school is a cult, think whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. If it
is a bad thing, then you should be making directions toward exiting. Ask
yourself whether the school is giving as much as it is taking, whether it is
destructive or not. These are the real questions that need to be answered.
These are the questions that decide whether it <i>matters</i> if it is a cult
or not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">This has been the
briefest discussion on this subject, one that I hope provokes some thought in
some people. Go do some research about cults. Do it with open eyes. Find out
some real information. Go past the media and look deeper. There is information
out there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Cheers,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Henry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Holiday%20Projects/Cults/Workings/Is%20Your%20School%20a%20Cult%20-%20Blog%20Article.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Wikipedia “Cult” <i>Wikipedia</i>,
Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 2021, </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult</a>,
17 January 2021</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Holiday%20Projects/Cults/Workings/Is%20Your%20School%20a%20Cult%20-%20Blog%20Article.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> McKenny, L. “Economic climate a breeding ground for cults.” <i>The
Sydney Morning Herald</i>, 2 November 2011,
https://www.smh.com.au/national/economic-climate-a-breeding-ground-for-cults-20111101-1mu6i.html,
29 August 2022</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Holiday%20Projects/Cults/Workings/Is%20Your%20School%20a%20Cult%20-%20Blog%20Article.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Meyer, H. “What makes a cult a cult?” <i>Tennessean</i>, 2016,
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2016/09/15/what-makes-cult-cult/90377532/.
17 January 2021. <br />
All four of the identifying elements come from Meyer, but are paraphrased, and
somewhat changed to suit the current circumstances.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-63035752542222025162022-12-13T00:00:00.001+10:002023-01-16T12:07:24.032+10:00What does failure mean?<p>Greetings, </p><p>The following article is about failure, a subject that some would like to avoid completely and deny its existence. These people do not learn from their mistakes and failures, they truncate their learning. Failure is important, it is an important chance to learn from the incident rather than some place to end. Depending on how we approach failure will determine the length of our fencing career, how much we learn, and the limits of our skill lists.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What is Failure?</h2><p>Is a failure the end of the road or a chance to learn? This is an important question each fencer must ask themselves. If it is the end of the road, then they are not going to get very far because the process of learning fencing is all about learning from your mistakes and failures. This aspect of fencing does not change regardless of how experienced you are or how long you have been fencing, mistakes will be made and failures will still occur. The truly lucky thing we have is that the weapons are blunt, so we have the opportunity to live and learn. How fencers approach failure is different to many different types of people and this is important.</p><p>The following is from a study by Koncul and Slatman concerning fencing for the blind, “for fencers this failure represents an opportunity rather than a dead end. And, as Halberstam writes, fencers ‘work with rather than against failure’ (Halberstam 2011: 96)." I wrote about fencing for the blind in a previous POST, and it is a topic all fencers should be aware of, especially if they are concerned about inclusivity. However in regard to our current topic, the important part that is present is the idea of working <i>with</i> failure rather than against it. We should learn from the failure, and move onward, don't close the door on the incident, or the idea, or technique, until it has been completely evaluated for the reason that it failed; further training might be required, always look forward.</p><p>There are those for whom failure is the end. If they fail, then there is no point going any further, they close the book on that thing and move on to the next thing. This shows a very narrow view of the world and these people will learn and experience very little of the world. Think what would've happened if some of the great inventors had stopped at the first failure, we would not have man of the simple things we take for granted. James Dyson, the inventor of the famous Dyson system for vacuum cleaners said, "Enjoy failure and learn from it. You'll never learn from success." Edison, the inventor of the light bulb had a similar approach to failure, he felt that he just took a long time to invent the light bulb, rather than 1,000 failures. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Critical Evaluation</h2><p>A fencer must look at their situation critically and without emotion, they must be able to evaluate their situation and find where things are working, and where they are not. They must also be able to critically evaluate their opponent and see where their opponent has things which are working and where they are not. This is the process of reading the opponent. The result of a bout is the opponent performing something and the fencer performing something, the two coming together for a result. The winner is usually the result of one performing better than the other. Lessons can be learned from the experience if they are examined analytically. Again, training may be required for correction.</p><p>A fencer only truly fails if they do not learn from the situation. A fencer only truly fails if they refuse to look at the situation an analyse the situation analytically and critically, with no emotion. Where the fencer simply throws up their hands and gives up, responding emotionally to the situation, the lesson is lost. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Losing</h2><p>Losing is important, because we have the opportunity to learn from the loss. We have the opportunity to learn about our skills and the opportunity to learn about ourselves. Both of these aspects are important. How we bear the loss is important, how we respond to the loss is important; excuses can be made, but the truth will remain. </p><p>"I was not ready." Then why were you on the field facing the opponent? "This was not my sword." Why did you not have your sword, it is your responsibility to have your kit. The same goes for any excuse relating to equipment or weapons. "The field was unstable, rocky, too small, too large..." Clearly you need more experience fencing on different ground. The excuses simply do not stand. The fault lies with the fencer in all instances. Even in these instances, there are lessons to be learned in the failures, things to be taken away that can improve the fencer.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Learn from it...</h2><p>Learn from your failures and your losses. Don't just relegate them to a the back of your mind, or even just remove them from your memories. Think about how you could've done things differently; learn from the experience; enact a plan to learn something from the experience; train more so the same will not repeat itself again. De-briefing after fencing is always a good idea, best done with a teacher, or even another fencer who was present at the tournament for an external perspective. This way you can learn even more from the experience.</p><p>The learning process for the fencer should never end, and every opportunity to learn should be seized. Failures are especially useful as they highlight areas where the individual needs improvement. Use these opportunities, don't throw them away because they are sometimes unpleasant. For the fencer who wants to excel, failure must mean an opportunity to learn, not the end of the road. </p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Henry</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Reference</h2><div>Halberstam, J. 2011. “The Queer Art of Failure”, Duke University Press, 2011, DOI:
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1215/9780822394358">https://doi.org/10.1215/9780822394358</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Queer-Art-of-Failure-Jack-Halberstam/9780822350453">https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Queer-Art-of-Failure-Jack-Halberstam/9780822350453</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Koncul, A. and Slatman, J. “Rehab/ituation from a Phenomenological Perspective: The Case of
Fencing for the Blind and Visually Impaired”, Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, 21(1),
2019, pp. 67–77. DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.559">https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.559</a></div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-945777354002780682022-11-13T00:00:00.034+10:002022-11-13T00:00:00.146+10:00Sharp vs Blunt Sword: The Effect on Interpretation<p>Greetings,</p><p>These days the two prime places we see sharp swords are as show pieces hanging on someone's wall either as an antique or as a fancy weapon, or during test-cutting. The sharp weapons are not typically used during drills and certainly not used during combats. There are safety reasons they are not used during combats. After all, these weapons were designed with the specific purpose of injuring and killing people, and one slip could result in someone injured even if the intent is not present. This leads to people using blunt weapons for drills and combats. It <i>must</i> be acknowledged that we are using blunt weapons, not sharp ones, as there is a difference between the two.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Sharp Swords are Different</h2><p style="text-align: left;">To begin with, there is a simple physical difference between blunt and sharp weapons when it comes to how they act against one another. A blunt edge reacts differently to a sharp edge when it comes into contact with another one. The blunt edge, the tends to slip and slide easily. Whereas, due to the nature of a sharp edge. it will tend to bind on the other one, actually biting in and stopping in some circumstances. This will account for some of the reason that certain actions described in treatises don't seem to work when using blunt weapons.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The blunt sword will make a difference to the interpretation of a treatise, more so when it comes into contact with another blunt sword, as has been described previously, simply because of the different physical reaction between the weapons. There are further places where the blunt weapon will make a difference to the interpretation to a treatise as will be demonstrated as this discussion proceeds. Much of this has to do with the reaction of the opponent who is threatened by the weapon that is being held by the opponent. Certain techniques which work in theory with a sharp weapon work less effectively when the weapon is blunt.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Threat of the Weapon</h2><p>In his <i>The True Art of Defence</i> (1594) Giacomo di Grassi states, "For there are few nay there is no man at all, which (perceiuing himſelfe readie to be ſtroken) giues not back, and forſaketh to performe euerie other motion which he hath begun." Essentially, that a man who sees that he will be struck first will pull back his offensive action to defend himself, rather than completing his offensive action. This premise is used in later techniques, for example when an opponent is about to throw a cut, a thrust is extended; the threat of the thrust encouraging the other to quit his cut and to defend himself. This would work when the weapons are sharp, but not so much when the weapons are blunt.</p><p>The problem is that because the weapons are blunt, the people involved are wearing safety equipment, and are not supposed to be there to injure one another, the fear of the weapon has been removed. There is no fear of the weapon, and no respect for it either. This means that the individuals do not feel under threat by the opponent's thrust coming at them so they will continue their cut anyway, regardless of whether or not both of them are struck or not. This leads to bad fencing, the basic rule of fencing, to strike without being struck, seems to be thrown out; all that seems to matter is that the opponent is struck.</p><p>The result of this approach is more double-hits and more double-kills, of which I have already written an <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2022/05/on-double-hit.html" target="_blank">article</a>. So I won't go into detail about my thoughts on that subject <i>again</i> here so soon, though I have no doubt that it will appear again. What does occur is that people become so focused with the impression that their skills are good, that they believe that the rules are wrong and not their approach, so they have long debates about tournament rules regarding "double-hits" and "after-blows" and how points should or should not be awarded. I will state clearly again, if you <i>and</i> your opponent are struck you have <i>both</i> failed in your defence. The culprit is primarily a lack of respect for the weapon.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Not All Bad</h2><p>The news is not all bad, however, there have been some truly excellent things as a result of using blunt weapons. These come into two categories, though it could be claimed that the one leads on to the other. Aside from the legal and insurance nightmares that clubs would have from arguing the case for fighting with sharp weapons, unless there is a failure on the part of some aspect of safety, there is little chance that a combatant using a blunt weapon will be maimed or killed.</p><p>I am going to add a caveat here. The prime method of safety for using a blunt weapon has to be the control of the individual using the weapon, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) has to come at least secondary, if not tertiary, in regard to safety. This because they are objects which can degrade and fail, or even move without our notice. Blunt weapons can still do damage, they are still <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2017/04/a-safe-sword.html" target="_blank">weapons</a> that need to be respected.</p><p>All that being said, because fencers are not using their skills to kill one another, we have the chance to learn from our mistakes, unlike fencers of previous ages who died from theirs using sharp weapons. We must acknowledge the mistakes first, so we can learn from them. If a fencer does not acknowledge the mistake, they cannot learn from the mistake and they will keep repeating it, and they will not improve. Fencers in the contemporary era have the chance to make some of the greatest strides in our art if they only respect what they are doing, and learn from their mistakes.</p><p>The result is a "mixed bag" of positives and negatives. The lucky thing is that most of the negatives we can get past if we are willing to work on them conscientiously. We need to examine exactly how we are fencing see where our flaws are and move to improve them. We need to get back to the basics of fencing in many instances, focus on being safe, then strike in safety, rather than just striking at any opportunity that we see, disregarding our defence. Each person needs to do their part in this endeavour, are you ready to do yours?</p><p>Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><p>P.S. You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-86075736394688009452022-10-20T00:00:00.001+10:002022-10-20T00:00:00.151+10:00The "Female" Guard (Part 2)<p> Greetings, </p><p>Below is a discussion of what has been termed by students and myself as my "female" guard. This is a more in-depth discussion of the physiological basis of the guard, demonstrating the differences between males and females in the structure of their pelvises and how this affects their movement. Due to the breadth of this topic, it has been divided into two parts, this is the second part. If you have not read the first part, I recommend that you do so, as much of the foundation for what is explained here is laid in the first part.</p><p></p><h1><a name="_Toc100053798">Motion</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The movements of the human body are
based on its structure founded upon the skeleton supported by ligaments, and
tendons. The motion of the body is created by the action of the muscles on
these parts creating the motion possible based on the structure beneath. The
ROM for males and females is different in the areas of rotation of the hip and
flexion.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> This
is in a passive state where the body is moved by an external force to see what ability
the body is capable. It will be noted that the female hips have increased
internal rotation which will be of significance as the discussion progresses,
and indicated previously.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>General motion<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is a
difference on the movement of the knee, where the female shows some rotation of
the knee the male does not. There is also the notation of internal hip rotation.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span> The
pelvic region affects many different actions, and quite a few studies have been
made about the effects of this area upon motions of the body.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is
again the turning of the hip, which turns the knee; the flexing of the knee
outward, as major areas among others, in the landing and in a single leg squat.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
single leg squat and single leg landing would seem somewhat out of place,
however there are actions such as the lunge, and other actions, which propel
the fencer forward on a single leg, and land on a single leg. The weight-bearing
aspect of all actions is of concern it is this aspect.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Risk of injury<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The main
reason for this discussion is the prevention of injury. The “female” guard is
intended to line up the knee with the hip and the foot to provide better support
for the knee and reduce the chance of injury. The correction of actions which
have the potential to cause damage are as important, if not more important,
than their identification. Differences in motion create different injury risk
patterns between males and females, simply because of the differences in
structure.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
These same issues can cause other issues in motion as well.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Power issues<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Females in
martial arts often find it difficult to summon the power for their strikes when
they need to; not because of bad training, or lack of diligence. Simply, the
training is good training for males not females; for male bodies not female
bodies. “Since all power comes from the core and the hips, this also explains
why women in general will have a weaker striking mechanism then men”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
if the training is taught from a male perspective. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">The training is based on the
shape and structure of the male pelvic structure, and so how male muscles
connect to that structure and how they work. There is a problem. Females are
different; their structure is different. If the female student follows the
instruction, it is less likely to work. This is because the base is unstable;
the body is not properly grounded, so it is not possible to derive power from
the ground.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The same
applies with a blow from a weapon. It won’t work because the structure is
incorrect. The training needs to be rethought, restructured to the structure of
the student, a female structure.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Gait<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When the term
“gait” is used, it is referring to an individual’s method of locomotion.
Primarily, this is used to refer to a person’s method of walking but can refer
generally to a person’s method of moving on foot. This second interpretation of
the term will be used, as both walking and running will be discussed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Research papers
have noted that, “gender differences in hip motion also exist during walking”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
and this affects the lower limbs. Further, these differences are primarily
caused by the structural differences between males and females located in the
pelvic girdle, and relate to the muscular activation around this bony
structure.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hip adduction,
in females, results in a turning in of the leg and resulting turning in of the
knee when the leg is moved resulting in a different method of movement between
the male and female.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span>
This different motion resulted from the different ROM of the leg and associated
hip joint in males and females in the study presented, and resulted in the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>differences in gait for both running and
walking.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The findings from
the study by Chumanov et.al. (2008) are useful because they present differences
in male and female movement all the way through the chain of movement in both
forms of gait. They also present different movement in the hip and different
activation of the muscle. This is interesting because these two work together.
The result, there are different methods of walking and running between the
genders.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
While walking is more closely related to footwork performed in fencing, running
is applicable as powerful and quick actions are performed, along with steps
which involve the passing of one foot past the other. This captures the essence
of fencing footwork.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3>Walking<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The way we
move is directly related to the structures which support the muscles which make
us move, it is also caused by those muscles which make us move; there is a
difference in musculature between males and females when examining the pelvis
and also other areas of the body. These structures of the pelvis affect the
lower limbs as well, “gender differences in pelvic and lower limb kinematics
during walking”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.
This is the reason that we should consider the hips, knees and ankles all as a
unit when examining the movement and guard for structural stability and correct
movement.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All the effects need to be studied;
pelvic and lower. For the fencer, their movement should be like walking, even
though fencing footwork is not the same. These differential factors based on
gender-type factors are important as they result in different muscular effects,
because male and female muscles operate differently and impact lower limbs.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
biomechanical differences exist not only in structural differences present but
in the mechanical differences between the genders; these must also be taken
into consideration when teaching. The result is that there are actions which
need to be taught differently for males and females; one of them is the guard.
Another could well be footwork, based on the position of the guard and the
biomechanical support supplied by the muscles which surround the pelvis. The
difference in how these muscles are used, and activated, may explain why there
is a difference in pelvic, knee and ankle ROM.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The different
activation of the muscles is a result of different developmental patterns due
to growth and development of the structure underneath. This results in
different actions between the male and female. Even in something as simple as
walking, is different. The result of the wider pelvis of the female and muscles
develop differently resulting in a structure requiring the individual to move
in a particular way. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
difference in shape of the pelvis at structural level results in a different
gait between the male and the female, and a less efficient motion of the female
from a structural perspective has been proposed.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span> The
motion of the pelvis is of significance especially when it comes to the
establishment of a good guard and good footwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To halt the investigation and focus all on pelvic
differences would be to restrict the discussion. The actions and restrictions
placed upon the pelvis affect limbs and joints which are connected; those limbs
and joints which are more likely to be damaged by some mismanagement of
position, so the chain of joints must be completed. The whole chain, from hip
to ankle, must be examined to see how the individual is moving; for the toe
lines up with the knee and then the hip in a straight line for a good guard
position, which is good for the joints. This is the goal of the discussion to
save the joints involved in the guard and in motion.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3>Running<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The first
question that will be asked is: Why is there a section about running? The
simple answer to that question is that as fencers we move at an accelerated
pace during combat, sometimes with passing steps, which are close to running.
It is the accelerated pace and the explosive movement from running which are most
pertinent to the discussion.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A gender
difference is revealed and a problem as this process of adduction turns the
knee inward and crosses the legs over one another in the gait.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This is a significant finding as it demonstrates the action of running is not
the same. The question would be: what is the cause of this effect? It goes back
to the structure and the wider hip in relation to femoral length.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The entire
individual must be considered when diagnosing an effect that is taking place. Especially
when looking at something such as a lower limb which is connected to the hips,
one of the most centrally located parts of the body. When examining an issue, a
teacher must look at the entire student, and examine the whole-body effect;
rather than trying to diagnose the symptom, go for its cause, which is something
more central, a whole-body issue. In this case, the movement of the upper body
as well.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This process is being applied to gait retraining in running.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The same can
be applied to examining our fencing students and preventing injuries related to
the correct position of their initial guard, which will then lead to correct
movement of their feet and bodies in other movements. We need to take a broader
angle in our examination of problems and solutions for students. The focus
should be preventative measures, rather than solutions once they have been
injured. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">We need to watch for differences
in movement; then decide whether or not it’s a normal gender difference and can
be left alone; or whether the movement is potentially injurious, and needs
correction, with consultation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">“The new information, that the
current study provides is that sex-specific hip movement is inherently linked
to pelvis and upper body rotation, which confirms an assumption of previous
investigators … There may be at least three factors to explain a sex-specific
whole-body running movement: (1) anthropometrics, (2) muscle strength, or (3)
whole-body dynamics, i.e., the interaction of forces and motion across all body
segments.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fencers are
not runners. Why is this information significant to us? It is important
because, we use movements of velocity, not unlike running. We have members of
all genders participating in fencing and they have different body shapes. Their
movements are affected by the same reasons which have been presented, including
that it is not only the hips that are of concern, but the entire body. These
aspects become more important as the more accelerated the movement, the
potential for injury increases.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Whole Body Motions<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Don’t just
think about the hips, or the knee, or the thigh. Think about the whole packaged
the entire kinematic chain that is involved.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This is important for those quick movements performed in fencing, such as the
lunge and some other quick footwork motions. Hence the study was included;
besides most of the footwork, at speed, results in such actions, especially
when voids are added. This effect of the trunk on the lower limbs is of vital
importance.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everything
needs to be considered when examining the individual not just their leg, not
just their trunk, but the whole package. The advantage of examining the pelvic
girdle is that it is central, and its correct position means that many of the
other structures will align themselves with it. However, some attention also
needs to be paid to other parts, especially the lower limbs which are connected;
to ensure they are in correct position. The position of one will affect the
position of the other, hence the reason that the fencing teacher is always
concerned about the position of the toe and the knee.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h1><a name="_Toc100053799">Femur</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
acetabulum is where the femur connects to the hip and determines the ROM of the
femur. Structural differences in the hip and how they affect the lower limbs
are vital, as often a problem with a lower limb can be sourced to an incorrect
position of the pelvis. This was the reason that the “female” guard was
developed, due to the different exit position of the femur between the male and
the female. Examining the structure is the key to understanding the reasoning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The male
pelvic girdle is narrower, in general, than the female. This results in the
femurs starting in a position which is further away from one another.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span> This
results in a different position of the hip in relation to the knee and the knee
in relation to the foot. A person’s individual situation also needs to be considered,
because there can be extreme variations.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Trainers need
to be aware of differences as displayed in Figure 4, below, and modify both
guard positions and other actions to make them suitable for the individual. This
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one</i> reason not to pigeon-hole
people, not to assume that because a person is of a particular gender they need
a particular guard. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydVAaXX33ttUxw29mhhz48_rO0szXnOQQZF2HZ5d3k_WJsO77hMe3HzZuSp6ohNYyIqrVDl4nVN3VBe3yUyufDawQpiB-EMxnD8fQyTJn3x1hLk5lJZy7Yfyh0w7EL_T9YDeeDbpfTprWPj_GeE0q98g0q0-UhScWkUvp-Pa_9y20jCwmM2Z9WLCYiQ/s600/valgus%20-%20breaking%20muscle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="600" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydVAaXX33ttUxw29mhhz48_rO0szXnOQQZF2HZ5d3k_WJsO77hMe3HzZuSp6ohNYyIqrVDl4nVN3VBe3yUyufDawQpiB-EMxnD8fQyTJn3x1hLk5lJZy7Yfyh0w7EL_T9YDeeDbpfTprWPj_GeE0q98g0q0-UhScWkUvp-Pa_9y20jCwmM2Z9WLCYiQ/w508-h363/valgus%20-%20breaking%20muscle.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Figure 4:
Knee valgus variations - Source: Breaking Muscle (2017)</div><p align="center" class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">To understand the effect of the
angle created by the position of the hip connection at the acetabulum to the
knee, a comparison needs to be made between the male and the female skeleton to
reveal the difference in angle. This angle is called the Q Angle, some of which
has been indicated previously.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Q Angle<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">“One of the most significant
biomechanics differences between male and female populations is the Q angle. Q
angle refers to the relative angle between the patella [kneecap] and the
anterior superior iliac spine (the lateral bony edge of your hip). Women tend
to have a greater Q angle due to the evolutionary adaptation of having wider
hips. The functional consequence of this fact is a tendency for the knees to
shift medially during hip flexion.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8_Qo7fOGrwmeJF6iCOHwoCgzZPLZgoOCSP_p9HUVfPpeMB5sykZufLrgKilKUiZ1O7znxIeVgOQnMys69c5LSvxhi4Pe0NQAj45FZ9G-_5l7bBtdmcAFNkI8kVj7LO0o40GfRnNiFBaTAIWd81vnm7a1HfSlDfCWB4mpsKf40W8C3hv12VreE3MRRw/s300/female-specific-weight-training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="300" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8_Qo7fOGrwmeJF6iCOHwoCgzZPLZgoOCSP_p9HUVfPpeMB5sykZufLrgKilKUiZ1O7znxIeVgOQnMys69c5LSvxhi4Pe0NQAj45FZ9G-_5l7bBtdmcAFNkI8kVj7LO0o40GfRnNiFBaTAIWd81vnm7a1HfSlDfCWB4mpsKf40W8C3hv12VreE3MRRw/s1600/female-specific-weight-training.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Figure 5:
Q Angle - Source:
<a href="https://www.rudymawer.com/blog/female-specific-weight-training/">https://www.rudymawer.com/blog/female-specific-weight-training/</a><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Q Angle
is significant as it creates an angle which does not line the hip with the knee
directly. For the male, to correct the angle this is much narrower, while for
the female is much broader. This results in the different shape of the wards
which have been presented. The importance here is the effect that such an angle
can have on the knee.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Due to the
position of the knee in relation to the hip, and the tendency of the female as
a result to turn the knee inward, there is a cause for concern when there is
pressure upon the knee. This is especially important when you consider things
such as the actions in fencing and in relation to our discussion the guard
position. Knee misalignment puts undue stress on the knee and can damage it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Males also have
a Q Angle of concern, however “female athletes display, on an average, a
greater Q angle when compared with their male counterpart,”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
which is the reason this guard has been modified and referred to as the
“female” guard to account for the wider hips and the greater Q Angle of the
female. From this foundation, other actions can be changed to ensure joint-healthy
actions being performed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h1><a name="_Toc100053800">Correction</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While there
is some use in pointing out a problem for people to notice, and leaving it for
them to correct; it is more useful to present the problem, and then supply some
correction for the problem. If a problem is indicated, a suggested solution
should accompany an issue. The primary correction is to change from teaching
everyone the typical male guard and consider the individual’s form.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2VP0MNB_wlkySiQk5sxaFASDTHPfhz6zyAakMriFGSjq1VTGtCl25z8-CApljyTMglw-9u2KbeHXAIwdDXIOd7jMe3oY7C7KE61R7deMhGJSGucBGKlTa7cBsTIFWq1jqCjHtOF3Z2PHO4_fVgDFypKVVDXzgsiHOgchJfjEUeezJ0nk-Vk2WomCzQ/s492/Hip%20Position.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="492" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2VP0MNB_wlkySiQk5sxaFASDTHPfhz6zyAakMriFGSjq1VTGtCl25z8-CApljyTMglw-9u2KbeHXAIwdDXIOd7jMe3oY7C7KE61R7deMhGJSGucBGKlTa7cBsTIFWq1jqCjHtOF3Z2PHO4_fVgDFypKVVDXzgsiHOgchJfjEUeezJ0nk-Vk2WomCzQ/s320/Hip%20Position.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Figure 6: Typical hip position allowing alignment with knee - Walker (2019)</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
correction using the female guard is a step in the direction of correcting actions
presented from male-centric perspective to consider other body-shapes. The
first step is to consider that there is this difference, and correction can be
made.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Hips and Knees<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Due to the
differing position of the male to female hips, if the position is not corrected
there will be the issue with the knee being misaligned. It is necessary to change
the position, to consider the greater Q angle present and modify the guard, as
in the “female” guard, and movements as well.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The presence
of the Q Angle is clear when the skeletons of male and female are examined; it
is even evident when a male and female are placed next to one another. The
width of the hips on the female being wider than the male, in most cases, will
present a broader angle to the knee. Strengthening the muscles around joints is
always a good idea to prevent injury, to stabilise the joints which are being
used, but the upper body needs to be considered, as noted in the studies
previous, not just the lower parts.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The posterior
train is the muscles which are at the back of the body; the instruction here is
a method which is common for fencers, to dissociate the lower part of the body
from the upper.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span>
This so the legs can move efficiently and keep the body level in motion, it is
useful for protecting the knees. The motion of the hips also needs to be
examined, it is different for males and females and affects the gait of the
individual.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The fencer should
be examined to ensure that their footwork is correct and their feet are landing
in the correct manner in concert with other actions. This is important to
ensure that the foot is landing safely and efficiently so the fencer can move
safely, a closer examination of students is advisable.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span>
Further, the same symptoms extend further down than just the hip and affecting
the knee, importantly for fencing, the foot needs to be examined.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fencing students
are told to keep their toe and their knee pointed in the same direction, for
safety. A close examination of their movements is the best way to ensure they
are performing footwork in this manner. The foot should point toward the target
adding a further importance of the examination of foot action.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Individual correction<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone is
different. They are built differently, and the more we realise this, the more
efficiently we can train students and the better we will be able to help protect
them from injury. We cannot carbon-copy ourselves on to our students or expect
our students to copy our moves exactly. They are individuals and they will do
things differently because they have different body-shapes, and it is not just
the difference between the sexes. Correction needs to be made on an individual
basis suiting the individual and considering whole-body analysis.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some analyses
will focus on the knee or the hip or the ankle or some other part of the body,
but the whole body must be considered because the part that is being spoken
about connects to other parts of the body; it is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">part</i> of the body. Analysis and correction need to consider how the
movement of that part of the body relates to neighbouring parts of the body,
and how that part of the body is affected by other parts of the body; sometimes
the answers are found there. Some knee problems are found in the position of
the hips. This can relate to other factors, which are of importance, such as
power generation. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Power generation<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Power
generation is of importance in martial arts, especially when performing strikes
or when defending against an attacker. These strikes are performed in a method
based on the abilities of the individual who is performing the action. Power is
generated from the movement of the hips, which explains why women have a weaker
strike than men. Part of this is because they have an unstable foundation for
their strike, because they are trying to strike the same way as men; they need
to do it differently, according to a method suited to their body-shape.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Regular
training in a method can result in the individual overcoming the differences by
drilling the motion, however those who do not will continue to have difficulty;
this is entirely related to body-shape. A method needs to be devised for the individual,
which is suited to the individual’s body shape, utilising this to its best
advantage.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the
fencer power generation can be utilised for different purposes including speed,
so long as they understand its application. It is a matter of utilising the body
in the correct method applying the body-shape <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as it exists</i> to the situation. Trainers need to be aware of the
differences in body-shape between students and then apply their lessons in
suitable methods to enable the students to gain the most from their experience
and their training.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h1>More to come<o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is more
to come for this discussion. I hope with the information presented, there is at
least some foundation for what I have proposed previously. The earlier
presentation of my “female” guard was based on what I saw and what allowed my
students to line their knees up more comfortably. This was based on the different
shape of the male to the female, assisted by some experienced female fencers. This
article presents additional research that I have performed; there is more to come.
I will be discussing the subject with my female students and getting their
views on the subject and hopefully getting some images to accompany the
discussion. For now, I hope the information which has been presented is of use.<a name="_Toc100053801"><o:p></o:p></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cheers,</p><p class="MsoNormal">Henry.</p>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark: _Toc100053801;">Bibliography</span><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Betts, J. et.al. (2013) “8.3 The Pelvic Girdle and Pelvis”
in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anatomy and Physiology</i>, OpenStax,
Houston, Texas <a href="https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-3-the-pelvic-girdle-and-pelvis">https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-3-the-pelvic-girdle-and-pelvis</a>,
[accessed 21/2/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Breaking Muscle (2017) “The Difference Between Male And
Female Biomechanics In Strength Training” in Editorial, Breaking Muscle (22
Sept 2017), <a href="https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-difference-between-male-and-female-biomechanics-in-strength-training/">https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-difference-between-male-and-female-biomechanics-in-strength-training/</a>,
[accessed 21/2/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chumanov, E., Wall-Scheffler, C. and Heiderscheit, B. (2008)
“Gender differences in walking and running on level and inclined surfaces”,
Clinical Biomechanics 23 (2008) 1260–1268, doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2008.07.011</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Graci PhD, V., Van Dillen PT, PhD, L., and Salsich PT, PhD,
G. (2012) “Gender Differences in Trunk, Pelvis and Lower Limb Kinematics During
a Single Leg Squat” in Gait Posture. 2012 Jul; 36(3): 461–466, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407338/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407338/</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hunt, D. et. al. (2010) “Gender differences in passive hip
range of motion in asymptomatic adults”, 7th Interdisciplinary World Congress
on Low Back and Pelvic Pain, Los Angeles 2010</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lewis, C. et. al. (2017) “The Human Pelvis: Variation in
Structure and Function During Gait” in <i>The
Anatomical Record</i> (Volume 300, Issue 4, p.633-642), <a href="https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.23552">https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.23552</a>,
[accessed 21/01/2022]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lumen Learning (2022) “The Hip” in Boundless Anatomy and
Physiology, <a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-hip/#:~:text=The">https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-hip/#:~:text=The</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mohr, M. et. al. (2021) “Sex-Specific Hip Movement Is
Correlated with Pelvis and Upper Body Rotation During Running” in frontiers in
Bioengineering and Biotechnology, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.657357/full">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.657357/full</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nakahara, I. et. al. (2009) “The Gender Difference of Normal
Hip Joint Anatomy”, 55th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society,
Osaka, Japan.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rahimi, A., Arab, A., and Nourbakhsh, M. (2020) “Gender
Differences in Pelvic and Lower Limb Kinematics during Walking in People with
Chronic Low Back Pain”, Biomed Journal of Scientific & Technical Research
28(4)-2020. BJSTR. MS.ID.004697</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Šavlovskis, J. and Kristaps, R. (2021) “The Bony Pelvis
& Gender Differences in Pelvic Anatomy” Anatomy Standard (12 Aug
2021), <a href="https://www.anatomystandard.com/Pelvis/Pelvis.html">https://www.anatomystandard.com/Pelvis/Pelvis.html</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Steenerson, L. (2014) “Physical differences between men and
women regarding training”, Life Assurance (9 Feb 2014), <a href="https://womenselfprotection.blogspot.com/2014/02/sical-differences-between-men-and-women.html">https://womenselfprotection.blogspot.com/2014/02/sical-differences-between-men-and-women.html</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tamon, G. (2011) “Difference Between Female Pelvis and Male
Pelvis”, Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects (31 Aug 2011), <a href="http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-female-pelvis-and-male-pelvis/">www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-female-pelvis-and-male-pelvis/</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Walker, H. (2019) <i>Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings</i>, Sword and Book Enterprises, Brisbane, Australia, p.268</p><p class="MsoNormal">Wang, S. et.al. (2004) “Gender Differences in Hip Anatomy:
Possible Implications for Injury Tolerance in Frontal Collisions”, 48th Annual
Proceedings: Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, September
13-15, 2004</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Zidon, Dr. H. (2019) “Differences
Between the Male and Female Bony Pelvises”, Complete Anatomy Community Blog,
Elsevier,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><a href="https://3d4medical.com/blog/differences-between-the-male-and-female-bony-pelvises-anatomy-slices" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">https://3d4medical.com/blog/differences-between-the-male-and-female-bony-pelvises-anatomy-slices</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">,
[accessed 9/3/22]</span></p><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Endnotes</h2><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Hunt, D. et. al. (2010)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Steenerson,
L. (2014)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Graci
PhD, V., Van Dillen PT, PhD, L., and Salsich PT, PhD, G. (2012) “Gender
Differences in Trunk, Pelvis and Lower Limb Kinematics During a Single Leg
Squat” in Gait Posture. 2012 Jul; 36(3): 461–466, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407338/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407338/</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Hunt, D. et. al. (2010)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Steenerson,
L. (2014)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Chumanov, E. et.al. (2008),</span>
p.1260<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid, p.1263<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid, p.1267<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rahimi, A., Arab, A., and Nourbakhsh,
M. (2020) “Gender Differences in Pelvic and Lower Limb Kinematics during
Walking in People with Chronic Low Back Pain”, Biomed Journal of Scientific
& Technical Research 28(4)-2020. BJSTR. MS.ID.004697, p.21881</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rahimi, A. et.al. (2020), p.21881</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ibid, p.21884</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Lewis, C. et. al. (2017)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mohr, M. et.al. (2021)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn16" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn17" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn18" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn19" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Graci
PhD, V., et.al. (2012)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn20" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn21" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Steenerson,
L. (2014)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn22" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Breaking Muscle (2017)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn23" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn24" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn25" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Breaking Muscle (2017)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn26" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn27" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Mohr, M. et.al. (2021)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn28" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn29" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Steenerson,
L. (2014)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-43723610393081189522022-10-13T00:00:00.011+10:002022-10-13T00:00:00.155+10:00The "Female" Guard (Part 1)<p>Greetings,</p><p>Below is a discussion of what has been termed by students and myself as my "female" guard. This is a more in-depth discussion of the physiological basis of the guard, demonstrating the differences between males and females in the structure of their pelvises and how this affects their movement. Due to the breadth of this topic, it has been divided into two parts, this is the first part.<br /><br /></p><h1><a name="_Toc100053793">Why?</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">A while ago one of my readers
(Curious Girl) wrote a comment asking for more information about the hip
position in my “female” guard proposed in one of my earlier articles. I have
finally managed to write that article, examining the pelvis and the differences
between males and females in more detail, at least the first part of it. It has
been an interesting time performing this research, especially considering there
is not a lot using fencing-specific actions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">I hope that the information below
answers some of the questions that you had about the guard which I presented. I
have learned quite a bit since then, thanks to my female students who keep
teaching and reminding me about the joy of our differences.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Disclaimer<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">I have said this before when I
have talked about recommendations about how bodies should move, but just to be sure,
I will say it again… <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">I am not a physiotherapist,
Occupational Therapist, or any other health-care professional. I am a person
who has done a bit of reading, as the bibliography will present, and I have
been training people in fencing for about 25 years or so.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">If you’re interested in the
original post you can find it <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2015/12/females-and-fencing-part-1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, or you can find it in my book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X" target="_blank">Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings</a></i>, where I talk about the original female guard. I am a fencer with chronic health
issues and so have a care for those a) with chronic health issues, and b)
preventing others from gaining them. If you have a specific issue, talk to a
health-care professional or your trainer about solving this problem, they are
there to help. If you would like some general advice, please do contact me and I will give you what assistance I can.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h1><a name="_Toc100053794">A “sort of” Correction</a> <o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The title of
this article is “The “Female” Guard”. It could just as easily be entitled the
“wide-angled” guard, or several other names. I primarily teach this guard to
female students due to the anatomical differences between males and females,
and due to the ill-fit that most of the typical guards found in many treatises
have with the female body. I do not claim that it will suit every female, or
that it is only for females. If you find the guard useful, please use it.<b><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h1><a name="_Toc100053795">Why is this important?</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why is this
important? This guard is important because it is a first step in the prevention
of knee and hip injury, and the prevention of the risk of such injury. It is
also a step toward making fencing more comfortable for the female fencer. Regardless
of gender or body-shape, every fencer should be looking toward the prevention
of injury, regardless of what kind.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the
examination of hip position as it relates to injury risk, a person must examine
the differences between male and female position of the hips both in a static
position, but also in motion, because they will both affect the characteristics
and potential of injury. The first thing that will be noted is that there is a
difference in the structure of male and female hips, and it is due to this
structure that males and females move differently. This results in different
injury risks.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“Men and women have different
passive hip ROM measurements, and as a result, require different degrees of
force closure across the joint to maintain stability. Further, injury patterns
and dysfunctions involving the hip and its affects on the pelvic girdle can be
different in men and women.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The range of
motion (ROM) is different for males and females due to the different structure;
the body can only move certain ways because of the structure. This results in
different movement patterns during walking and running between. While walking
is closer to footwork the same resulting differences in gait between the
genders needs to be noted, as it relates to the same indicated injury risk if
the body is not placed in an advantageous position.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“Gender differences in kinematics
during running have been speculated to be a contributing factor to the lower
extremity injury rate disparity between men and women.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Simply
explained, males and females move differently, and it is because of these
differences in movement that females have a higher risk of lower
extremity,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>primarily knee injury,
because of the way they move. This is because of developmental changes that
occur within the body which change the muscular structure and control altering
the action of the body. This causes the tendency toward injury.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Muscular Activation<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“During puberty, females undergo
bone and muscle changes that often create laxity, or joint instability, that
limit neuromuscular control in lower extremities. To compensate for this lack
of control, female knee joints tend to rotate inward as weight is applied. This
places strain on tendons and ligaments, and increases the risk of tear and
injury.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The indicated
tendency of the knee to roll inward results in an instability in the structure
and excess stress on tendons and ligaments, and an increase potential for
damage. Such strain is worsened during movement such as running, and even
walking. This is partially because of the wider female hips and the increased
angle resulting between hip and knee, but there is more to this explanation,
such as patterns of muscle activation.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There has
been a tendency to blame the issue present on this angle, which is created
between the hip and the knee, known as the “Q Angle”. There is muscular
involvement, which is important for the explanation of this weakness. The lack
of alignment is only part of the answer, the muscular issue compounds this
issue which leads to failure, they also have a job to do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“no pre-activation of the
posterior kinetic chain resulting in more force – both internal and external
forces – applied upon ligaments and tendons surrounding the knee joint,
ultimately resulting in a situation of stress that can lead to mechanical
failure (failure equals injury, more likely than not involving the anterior
cruciate ligament).”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The posterior
kinetic chain is the muscles which are connected behind the legs and up the
back, which help keep you upright. Without its pre-activation, force is applied
to other parts of the body, the ligaments and tendons which are not used to
such forces. This can lead to failure and injury; it usually occurs at the
weakest point which is the knee.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Knee Injury<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Due to the
variety of factors which have been presented previously, structure of hips,
muscular development and activation, and movement style, females are more
likely to suffer a knee injury. Such remarks concern about running, but other athletic
activity involving similar active motions where stress is placed upon the leg could
also be included. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">This is a result of the way
females move. The hips move differently to males when they are running, but
also when they are walking.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span> The
differences are important as they relates to differences in movement of the
lower extremities. It is a caution that should be taken to heart as it is not
just running that is an issue.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“This all means that women will
be at greater risk for knee injuries while performing in sports or physical activities
than their male counterparts, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
injury.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Care needs to
be taken when performing in all sports and physical activities to make sure
that the knee is in the correct position, and the hip is in the correct
position to do the best to prevent injury either to the knee or the hip. Females
should not stop sports or other physical activities; there should be active
preventions present.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Injury Prevention<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Preventing an
injury is always better than rehabilitating after an injury and that goes for
any injury. Here, the fencer should be paying attention to the position of
their hip in relation to their knee. They should be paying attention to the
position of their knee in general. The guard that is taught is meant to correct
the position of both the hip and the knee to ensure that both are supported
properly in actions. Part of this prevention of injury is in correction which
will be spoken about later.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h1><a name="_Toc100053796">Generally Different</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Females and
males are different, they are different on an obvious physical level; they are
also different on the psychological level. It is something that needs to be
acknowledged by teachers and trainers of all kinds, regardless of whether they
are teaching physical or other skills. The way that the lesson is delivered and
the methods which are described should be changed to suit the individual.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwzUjeXvSRVPHmJ6Cp1bl4zMdX4TscMQLt74w4SGsH1OULxxxmrDyACo6vjET-Hxo5JkbilLme-FCEu0g6QQPnVX4SedPOQYrxJo9wPEeSXu-IblNO41fkXCb6VyWHDOmp5o_ao_O_TuCh_qJIL4ws7aWK8b6l37QuYwLJzpLwibf15gJ3e9Lab6lJw/s688/tumblr_16e0d26798c7e48b424807b9bd3fe5be_7a3af05c_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="500" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwzUjeXvSRVPHmJ6Cp1bl4zMdX4TscMQLt74w4SGsH1OULxxxmrDyACo6vjET-Hxo5JkbilLme-FCEu0g6QQPnVX4SedPOQYrxJo9wPEeSXu-IblNO41fkXCb6VyWHDOmp5o_ao_O_TuCh_qJIL4ws7aWK8b6l37QuYwLJzpLwibf15gJ3e9Lab6lJw/w485-h666/tumblr_16e0d26798c7e48b424807b9bd3fe5be_7a3af05c_500.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p align="center" class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: center;">Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
field-separator'></span><![endif]-->1<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->:
Drawing human body - female-anatomy-for-artist <br />
Source: <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/EduMoLDeS/drawing-human-body-femaleanatomyforartist">https://www.slideshare.net/EduMoLDeS/drawing-human-body-femaleanatomyforartist</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> There has
been a tendency, for a long period, of a “one size fits all” approach to
fencing, which ignores physical differences, and gender differences among them.
This has not been helpful, some will and have succeeded while others have lagged,
“refusing to address the issues that differentiate men and women is not helpful
either.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Training should be modified to suit the individual so all may excel, and part
of this is acknowledging the difference between male and female.<o:p></o:p></p><h2>Motion<o:p></o:p></h2><p class="MsoNormal"> Females and
males will perform the same task, such as throwing a ball in a different
manner, “Women and men perform many athletic tasks in a sex-specific manner.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
This is because of the structural differences between males and females. Females
move differently because they are built differently, this will become clear as
the focus of the discussion moves toward the pelvis and gait.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> When gait is
discussed, the primary discussion concerns walking, but running is considered,
as it is a form of gait. In the case of the fencer, footwork is a form of gait,
and the female will perform the actions of footwork in a slightly different
manner due to the differences in pelvic structure. Another study evident differences
in gender were present, as “statistically significant effects of “sex,” which
were independent of running speed.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
So there were effects of gender on movement which were independent of running
speed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> Due to the
different structure of the male and female, there is a different centre of
mass, with the female’s being slightly lower than the male’s. Gait changes
between male and female due to the different centre of mass.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
There are differences between male and female on a physical and psychological
form, and these need to be acknowledged so that both can be trained
effectively. <o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Toc100053797">Anatomical Discussions</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class="MsoNormal"> The focus of
the discussion is the hips and their placement. To assist this discussion the
structure of the pelvic girdle will be discussed, what is commonly referred to
as the hips, “The pelvic girdle (hip girdle) is formed by a single bone, the
hip bone or coxal bone (coxal = “hip”), which serves as the attachment point
for each lower limb.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
This single bone is actually made up of several different parts, like the skull
which come together to support one another, and most of the body. The structure
is important for within these structures we find the differences between male
and female that are so important. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">The differences between the
female and male pelvis will be presented and the reasons for their differences
explained. We know that the pelvis is necessary, an essential part of the body
but knowing some of the details on an anatomical level allows us to understand
why the positioning of the pelvis is so important. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“the bones of the pelvis are
strongly united to each other to form a largely immobile, weight-bearing structure.
This is important for stability because it enables the weight of the body to be
easily transferred laterally from the vertebral column, through the pelvic
girdle and hip joints, and into either lower limb whenever the other limb is
not bearing weight. Thus, the immobility of the pelvis provides a strong
foundation for the upper body as it rests on top of the mobile lower limbs.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> There are
elements of the pelvis which are universal, because they are necessary for
human beings to function. Knowing these features of the pelvis familiarises us
with the pelvis and allows us to be more familiar with the subject which is
being discussed, and the form and reason for the pelvis.<o:p></o:p></p><h2>Differences<o:p></o:p></h2><p class="MsoNormal"> There are
some obvious physical differences between females and males when we examine the
sexual organs, however the differences between male and female go beyond these
differences. They go far beyond surface appearances.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">To be more specific these
differences are found in the structural elements. The differences can be found
in more anatomical differences than simply organs. “There are many significant
anatomical, structural and functional differences between the male and female
bony pelvises.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The human
pelvis of the modern human <i>homo sapiens
sapiens</i> evolved over millions of years to its present form. This
evolutionary change can be followed through the archaeological record from our
earliest ancestors who walked with a stooped gait all the way up to our modern
selves who walk upright. This change in locomotion required a change in structure
a change in our pelvis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> A further
change was required in our structure was needed in female bodies as our brains
grew, “the female pelvis evolved to allow the birth of large-brained infants”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
The change in our pelvis is important as it is a change which took many
millennia and changed our bodies to what they are now; the purpose of our
bodies determined their structure.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“The geometry of bony pelvis
differs significantly between males and females – the phenomena caused by
adaptation to the obstetric demands. Females have a relatively larger and
rounder pelvic cavity, a shorter and more posteriorly projecting sacrum, a
wider subpubic angle, and smaller acetabula with a larger distance between
them.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> Female bodies
are evolutionarily formed for the purpose of child-rearing. Adding our
evolutionary changes toward walking upright and toward bigger brains, this led
toward other developments in our bodies. Females have wider pelvises while, “Male
pelves are not constrained by the issue of childbirth, and thus are narrower
and more optimal for bipedal locomotion.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
This goes toward the evolutionary purpose of the male and female. From an
evolutionary perspective and the perspective of the structure of the body, the
male’s body is built to have stronger muscles, evidence for this is found in
our skeletal structure. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“A male pelvis is smaller and
narrower in nature which is designed to support a heavy body build and a
stronger muscle structure while a female pelvis is wider and roomier and mainly
serves for the purpose of childbearing.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The heavier
build of muscle in the male is seen in our evolutionary cousins the apes,
especially in gorillas where the male is much larger than the female. We can
see how the pelvis relates to the function of the individual, the power of the
male requiring stronger muscles while the female’s purpose is primarily for
child-rearing. It is not the “evolutionary purpose” of the structure, which is
important to the discussion, but the difference in the structure. The evolution
of the body shows the path to how we got here and the reason for the structures
which we now possess. Figure 2 (below) depicts an image of a female pelvic
girdle (above) presented with a male pelvic girdle (below) so the differences
can be seen.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpMMbKNCj-6PdyqGRsf6UCaxedYV2eK2BXcnRqBIu_ih3uYt_olr1k3RGCRdqyz2xSvP06vPvqfVYzRJZwa7kP6-FmsDojCn6L63h7KWGiPf8VRu5g4qhSjBbmvisjFzOeJsbKAYSc4m980J4WuTmedoK7HTvsVNwRU4KuholPM0XaD-1-51O-VD75A/s1024/Pelvis_(10819143624).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="745" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpMMbKNCj-6PdyqGRsf6UCaxedYV2eK2BXcnRqBIu_ih3uYt_olr1k3RGCRdqyz2xSvP06vPvqfVYzRJZwa7kP6-FmsDojCn6L63h7KWGiPf8VRu5g4qhSjBbmvisjFzOeJsbKAYSc4m980J4WuTmedoK7HTvsVNwRU4KuholPM0XaD-1-51O-VD75A/s16000/Pelvis_(10819143624).jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
field-separator'></span><![endif]-->2<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->:
Source: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pelvis_(10819143624).jpg">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pelvis_(10819143624).jpg</a></div><p align="center" class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">Differences are clear in the
human skeleton, the wider pelvis of the female, for example. “The pubic arch is
usually wider in the female pelvis at about >80°.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Allows for a larger head on the baby, thus allowing for a larger brain, as shown
previously; the male skeleton and pelvis does not require this structure, so it
is narrower. “While in the male it is heart shaped, and narrow. A male pelvis
has a v-shaped pubic arch that is approximately <70°.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> So
there is a distinctive difference in the connection and angle between the femur
and the lower extremities. Even the acetabulum, which the head of the femur
sits at the hip joint, the socket, is of a different shape.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The biggest difference
between the male pelvis and the female pelvis is the female is wider than the
male pelvis. This is the simple difference; other differences have been noted,
however this simple difference has a greatest effect upon the motion of the
male compared to the female, as there are biomechanical considerations to be
made. In its simplest form, the wider hips of the female make them more prone
to torsion knee injuries, simply due to the form. The “female” guard addresses
this by acknowledging this difference and working with it.<o:p></o:p></p><h2>The Acetabulum and the Femur<o:p></o:p></h2><p class="MsoNormal"> While the
focus of the discussion is mostly upon the hips, we must not forget what is
joined to the hips. So, there must be a discussion of the lower extremities. The
position of the hips will affect these lower extremities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The female’s wider
hips creates an increased angle between the hip and the knee and thus between
the lower leg, which will be affected by the position the individual takes in
their guard position. The “female” guard attempts to neutralize this angle.
However, we must discuss those bony parts of the body which result in such
angles of difference between the male and the female.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">There is a very good image (Figure
3, below), very relevant to our study as it shows the pelvis in a seated
position and shows the acetabulum of the male and female next to one another.
The seated position is useful, in a correct guard position the pelvis should be
almost in a seated position. The acetabulum will determine, in part, how far
the leg will be able to move.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1ZnXuMn57tPzsHV2rGXfGsOwDxbOG5rBuXecZRkOF-WsrNAEGP5A7FkJpQey2rx-OKcMzXmsdQ7jpwgCOf9qJ0Z4_bndTUiTdphgy_mXmx-fHFNX4k_FylTGpjvGf9aZD6JQJWC2lQmmey3ukJubVfWC5WdpDbqAUBmSxTO_b6NbpQlLYx8dJXN6uw/s1152/Wang.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1152" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1ZnXuMn57tPzsHV2rGXfGsOwDxbOG5rBuXecZRkOF-WsrNAEGP5A7FkJpQey2rx-OKcMzXmsdQ7jpwgCOf9qJ0Z4_bndTUiTdphgy_mXmx-fHFNX4k_FylTGpjvGf9aZD6JQJWC2lQmmey3ukJubVfWC5WdpDbqAUBmSxTO_b6NbpQlLYx8dJXN6uw/w465-h261/Wang.jpg" width="465" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
field-separator'></span><![endif]-->3<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]-->: Pelvis in seated position -
Source: Wang, S. et.al. (2004) “Gender Differences in Hip Anatomy: Possible
Implications for Injury Tolerance in Frontal Collisions”, 48th Annual
Proceedings: Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, September
13-15, 2004</div><p class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The
acetabulum is where the femur connects to the pelvis and the shape of it will decide
how the femur is able to move. The position of the pelvis decides the position
of the acetabulum and possible movement of the femur and lower leg. There are
some marked differences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The
acetabulum is on the side of the pelvis and is part of the hip joint, the
socket. There are variances between male and females in the shape of their
pelvises. There are differences in the shape of the acetabulum between male and
female. The position and shape of the pelvis results in further differences.
The female has smaller acetabula with a larger distance between them.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The
larger distance between them is caused by the wider pelvis and results in the
wider valgus angle. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">It is necessary to investigate the
root cause of the position of the femur and the lower leg when examining this
issue and difference between the male and female. The examination of the
acetabulum tells us the reason the femur is positioned differently in females
and that that there is different movement in gait. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The male
acetabulum faces more to the side while the female acetabulum faces more to the
front. This simple difference has significance in the positioning of the femur
and lower leg. It would be easier for the male to line their feet up with their
knees with the narrower stance simply because their pelvis allows them to turn
their legs in this manner, allowing them to line their knees up, while the
female pelvis is less inclined to do so. <o:p></o:p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">End of the first part...</h2><div>The parts of the body involved in movement have been discussed and their differences highlighted, but in fencing, as with other activities, the body moves. This movement is related to how the parts of the body sit according to the structures which are found in the body. What will be found as a result is that males and females, based on their structural components, their body parts, move differently. This needs to be taken into account by the teacher and trainer, but this is a discussion for the next part, which will be published next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers,</div><div><br /></div><div>Henry.</div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></p><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><h1>Bibliography<o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Betts, J. et.al. (2013) “8.3 The Pelvic Girdle and Pelvis”
in <i>Anatomy and Physiology</i>, OpenStax,
Houston, Texas <a href="https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-3-the-pelvic-girdle-and-pelvis">https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-3-the-pelvic-girdle-and-pelvis</a>,
[accessed 21/2/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Breaking Muscle (2017) “The Difference Between Male And
Female Biomechanics In Strength Training” in Editorial, Breaking Muscle (22
Sept 2017), <a href="https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-difference-between-male-and-female-biomechanics-in-strength-training/">https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-difference-between-male-and-female-biomechanics-in-strength-training/</a>,
[accessed 21/2/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Chumanov, E., Wall-Scheffler, C. and Heiderscheit, B. (2008)
“Gender differences in walking and running on level and inclined surfaces”,
Clinical Biomechanics 23 (2008) 1260–1268, doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2008.07.011</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Graci PhD, V., Van Dillen PT, PhD, L., and Salsich PT, PhD,
G. (2012) “Gender Differences in Trunk, Pelvis and Lower Limb Kinematics During
a Single Leg Squat” in Gait Posture. 2012 Jul; 36(3): 461–466, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407338/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407338/</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Hunt, D. et. al. (2010) “Gender differences in passive hip
range of motion in asymptomatic adults”, 7th Interdisciplinary World Congress
on Low Back and Pelvic Pain, Los Angeles 2010</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Lewis, C. et. al. (2017) “The Human Pelvis: Variation in
Structure and Function During Gait” in <i>The
Anatomical Record</i> (Volume 300, Issue 4, p.633-642), <a href="https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.23552">https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.23552</a>,
[accessed 21/01/2022]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Lumen Learning (2022) “The Hip” in Boundless Anatomy and
Physiology, <a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-hip/#:~:text=The">https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-hip/#:~:text=The</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Mohr, M. et. al. (2021) “Sex-Specific Hip Movement Is
Correlated with Pelvis and Upper Body Rotation During Running” in frontiers in
Bioengineering and Biotechnology, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.657357/full">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.657357/full</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Nakahara, I. et. al. (2009) “The Gender Difference of Normal
Hip Joint Anatomy”, 55th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society,
Osaka, Japan.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Rahimi, A., Arab, A., and Nourbakhsh, M. (2020) “Gender
Differences in Pelvic and Lower Limb Kinematics during Walking in People with
Chronic Low Back Pain”, Biomed Journal of Scientific & Technical Research
28(4)-2020. BJSTR. MS.ID.004697</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Šavlovskis, J. and Kristaps, R. (2021) “The Bony Pelvis
& Gender Differences in Pelvic Anatomy” Anatomy Standard (12 Aug
2021), <a href="https://www.anatomystandard.com/Pelvis/Pelvis.html">https://www.anatomystandard.com/Pelvis/Pelvis.html</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Steenerson, L. (2014) “Physical differences between men and
women regarding training”, Life Assurance (9 Feb 2014), <a href="https://womenselfprotection.blogspot.com/2014/02/sical-differences-between-men-and-women.html">https://womenselfprotection.blogspot.com/2014/02/sical-differences-between-men-and-women.html</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Tamon, G. (2011) “Difference Between Female Pelvis and Male
Pelvis”, Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects (31 Aug 2011), <a href="http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-female-pelvis-and-male-pelvis/">www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-female-pelvis-and-male-pelvis/</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal">Walker, H. (2019) <i>Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings</i>, Sword and Book Enterprises, Brisbane, Australia</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Wang, S. et.al. (2004) “Gender Differences in Hip Anatomy:
Possible Implications for Injury Tolerance in Frontal Collisions”, 48th Annual
Proceedings: Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, September
13-15, 2004</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Zidon, Dr. H. (2019) “Differences Between the Male and
Female Bony Pelvises”, Complete Anatomy Community Blog, Elsevier, <a href="https://3d4medical.com/blog/differences-between-the-male-and-female-bony-pelvises-anatomy-slices">https://3d4medical.com/blog/differences-between-the-male-and-female-bony-pelvises-anatomy-slices</a>,
[accessed 9/3/22]</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Endnotes</h2><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Hunt, D. et. al. (2010) “Gender differences in passive hip range of motion in
asymptomatic adults”, 7th Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and
Pelvic Pain, Los Angeles 2010<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Chumanov, E., Wall-Scheffler, C. and
Heiderscheit, B. (2008) “Gender differences in walking and running on level and
inclined surfaces”, Clinical Biomechanics 23 (2008) 1260–1268, </span>doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2008.07.011,
p.1260<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Steenerson,
L. (2014) “Physical differences between men and women regarding training”, Life
Assurance (9 Feb 2014), <a href="https://womenselfprotection.blogspot.com/2014/02/sical-differences-between-men-and-women.html">https://womenselfprotection.blogspot.com/2014/02/sical-differences-between-men-and-women.html</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Breaking Muscle (2017) “The Difference Between Male And Female Biomechanics In
Strength Training” in Editorial, Breaking Muscle (22 Sept 2017), <a href="https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-difference-between-male-and-female-biomechanics-in-strength-training/">https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-difference-between-male-and-female-biomechanics-in-strength-training/</a>,
[accessed 21/2/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Chumanov, E. et.al. (2008), p.1260</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Steenerson,
L. (2014)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Breaking Muscle (2017)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Mohr, M. et. al. (2021) “Sex-Specific
Hip Movement Is Correlated With Pelvis and Upper Body Rotation During Running”
in frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, </span><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.657357/full"><span lang="EN-US">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.657357/full</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Lewis, C. et. al. (2017) “</span>The
Human Pelvis: Variation in Structure and Function During Gait” in <i>The Anatomical Record</i> (Volume 300, Issue
4, p.633-642), <a href="https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.23552">https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.23552</a>,
[accessed 21/01/2022]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Mohr, M. et. al. (2021)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Lewis, C. et. al. (2017)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn13">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Betts, J. et.al. (2013) “8.3 The Pelvic Girdle and Pelvis” in <i>Anatomy and Physiology</i>, OpenStax,
Houston, Texas <a href="https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-3-the-pelvic-girdle-and-pelvis">https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-3-the-pelvic-girdle-and-pelvis</a>,
[accessed 21/2/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn14">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Betts, J. et.al. (2013)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn15">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Nakahara,
I. et. al. (2009) “The Gender Difference of Normal Hip Joint Anatomy”, 55th
Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, Osaka, Japan.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn16">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Zidon, Dr. H. (2019) “Differences Between the Male and Female Bony Pelvises”,
Complete Anatomy Community Blog, Elsevier,
<a href="https://3d4medical.com/blog/differences-between-the-male-and-female-bony-pelvises-anatomy-slices">https://3d4medical.com/blog/differences-between-the-male-and-female-bony-pelvises-anatomy-slices</a>,
[accessed 9/3/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn17">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Lewis, C. et. al. (2017)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn18">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> A
functionalist perspective to be true, but most of what is being spoken about is
about the function of the anatomy.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn19">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Šavlovskis,
J. and Kristaps, R. (2021) “The Bony Pelvis & Gender Differences in Pelvic
Anatomy” Anatomy Standard (12 Aug 2021),
<a href="https://www.anatomystandard.com/Pelvis/Pelvis.html">https://www.anatomystandard.com/Pelvis/Pelvis.html</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn20">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span lang="EN-US">Lumen Learning (2022) “The Hip” in
Boundless Anatomy and Physiology, </span><a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-hip/#:~:text=The"><span lang="EN-US">https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-hip/#:~:text=The</span></a><span lang="EN-US">, [accessed 21/1/22]</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn21">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Tamon,
G. (2011) “Difference Between Female Pelvis and Male Pelvis”, Difference
Between Similar Terms and Objects (31 Aug 2011), <a href="http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-female-pelvis-and-male-pelvis/">www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-female-pelvis-and-male-pelvis/</a>,
[accessed 21/1/22]<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn22">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Zidon, Dr. H. (2019)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn23">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
ibid.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn24">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Tamon,
G. (2011)<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn25">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Henry/Documents/Projects/Female%20Guard/The%20Female%20Guard%20-%20blog%20.docx#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Šavlovskis,
J. and Kristaps, R. (2021)</p></div></div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-58313998197535573722022-09-13T00:00:00.000+10:002022-09-13T00:00:00.151+10:00di Grassi: Pick it Up and Use It<p> Greetings,</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this month's post in which we look at a section in di Grassi's treatise in which he regards anything by which a person may offend and defend as a weapon. From this premise I will expand on this idea to examine some odd items which are often found laying around a campsite that may be used as a weapon, primarily of a defensive nature.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><blockquote><p>"ALbeit Wepons aſwel offenſiue as defenſiue be infinite, becauſe all that whatſoeuer a man may handle to offend an other or defend himſelfe, either by flinging or kepinge faſt in his hand may in my opinion be tearmed Weapon." Giacomo di Grassi (1594)</p></blockquote><p><br />The following discussion is formed on the basis of the above statement found in Giacomo di Grassi's (1594) <i>The true Art of Defence exactlie teachinge the manner how to handle weapons ſafelie, aſwel offenſiue as defenſiue, With a Treatiſe of Diſceit or Falſing, And with a mean or waie how a man may practiſe of himſelfe to gett Strength, Iudgement, And Actiuitie</i>. This has been sourced from the 1594 translation of the treatise not the 1570 Italian and then translated, because I do not speak Italian and the Elizabethan English text is a text in its own right, worthy of study as I will likely have discussed previously. Moving on with the subject at hand...</p><p>There have been quite a few movies, especially of recent times, where a protagonist has picked up something convenient and used it as a weapon. This usually in the middle of a brawl, where rules have been thrown out of the window and the pair are fighting to survive. An incidence comes to mind where a rolled up magazines was used as a baton, for example, in "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004). The same sort of thing occurred in sword combats. While we are not likely to be involved in a brawl with a sword to save our lives, it is useful to examine some different objects, and approaches that can be used just in case we are surprised with an unfamiliar item.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Defensive Items</h2><p>In this case, the focus will be on weapons of a defensive nature. This means weapons which are not intended to strike an opponent. A dagger, for example has both offensive and defensive capabilities, so will not feature in this discussion. Where as the buckler, which has the <i>prime</i> object of being defensive will be present, at least in reference in these discussions. </p><p>Defensive weapons can be used for offensive purposes. Indeed, it is di Grassi who mentions the use of the "muſtachio" a blow to the face with the edge of the buckler, should the opponent be close and the sword bound or occupied. This is not their prime purpose, their prime purpose is for defending the individual who picks them up. Further, it will be some generic items, things that may be lying around in a Renaissance setting that will be addressed for use as these defensive items.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Relatable</h2><p>The trick in each of these items is to approach using the item by relating it to an item more commonly used in fencing and then applying the same rules, taking into account its idiosyncrasies. There is no item which should not be relatable to another item more familiar. It is these links that should allow you to pick up anything you like and defend yourself with it. </p><p>In an attempt to keep this discussion relatively brief, there will be a limit on the number of items that will be discussed. Each one of these will be related to a weapon form that I have discussed in one of my articles previously, so the rules can be found there, if you are unfamiliar with them. The trick is to look at them from the correct point of view.</p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">"Buckler"</h3>So we no doubt have all walked into a kitchen and picked up a pot lid and thought ,"Hey if this was bent the other way, it would make a great buckler." in return it could be said that it could make a good buckler just the way it is, especially in an emergency. It is the right shape, it comes with a handle in the right spot and it is made of a robust material. Further, being in a kitchen, finding an offensive device to go with it should not be a problem. The word <i>messer</i> does mean "knife" in German after all, and a stout blow with a rolling pin is going to make an opponent think twice. <p></p><p>"Kitchen Combat" here we come? Instead, I think we should move a little "outdoors" though the same objects would be available in a camp kitchen as well. There are even more objects available when you think about it here, and the items become even more robust in nature.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">"Cane"</h3><p>The idea behind using a cane is a stick used to defend yourself, in its simplest terms. In a truly combative situation, the same stick could also be used as a club, and thus as an offensive device, but we will focus on the defensive aspect. Here there are many options, not restricted to flags, staffs, shooting sticks for muskets, pretty much anything with a stick involved. Let's push that envelope just a little further, what about a shovel?</p><p>It could be used sort of like a buckler and cane combined if you use the blade upward. This method, by the way is rather unwieldy and strains the arm a lot (Yes, I've actually done it.). The better way is to hold the shovel by the handle and use the blade as a counter-lever. This way it makes a very solid defence which the opponent will have a very hard time moving. It is not particularly mobile, but once you're behind it, you're pretty safe from an opponent's attacks if you stay there.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">"Cloak"</h3><p><i>Any</i>, preferably large, piece of material can be used as a cloak. I really mean <i>any</i>. I have used a coat, and a tabbard both used as a cloak on separate instances. A blanket or a tablecloth, both of good material will serve as good stand-ins for cloaks in emergencies. In fact some of the best cloaks that I have seen, and worn, were made from blankets, or at least blanket-type material. It's the volume of material that makes this device effective, and also keeps the warmth in when you wear it. This is why slightly heavier and thicker material is more effective than thinner.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">"Rotella"</h3><p>A rotella is a large shield which protects most of the arm and shoulder, and extends out from the arm. If a chair was picked up, especially a wooden camping chair; forearm against the back, seat grabbed and legs toward the opponent, it could act as a rotella with some added reach. Now, the hand would be exposed on the outside, but the opponent would have to get past the legs of the chair first. Of course the wielder of the chair also needs to be careful about those legs, if using certain rules, to ensure they do not strike their opponent. If no such rules exist, they could be a potent weapon for striking. This does not even <i>begin</i> to investigate their potential for entanglement.</p><p>Out of the weapon suggestions that I have discussed, this is the only one that I have not actually put into practise more than a single time, at least in a practical/bouting situation. I have certainly thought about the theoretical side of it, and I think that there is a lot of potential. After all, I am the one who is usually writing about people sitting on the chair, not using them for weapons.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why?</h2><p>The purpose of this investigation has been to open your eyes to different possibilities. To show how different things are related to one another, that many things that we think are foreign, are actually not that different from one another. You may not have learnt, or been taught, how to use a device, but if you relate it back to a device that you do know of similar construction, then you have a step-up.</p><p>Examine the usual weapons that are used during your form of fencing, compare them to other forms of fencing, then compare them to other items that you might find laying about. See how they might be used in a similar fashion should you have to use them at a moment's notice. Think about the chance of a sudden invasion of a campsite, you have to pick up the closest thing to you to defend yourself. Think about a tavern brawl, you have to pick up the closest thing to you and defend yourself. Expand your mind have a look at objects differently, it will reveal a lot about the objects, and the objects you are basing their use upon.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><blockquote></blockquote><div>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div>You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-18897354275655907282022-08-13T00:00:00.063+10:002022-08-13T00:00:00.155+10:00Fencing for the Blind<p>Greetings,</p><p>Fencing for the blind? What is this crazy idea? It's not that crazy and it is a compulsory element in the rehabilitation program at the Carroll Centre for the Blind and has been since a little after World War II. What follows is not a detailed discussion of fencing for the blind, I wish merely to present an introduction and some ideas about the concept. I have previously discussed in several articles fencing from a chair, now I wish to discuss the idea of fencing for the blind. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What about seeing?</h2><p>The concept of fencing for the blind is one which some people will have a hard time getting their heads around. The primary stumbling block for people is that the blind person cannot see. How will they find their opponent? How will they defend themselves if they can't see their opponent's weapon? <i>This</i> is looking at the situation from entirely the wrong perspective. This is focusing on problems and not focusing on solutions, or opportunities for learning.</p><p>Isn't seeing a prerequisite for fencing? No, it isn't. There are times when vision is not the best asset at all when feeling is a much better asset, and a person who has low vision, or who is blind has a much improved sense of feeling. If you haven't heard of the term <i>senso di ferro</i> or <i>sentiment du fer</i> or <i>tacto</i> or <i>f<span style="font-family: inherit;">ü</span>hlen</i>, and can't describe what they mean, then your training is sadly lacking. I would suggest that you need some more training, and need to do some research.</p><p>The blind fencer sees through touch, and also hearing. They feel where their opponent is located, they feel where their opponent's sword is located. The blind actually have a great advantage in this area because they use the sense of feeling to find their way around the world. The walking cane is simply swapped for a sword.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Method</h2><p>There are two different methods which are suggested for use and you can see examples of these found on the internet and on YouTube if you look up "blind fencing" and ignore all the building instruction for fences, here is an example <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQf1V6zBAw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQf1V6zBAw</a>. There two methods proposed: one where the fencers are immobile, the rarer of the two; and the other where the fencers are as mobile as usual on the strip. The former does not allow any kind of footwork, and minimal use of the body, the latter allows the fencers to use the strip to move along, like fencers usually do. </p><p>For the classical fencer, the scoring apparatus is removed. Depending on how "classical" the weapons might be changed. Everything else remains the same.</p><p>For the historical fencer, not used to the strip a method somewhere in between could be found; an area marked out and roped off for the fencers allowing them some of their usual lateral movement but encouraging them to face one another directly. Safety officers would have to ensure that the fencers do not hit the edges of this area, but it could be workable.</p><p>The fencers would start with their weapons crossed at the <i>debole</i> so they would know their positions initially, and then they would move from there. They could remain engaged or quit the engagement as is their choice, there would be a point of reference for where the opponent was, they would then have to find the opponent again through a combination of sound and feeling, if the engagement was quit. </p><p>No mention of safety gear is made because there are no changes required. The only increase in safety rules that is required is that safety officers will need to be aware of the edges of the area presented for the combat, and it is recommended that they wear eye protection, and ensure they stay clear of the combatants, as they will not be able to see.</p><p>Being struck unawares tends to increase the feeling of a blow, so individuals will have to ensure that they try and strike their opponent with only the amount required that the blow can be acknowledged. Historical weapons tend to be a little stiffer than sporting ones, so some care should be taken in the initial parts of training and bouting that the combatants are all aware of the different situation. This is the prime area where injury can occur.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Teaching</h2><p>The above has described the method how to fence using a method of fencing for the blind, it does not describe techniques for teaching a person who is visually impaired or blind to fence. This is a more challenging, and exciting prospect. It requires the teacher to think about teaching in a different way.<br /></p><p>The teacher cannot simply show the student the action by demonstrating it and have them copy the action. They must describe the action and then if they must "show" the student the action they must physically show the student the action. This requires a relationship of trust between the student and the teacher.</p><p>Of all the things the teacher must do, the teacher must be polite. Always ask before doing anything. Ask before touching or moving the student, but this should be a standard thing. It doesn't matter if it is your first lesson with the student or the fiftieth, always ask. Tell the student what you're going to do. Tell them when you arrive, and when you leave. For safety, it is important you tell them when you have your mask on and when you take it off. The most important thing about teaching this student, as with any other, is communication.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Possibilities</h2><p>The possibilities with including fencing for the blind in a training program are more than one might expect, especially if you examine this from a broader perspective. Every new enterprise or idea should be examined from the broadest perspective to see the greatest gain that can be sought from the idea, rather than some narrow view. Sure, a program of fencing for the blind could encourage some blind or low-vision individuals to join and participate, however there is more...</p><p>Think about the possibilities of a fencer who has their vision participating in a program of fencing for the blind, or even simply bouting with a blind individual with a level playing field, both with no vision. Both fencers are reliant on their sense of touch and hearing to find their opponent and successfully engage to see the encounter through. "Your eyes can deceive you, don't let them." Obi-wan said in "Star Wars" here is a perfect example to see what your sense of feeling can do.</p><p>Many fencers tout their ability to feel their opponent through the use of <i>senso di ferro</i>, or whatever similar term they use. Deprived of their sight, the fencer must use this sense to both find their opponent and defeat them. Think of how it can improve a fencer's sense of feeling and remind them of the importance of holding their weapon properly. This method will be a great asset to any training program.</p><p>Further having a fencing for the blind program within the organisation in which you participate, begins to create the inclusive clubs and groups that people have claimed that they are. Only when everyone is included is inclusivity present. The Oxford English Dictionary defines inclusivity as:</p><blockquote>noun, "The practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those having physical or intellectual disabilities or belonging to other minority groups." (<a href="https://www.lexico.com/definition/inclusivity">https://www.lexico.com/definition/inclusivity</a>) </blockquote><p>Providing a program of fencing for the blind is a step toward this idea of inclusivity, ensuring that everyone who is interested in fencing, regardless of their situation, has the chance to try it out to see whether they are physically able to fence or not. The opportunity is provided, a person merely has to avail themselves of it. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Just a Beginning...</h2><p>This is a mere beginning, an introduction to the concept of fencing for the blind, there is a information about fencing for the blind present, there is just not very much of it. You will need to search to find more. I will present some of the information that I have used in my research of this subject below.</p><p>Do your research. Talk with others about their experiences. You never know you may find that others that you have talked to, are visually impaired and wanted to fence, or have taught people who are visually impaired. There can only be an advantage to people sharing their information about this subject and opening our activity to more, interesting people, who we can learn from.</p><p>Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Suggested Reading</h2><div>Behrends, S. Fencing for the Blind: A 12-Month Program, 2007, <a href="http://lassaillant.nl/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/EpeefortheBlind.pdf">http://lassaillant.nl/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/EpeefortheBlind.pdf</a></div><div> </div><div>Carroll Center for the Blind “Fencing”, Carroll Center for the Blind, 2022, <a href="https://carroll.org/fencing/">Blind Fencing - The Carroll Center for the Blind</a>, accessed 22/6/2022 </div><div><br /></div><div>Chirashnya, I. “Fencing for the blind or visually impaired”, Academy of Fencing Masters Blog (April
12), 2016, <a href="https://academyoffencingmasters.com/blog/fencing-for-the-blind-or-visually-impaired/">Fencing for the blind or visually impaired (academyoffencingmasters.com)</a>, [accessed
22/6/2022] </div><div><br /></div><div>Koncul, A. and Slatman, J. “Rehab/ituation from a Phenomenological Perspective: The Case of
Fencing for the Blind and Visually Impaired”, Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, 21(1),
2019, pp. 67–77. DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.559">https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.559</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Salle Green “Fencers with Disabilities” in Programs, Salle Green, 2022, <a href="https://www.sallegreen.com/programs/fencers-with-disabilities/">Fencers with Disabilities – SALLE GREEN</a>, [accessed 22/6/2022] </div><div><br /></div><div>Tehan, R. “Blindness is No Foil to Fencing” in Journal of Rehabilitation (July/August/September)
1980, <a href="https://vze72rf7.wixsite.com/mysite/copy-of-fencing-blind">blindness is no foil to fencing | mysite (vze72rf7.wixsite.com)</a>, [accessed 22/06/2022</div><p><br /></p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-27196828774492376162022-07-13T00:00:00.004+10:002023-01-20T13:11:36.041+10:00On Tournaments<p> Greetings,</p><p>The following is a discussion of tournament formats and their relation to the art that is being created. A person should ask themselves how the tournament format encourages or discourages behaviours in the combatants in the tournaments, and ask themselves whether or not the style of play encourages or discourages good fencing. These tournament formats will be discussed in general terms, rather than getting down to the nitty-gritty because overall the style of tournament may be the same, it is the rules which govern that tournament which is the deciding factor in this case. An idea to push this envelope will be suggested in the final part of this discussion.</p><p>There are lots of different formats for tournaments, the choice of actual format usually depends on numbers. While certain tournaments allow for the greatest number of bouts for combatants, they become quite long and unwieldy when the numbers become large. This is a consideration that needs to be made when the tournament is put together, or sometimes, even on the day once the number of combatants is known. </p><p>The following discussion is more about the internal rules of the combats rather than the formats themselves, thought this can affect the format. There are some standard formats which are quite common to tournaments, which should be explained, just as a matter of course.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Round robin: all combatants fight each other. </li><li>Elimination tournament: the combatants have a certain amount of "lives" when these are expended they are removed. A double-elimination, for example, means that the competitors have two lives.</li><li>Direct Elimination: the combatants fight one another, and the victor advances to the next round.</li><li>Pools: combatants fight in pools, the top competitors are selected to fight in semi-finals, and finals.</li></ul><p></p><p>Within the tournament formats there are several different ways to determine a victor for each bout, and this is where things begin to show their differences between the different types of fencing. The bout may be scored, with the competitor with the highest score winning. It may be a best-of-three, with the competitor who scores two wins winning. It may be a single-kill with the competitor with the first win being the winner. It is in this part of the discussion where the differences between the types of fencing are shown.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fencing">Sport fencing</a> bouts are scored, most often to 15 points, with the individual who reaches 15 points winning the bout. A point is scored for striking the opponent within the scoring area, according to the rules. All worth one point, regardless of the target struck. In foil, only the torso scores; in sabre only above the waist; in <span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">épée</span></span> the whole body is a target. Every target is one point regardless of weapon.</p><p>In <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_European_martial_arts" target="_blank">Historical European Martial Arts</a> (HEMA) have a system which is different to sport fencing, above, but in some ways is the same. The bouts are scored, like the sport fencing bouts. In the case of these bouts they often have a time limit, or a score limit. Sometimes the score will be negative, as in points against the fencer, but the fencer re-sets after each point is scored. There is delineation between targets struck sometimes between "shallow" and "deep", sometimes further between limb (or type of limb, or part of limb), body and head. Points are tallied and there is a result.</p><p>In the common <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_for_Creative_Anachronism" target="_blank">Society for Creative Anachronism</a> (SCA) tournament, the part that is struck, the combatant loses, in the case of a body or head shot, the combatant "dies" and is deemed defeated. The combatants, most often, do not re-set and are made whole again after being struck. If they are struck in their primary weapon arm, they are expected to either swap arms or accept a loss of the bout. If they are struck multiple times, all of the blows count, not just the first one.</p><p>The SCA does have tournament scenarios where points are scored, these are primarily against the person who was struck, rather than to the person doing the striking. This encourages people to watch themselves and to cover themselves in their attacks, but the tournaments where there are immediate consequences to an attack felt on a combatant who is struck, is usually the rules-set which is used.</p><p>In regard to this, the SCA has the advantage, because it reminds the combatants that the weapons that they are learning about, and practising to use in these combats were sharp and they did have consequences of a dire kind should a combatant not be certain in their defence. It was not a point that was lost when one of these weapons struck, it was the chance for permanent maiming and death. People often forget, because weapons that are used are blunt, and because sharp weapons are not fought with in real encounters, that there is a lethal nature to the martial art that is being learned. The SCA method of tournament reminds people of this aspect, that a touch to the sword arm has consequences, and that maybe leaving it out is not such a good idea.</p><p>A further way to remind people about the sharp and lethal nature of the weapons is the "single kill, single elimination" tournament, or "reality tournament"; in a nut-shell, when you die you're out. It means that if you're struck in the body or the head, or any lethal incapacitating zone, you are out. The other rules follow the same as the usual SCA tournament, hit in the limb, lose the use of that limb. In the "reality plus" version of this tournament wounds are carried through the tournament; this is a way to remind people that sacrificing a limb for a blow is not such a great idea. This "reality tournament" is designed to make people think, and to remind them that "double-kills" or "after-blows" are a bad idea, in any tournament that I run, they count as a double-loss. It is better to hit cleanly. The goal of swordsmanship is, after all, to strike and not be struck.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><p>P.S. A bit of shameless advertising:<br />I have written another book <i>His Practice in Modern and Elizabethan English</i>, which is my treatise on fencing. It has an Indiegogo campaign running to raise funds for the purposes of publishing and marketing the book. If you are interested in just having a look, or assisting: <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/his-practice-a-treatise-on-the-civilian-sword#/">https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/his-practice-a-treatise-on-the-civilian-sword#/</a><br /></p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-71402752310635765452022-06-13T00:00:00.014+10:002022-06-13T00:00:00.166+10:00Pavlov's Fencers<p>Greetings,</p><p>Are you fencing for the points, or for the joy of swordsmanship? Is it more important that you struck your opponent, or how you struck your opponent? These are some important questions that we must ask ourselves as fencers, and as practitioners of swordplay.</p><p>I would say that there are some fencers out there who are like Pavlov's dogs, who are only happy when they hear the sound of a buzzer, or the referee announcing that they have struck their opponent. These individuals have little care for how they struck their opponent, so long as they struck their opponent. They will also find a single weakness in their opponent and then strike that area for as many points as they can; either until they have the points, or the weakness is fixed. Regardless of what sort of sword they carry or what sort of swordsmanship they <i>claim</i> to pursue, they are "sport fencers", there for the win.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conditioning</h2><p>The interesting thing is that Pavlov's dogs and the form of conditioning involved here is called "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_conditioning" target="_blank">classical conditioning</a>" what we see with fencers and their only glee being when they strike, and hear the buzzer or the referee announce a hit is called operant conditioning.<br /></p><blockquote>Operant conditioning (also called instrumental conditioning) is a type of associative learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment. It is also a procedure that is used to bring about such learning. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning</a>)</blockquote><p> The reinforcement is the win, the punishment is the loss of the bout. This is a very simplistic way of looking at the processes and the thinking which is behind this "sport fencer", but it fits quite well. They only measure themselves on the strength of their last tournament placing, for the most part, who they have beaten recently, there is little consideration for personal development, and this approach affects their fencing and those they teach.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Effect</h2><p style="text-align: left;">A person could succeed at being a "sport fencer" from learning a very simple set of skills to a very high degree of precision. These skills would then be applied to their opponent with simple counters against the actions they might perform, leading to simple attacks nurtured in the simple set of skills. An example from rapier: a lunge for the attack at Distance; thrust for closer which is part of the lunge anyway; a circular parry as the default defensive response to cover all Lines; and finally parry-and- riposte in Double and Single Time to counter the opponent's actions. Learned with precision and to a high degree of accuracy, these would be sufficient to see a "sport fencer" through most encounters. I know this from experience. I have been there... and found it boring.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The "sport fencer" refines their skills not to learning systems, but to what "works" against opponents at the time. They learn a collection of tips and tricks which they can apply against various opponents. Mostly, these tips and tricks are offensive in nature, as the focus is always on how to score against the opponent. The focus is <i>always</i> on how to score on the opponent.</p><p style="text-align: left;">When we examine different forms of fencing we see the effect on fencing, and the focus on their fencing baring out in the actions performed. Modern or sport fencing is focused on scoring points these days. Clubs are primarily focused on the most effective methods for striking the opponent, so methods such as "the flick" are used; methods which when used with a real sword would have no effect, except maybe the lightest of scratches. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A8che_(fencing)" target="_blank">flèche</a> is over-used because it involves quickly striking the opponent.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The result of this focus on striking the opponent, on setting a buzzer off is a loss of form. The classical lines of fencing are lost, its classical skills are mostly lost along with it. There is also a loss of the control of Distance along with it; resulting in two fencers stabbing at one another at close range, neither wanting to break Distance for fear of being struck contorting themselves to bring their points in contact. It also results in fencers striking one another at the same time; 40 millisecond's difference (in épée) and one has struck the other first, and a point is awarded, but it is not good fencing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) much the same thing is happening. Once all of the study was completed, there were those who decided that there must be somewhere they can test their skills against one another so HEMA tournaments were set up. They are scored in much the same way as sport fencing, with a referee awarding hits against either combatant when they are struck. With the introduction of line judges, it is drifting even further toward its cousin.</p><p style="text-align: left;">For some schools the training has also drifted more and more toward preparing their students for tournaments, making them eager to face the students of other schools, to taste victory. The focus is then on the result, not how the person got there. Actions are chosen out of the curriculum for how effective they will be in a tournament situation, rather than being taught as complete systems. Power is often emphasised over finesse to the point where these ostensibly unarmoured tournaments have competitors competing in a type of armour, because of the power increases, not being able to perform actions properly. Speed is emphasised over technique, with muscle used instead of the method described utilising the motions of the body, so actions are performed with too much power and too much speed, so they are sloppy and uncontrolled; so PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) becomes the prime ensurer of safety rather than the competitor's control.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Tournaments</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Tournaments become the focus rather than personal development, so the fencers only care about how well they went in the last tournament. They don't particularly care about how they got there, they only care about the result of the tournament. The higher placed individuals in the schools become the focus, they become the focus of training and the focus of attention and promotion. This is where it is evident that a school has a tournament focus, rather than a focus on swordsmanship. Members of such schools are always the first to argue the rules, squeezing the rules so they benefit their school's approach. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Double-Hit</h3><p style="text-align: left;">One area of contention is always the double-hit and how it should be dealt with. In some tournaments there is the statement that double-hits will simply be fought again; in others the blows performed in the double-hit count against the combatants because they were foolish not to consider their defence; yet others introduce a concept found primarily in longsword schools and tournaments called the "after-blow", a combatant struck has a short period of time to return a blow against their opponent. I have already discussed this in a <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2022/05/on-double-hit.html" target="_blank">previous article</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">These arguments often rage long and quite passionately with many different claims about the fairness or combat realities of one rule-set over another. The thing that is lost in these discussions is that both combatants in a double-hit have failed, they have failed to consider their defence. This is the problem with the focus on striking the opponent, the fundamentals of fencing of all kinds gets lost "to strike without being struck."</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Results</h3><p style="text-align: left;">The result-focus is an issue that many do not see because the effect is only found by how others perceive them. This is because the focus on results rather than how the person got to the result forgets the effect of what impact and they might have on their opponent, and on those who will see the bouts that they fought. I have previously discussed <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2016/10/renown-versus-notoriety.html" target="_blank">renown and notoriety</a> and it is a subject which keeps coming up in discussion. In our modern world the problem is that the line between them often is blurred.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There are those who are known to be notorious, and this is their claim to fame, it is what attracts people to them. This is a reverse of what the concept really implies. For the swordsman of the Medieval and Renaissance period, and a little today, to be notorious is to be only respected for the victories that the individual gains. This individual is respected for their skills in combat, but they are not a person you want to get to know. Once they lose, their reputation that is the end of their respect, until they find victory again.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A fencer with renown is known for more than their skill, they are known for how they achieve their victory. They are respected for their skill, but also respected for much more, because of how they deal with their opponents. The fencer with renown's reputation lasts longer than their victories because they have the respect of people for more than just mere skill. This fencer has their eye on more than just the result, they are concerned about how they got there.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">More to Life</h2><p style="text-align: left;">There is more to life with a sword than just victory. There is more to swordplay than just learning those techniques that will allow you to defeat your opponent. Learning a system of swordsmanship is a longer, harder road than learning tips and tricks, and it will not win you tournaments in the beginning, it may not win you tournaments in the end, but it is a process of personal development that the focus on winning tournaments does not bring.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I have been the "sport fencer". I know what it is like to focus on the next tournament, the next opponent, the next victory, and it is a life which is far less fulfilling than delving into treatises and discovering the true arts of the sword which have been left to us. Learning a system of swordsmanship gives you a foundation upon which other learning can be based. Learning a system can allow you to take it apart so you can know how to deal with it if an opponent uses it against you.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Seek renown, be considerate of your opponent. Seek the honourable path, and the honourable victory. Find a teacher who will allow you to develop as a fencer, not one who is focused simply on how to defeat different opponents; there are always new opponents with new skills, a proper foundation is the best place to start to deal with them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Cheers,</p><p style="text-align: left;">Henry.</p><p></p><p>P.S. You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-65086503390729513982022-05-13T00:00:00.011+10:002022-05-13T00:00:00.165+10:00On the "Double-Hit"<p>Greetings, </p><p>The following subject is one that I have particular feelings about. Every time the question of tournaments and their rules comes up especially in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) circles, the question about "doubles" or "double-hits" emerges. The following article will describe my feelings on the matter, and on the matter in general. This is a subject that I have touched on in other articles, but it does require attention of its own.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Definition</h2><p>The first thing that is required is to define what is meant by a "double", "double-hit", "mutual blow" or whatever other term that would like to be termed for it. There will be a couple of other terms which will be used in this discussion, one will turn out much the same, the other will be different. The simplest definition of a "double-hit" is: "when both fencers strike each other at the same time." This would seem simple enough and would seem to end the question. </p><p>However there are "rules lawyers" out there so it pays to be specific: "when both fencers strike one another in the same <i>tempo</i> of their movement." What does this mean? A <i>tempo</i> in its simplest terms is an action. The double-hit is therefore a blow in which if the blow is started at the same time or before the other's is completed, it remains a double-hit.</p><p>The above definition should take care of the "after-blow" as well. The "after-blow" is a concept which is most common to people who study longsword. It has its origins in the tournaments of the Belgian fencing guilds. The sword must fall; so complete its <i>tempo</i>. Any action which is after that is an artifice of a tournament set. The fencer needs to keep themselves covered during and after they have completed their blow.<br /><br />Simply it is a question of the <i>tempo</i> of the strikes and the difference between the two. If they are the same or close enough to be the same it is a double-hit. If it they are not close enough to be the same then it is not, however the fencer should always ensure they remain covered when they are in guard.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">"Revenge" Blows</h3><p>"Revenge" blows are blows made out of the <i>tempo</i> of a double-hit, and are clearly made after a combatant has been struck. The action is out of <i>tempo</i> of the action of a double-hit and sometimes out of tempo of any encounter. This blow is simply struck out of anger against the fencer who has made the strike, and these are dangerous. Any fencer who makes this sort of blow should be warned a single time and censured severely thereafter. They are unacceptable in any tournament or sparring scenario.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">A Failure in the Primary Goal of Fencing</h2><p>To strike and not be struck should be the goal of all fencing, double-hits fail in the second aspect. Sacrificing some part of your body to strike some other part of the opponent's body would seem to be a silly and somewhat suicidal way of dealing with fighting, especially when a person is dealing with a sword. The swords these days are not sharp, and there is little chance of loss of limb or life, and this knowledge in part is the reason that people will corrupt their art to accept a hit to strike a hit.</p><p>The double-hit is a failure in the performance of the art by the individual performing the art not a failure in the art or the tools that are being used. Some leniency <i>may</i> be given for the tools, but not the performance; so the proverb goes, "a bad workman blames their tools." Most often it is the failure to perform a proper defence when performing the offence, or simply the focus on offence rather than defending themselves first, then worrying about attacking the opponent. </p><p>I have heard the excuse, "But I performed the proper technique and still got hit." Clearly not, there is something you did not take into account, like your opponent moving, or countering. Just because you have your plan, doesn't mean that the opponent doesn't have theirs. In fact, it is certain that they will have one. You still have to counter the offensive actions of the opponent to ensure that you don't get hit, while striking the opponent, to prevent a double-hit. You should be considering your defence even in the performance of your offensive actions. If you do this properly, double-hits shouldn't occur, at least with you.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">In Training</h3><p>The culture in schools needs to focus on the essential goal of fencing, striking without being struck. The double, especially in training needs to be an unacceptable result, not re-named, or be in any form of it. The double-hit needs to be something that students are trained to avoid. They need to be trained not to compromise their defence to strike their opponent; to remain defended when they are both seeking to strike and also leaving from striking the opponent; to ensure they are performing proper, clean technique so that they do not get double-hits at all. <br /><br />Trading one blow for another, say a lower scoring blow for a higher scoring blow, or a less debilitating blow for a more debilitating blow is a sporting, rather than a martial approach to the use of the sword, it does not assume the items being used are weapons. This approach sacrifices much understanding which can be found in the art of swordsmanship which is available and denies the student of the art much understanding of the art. The sporting approach is too often found in tournaments.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span>Tournaments</span></h2><p>The purpose of tournaments, one would hope, is a test of skill. To test the skills of fencers against one another. This means that the rule-sets of the the tournaments should benefit and reward those who perform with skill and not benefit those who do not. The double-hit, and certainly the double-kill, where both combatants strike a vital area, certainly are not demonstrating skill, they are demonstrating a failure to defend themselves; demonstrating a failure to abide by the essence of fencing, "to strike without being struck".</p><p>The result is that the "double" in any form should not be rewarded. In the reality of swordplay a double-hit results in both fencers injured in the least and dead as a possibility. Is this something that demonstrates skill? Is this something that should be rewarded? <br /></p><p>Where a double is made by the combatants, in a tournament where the hits are scored, either points should not be scored at all, or points taken off as a penalty for failing to defend themselves. In a tournament where the individuals "die" as a result of vital blows "double-kills" should result as being recorded as a double loss as no one won, both died; they should not be re-fought.</p><p>The problem is, that there is too much of a focus, especially in tournaments on winning the bouts, on scoring the point against the opponent, so the importance of proper fencing tends to degrade. This results in people sacrificing targets so they can score against their opponents. Something they certainly would not do if they were not wearing safety gear, and even less so if the weapons were sharp. The competitors in tournaments are too busy focused on whether a blow hit an arm or a body, the points scored, their placing, who wins the tournament, to worry about whether they are fencing properly to gain the points they are scoring. Often sportsmanship also suffers as a result.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sportsmanship</h3><p>What's sportsmanship got to do with double-hits? To win a tournament a fencer focuses their attention on the points they are scoring. They hone in on striking at a target. They find the weak point of their opponent and they hammer at this weak point, again and again, until they cover it, or they score sufficient points to win. Sometimes as a result to do this they strike hard, sometimes too hard, but this is what's required to win, so what does it matter?</p><p>It matters a lot. This is where injuries can occur, especially if a person is simply attempting to blow through an opponent's defence. If this is with a lunge, and the opponent decides to act, lunging or acting with <i>counter-time</i>, the two fencers can impale one another causing a very hard hit, and unless the technique and angle is correct, a double-hit. The same can happen with a cut, where it is cut at the same time. Both fencers could be quite easily injured, or the power of the blows could simply just keep going up to try to go through the opponent's defence.</p><p>On the other hand, if there is consideration for the opponent, and their well-being, a person uses skill to find a way around their defences. Uses skill and tactics to strike the opponent, both combatants have a much more enjoyable bout, and there is much less chance of injury. Also as a consequence of considering defence, and skill, there is likely less chance of double-hits.</p><p>There needs to be a greater focus on sportsmanship, on giving your opponent the benefit of the doubt, on the art that is being practised rather than the result of any tournament. This is up to tournament organisers to help make a change, give big prizes to the fencers with the great sportsmanship, rather than some token in comparison to tournament winners. The prizes for those with sportsmanship need to be on par with the tournament winners to demonstrate the importance of sportsmanship, but this will take a radical change in thinking, in some cases.</p><h2><span style="white-space: pre;">The Reality of the Double-Hit</span></h2><h2><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvRZ9upviH93Suby1FraEJ3Rk01pjWT9owdISxjyEw0Un1_bpkxIb_9XsWD5LVvC7lpivNX8HgosuaS7QcljdnPKrt_yOvfZ0AILBIivKUy6tdqXWHAy6kjLUR1mvFUjMTytt8g3a1aRP/s1100/double+hit+2+bezancourt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1100" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvRZ9upviH93Suby1FraEJ3Rk01pjWT9owdISxjyEw0Un1_bpkxIb_9XsWD5LVvC7lpivNX8HgosuaS7QcljdnPKrt_yOvfZ0AILBIivKUy6tdqXWHAy6kjLUR1mvFUjMTytt8g3a1aRP/s320/double+hit+2+bezancourt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">From Baron de Bazancourt’s Secrets of the Sword, 1900.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></h2><br /><p>When most people consider the double-hit this is what they think about. Two people who are struck who will walk away quite happily later on, no injuries to worry about. This is not the reality of swordplay. It is not even the reality of the swords for which this sword was practise. The foil being a practise weapon for the <i>epee du combat</i> a weapon that saw duels with sharp weapons even as late as the twentieth-century. The most common weapons for HEMA are the rapier and longsword. Sharp weapons which were designed to defend an individual in a potentially deadly encounter.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5n7F2lEgpTf7c-u3T_tzbkYsAhseGPOLOgDtDrR4BvtR05h_1CKOnY0ZCAnfPs_C4FxQtphvQrDwWASNTxxJYacBNBB9WfxGpykS6wZtFhRffwSJfn42pcD-r8GoqhZS2I7XqLEpUT1gv/s261/double+hit+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5n7F2lEgpTf7c-u3T_tzbkYsAhseGPOLOgDtDrR4BvtR05h_1CKOnY0ZCAnfPs_C4FxQtphvQrDwWASNTxxJYacBNBB9WfxGpykS6wZtFhRffwSJfn42pcD-r8GoqhZS2I7XqLEpUT1gv/s0/double+hit+1.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paulus Hector Mair <i>De Arte Athletica</i>, 1567</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Here is the reality of the double-kill with the longsword against halberd. Both strikes straight to the skull, neither of these two combatants are likely to be walking away from this fight. The double-hit shows a failure of proper defence and this is the reality of the result, and it is something that <i>should</i> be kept in mind, for when the art becomes divorced too far from its origins it becomes pure sport and its martial aspects are lost. This reality should be something that is kept in mind.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre;">The "Reality" Tournament</span></h3><div>I have devised a tournament concept to remind people about the reality of the weapons that are being used in HEMA and other recreational forms of combat, as too often people forget the reality of the weapons that we use. Yes, test-cutting with sharp weapons is one way to remind people about the sharp nature of the weapons and this is a useful tool, especially to remind people just how little force is required to cut or thrust, however the persistence of tournament combats and other forms of combat requires some adjustment to demonstrate the effect of the weapons. This is a basic concept model.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Weapons</h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The tournament can be fought with which ever weapons are chosen, however it is best that weapons are matched, to keep the contest even. It will work with rapier, longsword, or sword and bucker, any weapon a person might choose.</li><li>Other details for the weapons are as per the tournament organiser's discretion.</li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Format</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The tournament is a single-kill, single-elimination tournament. This means that everyone in the tournament gets one life, and bouts are fought to one kill, or until your opponent is "disinclined to continue." Once this occurs you are eliminated. Winner is the last person standing.</li><li>Individuals are considered to be wearing civilian clothing, a single layer of cloth on their bodies, i.e. no armour.</li><li>Double-kills eliminate both combatants.</li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Blows</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Both cuts and thrusts with all weapons count as valid, so long as they do so with the weapon in reality.</li><li>Demonstrations of such may be performed on milk bottles filled with water before the tournament, if necessary, or may be determined by agreement, or by determination of the tournament organiser.</li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Limbs</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A blow (being a thrust or cut) will disable a hand or arm. If this is the individual's primary arm, they will swap hands or concede the bout.</li><li>A blow to the foot or leg will cause the individual to stop using that leg. They may: stand on the other and take the weight off that leg; kneel if it is in the lower leg or foot; or sit.</li><li>Exceptions: A cut or thrust to one hand-span to the inside of the arm or leg is a killing blow, due to arteries located in this area.</li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Vital Areas</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The head, throat, entire torso (to point of shoulder, and hips) and groin are lethal zones.</li><li>Any blow to any of the lethal zones is considered a "killing blow".</li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Optional</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For the Ultra-Reality version wounds are carried through the tournament.</li><li>Blows from bucklers etc may be added along with grappling options at the discretion of the organiser. For the most part, these effects lead on to the killing blow rather than are the killing blow.</li></ul><div>This is simply the concept for the tournament. I have run a couple based on this concept and two out of three times the person in third place has one because the two in first and second have doubled out. This eliminated them both leaving the person in third to win. People quite enjoyed the tournament and said it did reveal to them just how it changed their approach to fencing when one slip made a <i>real</i> difference.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>In a lot of places it is simply that we have lost our way and that we need to get back to our fundamentals, to remember fencing's goal, that it is the art of <i>defence</i>. A person should always look to their defence before considering striking their opponent, regardless of the style that they are doing. Teachers and trainers should focus on teaching techniques which keep their students safe, and not accepting the double-hit as simply something that occurs, or that needs to be re-named or something else, it needs to be avoided. Ensure your defence in all parts of your fencing and your chances of double-hits with your opponent fall pretty much to zero.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</div><div><br /></div><br />Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-59275509677118313632022-05-01T10:25:00.003+10:002022-05-18T09:42:29.820+10:00Special Edition: Of Gorgets<p> Greetings,</p><p>This is one more for all of my SCA readers (and more for my Australian readers), however the principles apply regardless of your rules-set...</p><p>The gorget is a piece of armour, rigid in construction which is worn about the neck. It is often taken for granted, often not thought about until either a person's doesn't fit properly, or that first time an opponent strikes it and the fencer realises it just might have saved your life. The gorget needs to be discussed like any other piece of armour, investigated and addressed so it can be understood more deeply and appreciated.</p><p>The gorget in fencing is primarily designed to protect your throat and neck, from the crushing damage of the point of the opponent's weapon. A strike from an unprotected larynx could result in a person being suffocated. Should the weapon break then the gorget protects the neck from a piece of steel coming at their neck. It is important that the gorget covers the entire neck because there are nerves, veins and arteries which are all around the neck, and damage to any one of these can cause catastrophic consequences. This is the reason that, like the head, the neck is protected by rigid material. Damage to the neck can result in death, or other permanent consequences.</p><blockquote><p><a href="https://sca.org.nz/wiki/index.php?title=Fencing:Rules_For_Fencers#Neck" target="_blank">2.8.3 Neck</a></p><p>1. You must wear a gorget (collar) made from rigid material to protect your entire neck and throat. This should be backed by resilient padding or penetration-resistant material.</p><p>2. You must also protect your cervical vertebrae with rigid material. This might be a combination of a gorget, helm or hood insert.</p></blockquote><p>The above is what the current Lochac Rapier Rules say about protecting the neck. The first point is the one which is most important for our discussion here, though the second one is also a factor. The gorget must protect "your entire neck and throat", this means that all of it should be covered, any part of your body which is considered part of the neck or the throat should be covered by the gorget. It is as simple as that, and should remain covered. This includes the obvious throat at the front down to the collar bones, but also includes around the sides as well and includes the back of the neck, and notice the mention of the cervical vertebrae, all must be covered.</p><p>Here are some things to look for when you are making or buying a gorget. When you put it on, if you can easily slip your finger up and under the front of your gorget and touch the gap between your collar bones, the gorget is too short in the front. The gorget will tilt back with your head and this part of your neck may be exposed.</p><p>When you tilt your head forward, if the underneath of your chin does not touch the top of your gorget, you should be concerned. Put your mask on. If you can put your fingers between the gorget and the bib of your mask, your gorget does not cover your throat, it does not sit high enough.</p><p>When you do your gorget up, if the rigid plates of the gorget do not meet, on both sides, then the gorget does not cover your entire neck. The plates of the gorget must meet to give full protection to the neck, and to cover your entire neck.</p><p>One of the greatest complaints about gorgets is that they are uncomfortable, they don't fit nicely or other such things. They are no different to any other piece of armour, or clothing. If you buy it "off the shelf", you have to put up with what you are given. If you pay for customisation, then you will get a better fit. The best gorget fit will always be the one which is made with the person actually present so fittings to the individual can be made as it progresses, the same as clothing.</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Henry.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-66379554981659552552022-04-13T00:00:00.087+10:002022-04-13T00:00:00.142+10:00The Story of Fencing from a Chair<p> Greetings,<br /><br />Some of my readers know me in person, quite a few do not. This means that you do not know where my information comes from, whether or not I have done any experimentation or research, or if I actually hold any sort of even pseudo-qualifications to be telling you about fencing. To shed a little light on at least one part of this, I present my story of fencing from a chair. This is intended to give a little history, to show where it all came from, and that I did not develop the techniques and ideas that I propose for using this technique overnight.<br /><br />The two primary articles for fencing from a chair, if you are interested in the concept, are:<br /><a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2010/03/no-footwork-fencing-or-fencing-from.html" target="_blank">No Footwork Fencing Or Fencing From a Chair</a> and <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2021/08/etiquette-for-facing-seated-opponent.html" target="_blank">Etiquette for Facing a Seated Opponent</a>. I will refer to these articles throughout this article, and if you want an idea of what I am talking about, these are your go-to articles. I have written a couple of other articles on the subject, one which proposed the use of the techniques of Fabris from a chair, and others. This subject is really one of my specialties, and you will see why shortly. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Beginning</h2><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMqHNRg14HNk4sq21Qo7KBh8kle9Xdb__3v8nkn9HXW8LqzmyDMtbmGDxCcaE6dN0XACC0uk6-cS5Cpg9c6k7FL15rdh3NDGaznqxEGBXVxOwqnbc2yxJNOgYJUNmlRwgySkMDvP3OP1i/s606/Girard+p112+Sitting+this+one+out.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="606" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMqHNRg14HNk4sq21Qo7KBh8kle9Xdb__3v8nkn9HXW8LqzmyDMtbmGDxCcaE6dN0XACC0uk6-cS5Cpg9c6k7FL15rdh3NDGaznqxEGBXVxOwqnbc2yxJNOgYJUNmlRwgySkMDvP3OP1i/s320/Girard+p112+Sitting+this+one+out.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">D.A. Girard <i>Actors On Guard,</i> 1996</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The first time I had seen fencers with rapiers sitting down was this picture from <i>Actors On Guard</i> by D.A. Girard, about 1997, a theatrical fencing manual which I had used for research purposes, because it had some quite relevant information about the use of the rapier and dagger. This drill concerns ensures that the two fencers remain out of range but can practise their blade engagement and other blade skills. I did not pay it particularly much attention until something happened.<div><br /></div><div>Life has its little twists and turns, as it would have it, I stepped in a hole and injured my ankle. The doctor's prognosis a badly twisted and sprained ankle. Treatment: strapping and as little pressure on the foot as possible, for six weeks. At the time I was in a small group as the primary trainer and this would mean six weeks of no training, because I could not stand... well, only if I had to stand. My thoughts went back to the image above. <br /><br />The next week at training, I turned up hobbled out to the middle of the field with a chair. I parked my butt, in much the same way as in the picture and invited my students to have a go. The learning curve was <i>very</i> sharp... <br /><br />There was no quick retreat step to get you out of trouble; there was a lot more reliance on your hands and accuracy in your parries. On the other hand, your opponent could easily take a step back or even simply lean back; your timing and Distance with your attacks had to be on point. These were two simple things that I learnt from the first training session. My handwork improved over the period, as did my sense of Distance, at least in regard to my sword- and arm-length, with a little body lean. My parries were also a lot more accurate, but there had to be more. This adventure sparked more interest in the subject...</div><div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Research Begins</h2><div><br /></div><div>After I recovered from my injury, I noticed that my hand-work i.e. parries, thrusts and other elements focused on the use of the hand had improved, as had my stationary sense of Distance. I had a very rudimentary idea about how seated fencing could work. I figured there had to be more available about fencing from a chair.</div><div><br /></div><div>I first turned to sport fencing to see if there were any clues there, any answers to be found. While standard sport fencing held no answers, the Paralympics did. Here I found <a href="https://www.paralympic.org/wheelchair-fencing" target="_blank">wheelchair fencing</a>, which is essentially fencing from wheelchairs. If you've never seen this, I recommend that you do; it's a real eye-opener. There are some impressive videos on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wheelchair+fencing" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.<br /><br />I examined the rules for wheelchair fencing as possible future alternative for myself. Something that I could use later on should one of my chronic illnesses cause me to be confined to a wheelchair, or similar situation in the future. One of the big things that I noticed was that the wheelchairs were angled. In my initial foray into fencing from a chair my body was placed in the chair in its usual manner, much like the picture above. The angulation of the body on the chair at least would change things, and I would get the opportunity to try it out.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Rowany 2006 (AS XL)</h2><div><br /></div><div>Rowany Festival is the biggest get together for the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) in Australia. In 2006 it was held at the Cross-Roads Campsite which is near Yass, New South Wales. The event is held on the Easter weekend, and is a camping event. I went along to the event and camped, like most of the attendees.<br /><br />Sleeping in a tent, in the cold (it got down to - 6 degrees Celsius overnight one night), resulted in my fibromyalgia playing up quite severely. The result being that my leg froze up; hip, knee and ankle. I had promised that I would play some Prizes (examinations) the same day, so I suggested I could do them from a chair. This allowed me to put some of my new-found research into practice.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRN_hUcOVh6QEHEYzMdcypKQDTFqyIJahg_rqP2G7bG4735cTmJyThTLnncxNt62A2z2JDwDM5fa3srFkOCiuLi26AZZ3SYtl-YOssKMjq1jibzuxvqk7dIZbMV-8E3GlRenjuzAWN01Y/s2048/100_0158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="2048" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRN_hUcOVh6QEHEYzMdcypKQDTFqyIJahg_rqP2G7bG4735cTmJyThTLnncxNt62A2z2JDwDM5fa3srFkOCiuLi26AZZ3SYtl-YOssKMjq1jibzuxvqk7dIZbMV-8E3GlRenjuzAWN01Y/s320/100_0158.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Duncan Bailey and Myself</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>You will note, while the chair is still mostly facing square to the opponent, my body is somewhat angled to him. The chair is slightly angled but not significantly. There were quite a few revelations made during these Prizes. First, that rapier and dagger is the superior form when fighting from a chair as it gives you both offensive and defensive options at distance and close, while defensive forms are useful, but are hampered a little in close. Second, that fighting with an extended guard while intimidating leaves you exposed should the opponent clear the blade. Third, the Low Line is mostly insignificant and needs little effort to defend. The experience confirmed some previous ideas and gave me more.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Four Foot Model</h2><div><br /></div><div>Much later on, I went to a seminar about Fiore dei Liberi with Bob Charron. How does this concern fighting from a chair? Just wait and you will find out. In this discussion he discussed "open" feet and "closed" feet, along with "lines of power" in a person's stance. In wrestling, a person was strong where they had two "closed" feet lined up, this made a "line of power"; they were weak where their two "open" feet lined up along the other "line of power". This described a person having four feet. A person was manipulated so the fencer would put their opponent over their "open" foot to destabilise them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some years later I was thinking about fencing from a chair and its use, when I realised the blindingly obvious... a chair has four feet. Therefore the chair has four "closed" feet. If the chair can be angled correctly to the opponent, and the fencer sits in the chair correctly, the fencer can also have four "closed" feet and will remain stable in their movement.</div><br />The angling of the chair came from the position of the chairs placed for wheelchair fencing. They are bolted in place so they do not move about. I had previously just been angling my body. If the chair was angled too, then there would be more stability, and the possibility of movement of the body. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I sat down on the chair, lined my legs up with the chair legs, then turned my body until I was in profile, relatively to my opponent. More to the point I sat on the chair so I would sit in my guard position with my front toe pointed toward my opponent. If I stood up and the chair was taken away there would be no difference. This is where the true essence of my system of fencing from a chair evolved. </div><div><br /></div><div>Angle the chair to the opponent so the front leg lines up with your natural front leg of your stance. Make sure the chair that you are using doesn't have arms, so they won't get in the way. Make sure the chair is stable so you can bend at your middle, should you desire, and remain balanced. Get a chair suitable for your height, so your feet can be flat on the floor. All of these things came with this model.</div><div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span>Revelations</span></h2><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>My most recent explorations into fencing from a chair which have appeared in articles on this blog have been the result of experiences, both good and bad of fencing from a chair. There will be time, in the future, where I will, no doubt, write another article about the subject of fencing from a chair explaining my method and how it works, by then I will hope to have some more revelations about fencing from a chair.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I looked at doing Fabris from a chair, because I cannot perform his method standing up. I even wrote a good long article about the subject which appears in my book <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Un_blogged/bFRgwQEACAAJ?hl=en" target="_blank">Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings</a>. This was more a theoretical exploration rather than a practical one. I have played with it a bit while fencing from a chair, and the on guard position looks intimidating as hell, but I really need to play with it a lot more to get it working properly.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>One thing I must put in here, fighting case of rapier from a chair is a little crazy, because once your opponent gets past your points you have a lot of trouble. Fighting case of rapier against another person who is also in a chair with case of rapier, is a little insane, but a hell of a lot of fun. Rotella give you a lot of coverage, but once again, once the opponent gets close you are in trouble, they are also a nuisance to fight around.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>The biggest revelations when it comes to fencing from a chair were: the angling of the body and the chair; the use of the body as "footwork" and for voiding; the use of various off-hands, rapier and dagger being the superior form; and finally, the Low Line is minimal, be careful not to hit yourself when you cover it.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><h2>What's Next?</h2><div><br /></div>Quite frankly, I don't like fencing from a chair. I only do it when I have to, or when I teach it, or when my opponent invites me, because they are fencing from a chair because they have to, or because I have been legged and I don't want to sit on the ground (I don't kneel, it hurts too much). This is a method that I devised so I could continue fencing when my legs decided to pack it in and not work.<br /><br /></div><div>The most important thing about fencing from a chair is that it is not a gimmick. It is a <i>real</i> option for those with mobility issues of a permanent or temporary kind. Indeed, when I originally wrote this, one of my students was fencing from a chair; he was a couple of weeks out of hip replacement surgery.</div><div> <br /><div><span>Fencing from a chair is also good for training. Concerned that the actions of your hands are not what they used to be? Want to check them out? Fence from a chair and find out. It is also a good way of utilising limited space to a premium. Think of how many fencers you could have fencing from chairs in the same space you have standing. Push that idea further, an indoor tournament, all the fencers fence from chairs in the middle of the hall while people sit around watching. That's a small list field.</span></div><p>I have fenced from a chair in some form or another for about 15 maybe 20 years now, and I have experienced some good and bad from fencing from a chair. I have also seen good and bad as a result of others fencing from chairs, and it is not always a person who is standing who is in the wrong. Everyone can have their effect om the situation for good or for ill.<br /></p><p>I have seen standing fencers snipe at their maximum range while the seated fencer cannot reach them; and close to where the seated fencer has no chance of withdrawal. I have also seen seated fencers move from their chairs to gain a little extra Distance, close to launching themselves from their seated position. I have seen standing fencers turn a seated fencer around in their chair to gain advantage over them. I have seen shots land that were claimed to hit the chair, where it actually hit the seated fencer. Both standing and seated fencers can do ill for the game that is played, but they can also do a lot of good as well.</p><p>Always consider your opponent, and consider the fencers who will come after you. The trick that you pull today may look cool, but it might ruin things for people after you. Consider whether the act that you perform will earn you renown or notoriety in its performance. <br /><br />I will keep researching and finding new ways to improve the techniques for fencing from a chair, and hopefully more people will begin to understand this method of fighting. It has taken quite a while to figure things out, and is <i>still</i> a work in progress. I will continue to share my findings as well.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p></div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-28429531751337712922022-03-13T00:00:00.016+10:002022-04-20T09:33:36.611+10:00Armour is Hot<p> Greetings,</p><p>There is a certain amount of assumption that is made in regard to gear that is worn, especially when it is made of fabric that it will not affect a person particularly much; only rigid protective equipment, "real" armour is considered when the issue of heat and restriction is considered. This may not be a conscious thing, it may be a sub-conscious thing, I have found myself doing the same thing. Sometimes, especially during the hotter months of the year, we don't bother with the protective equipment during practice, for heat reasons. We get used to not wearing our protective gear and then when we do this is a problem. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Armour is Hot</h2><p>Our protective gear (PPE/Armour) needs to be taken into account. <br /><br />Now, I've already had a discussion about the <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2017/08/armour-in-hema.html" target="_blank">difference between protective gear or Personal Protective Equipment and armour</a>. I am going to be lazy and bounce between "PPE" and "Armour" knowing the difference between the two. I will use both and "protective gear" assuming that my reader will understand what I am aiming at. <br /><br />Back to the subject at hand. This PPE adds extra layers of material and extra weight to what we are used to carrying when we are usually walking around, even usually clothed. It is heavier and warmer than the clothes that we usually wear, thus "armour is hot." We need to get used to this "heat" and the presence of this armour and get to a situation where our movements are not distracted by the presence of this gear, what's called "Armour Fit."</p><p>The military gets its trainees used to carrying a pack and their weapons by getting them to run obstacle courses while wearing the gear and carrying the weapons, so the soldiers are used to carrying the gear and using the weapon under all circumstances. This approach to armour fitness has been present in military training since the Romans indeed the tactician Flavius Vegetius Renatus, known more commonly as Vegetius wrote about this in his <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_re_militari" target="_blank">Concerning Military Matters</a></i>. Part of it was even plagiarized as the "Poem of the Pel" in the Middle Ages. I am not suggesting that we should do such extreme training, however some of it might be of use to us, especially if we want to get really "Armour Fit".</p><p>If nothing else, we need to get used to the heat of the armour. We need to get used to simply wearing the armour as a part of our normal practice. This way, when we have it on for when we are bouting or competing in competitions, there will be substantially less restriction.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Training in Armour</h2><div>So, am I suggesting that we should do <i>all</i> of our training in our PPE? Yes, mostly. Am I suggesting that we should do the training in <i>all</i> of our PPE? Well, maybe not all of it, all of the time. There will be times when masks are not required and maybe gorgets, however the more armour that you wear during the training, the more that you will get used to it, the quicker you will become used to wearing it.</div><div><br /></div><div>"But that will tire me out quickly." Really? That certainly says something about your armour fitness if you can't go through a training session wearing the gear that you are supposed to be bouting or competing in, maybe this sort of training is exactly what you need to build up your endurance.</div><div><br /></div><div>"But the armour is hot and uncomfortable." Then maybe this is your chance to get used to the heat that it supplies, and find the areas where it is uncomfortable so you can make some modifications. This equipment like any form of clothing should be made to fit the wearer, not just taken off the shelf and assumed it is going to fit.</div><div><br /></div><div>During your first couple of times training in armour as described above you will have to pay close attention to your heat tolerance. Be very aware of any heat stress that you may be suffering and attend to it immediately. If you feel that you are beginning to suffer from heat stress, go sit down, drink water, remove some layers and rest for a while. Do NOT push it until you drop or dehydrate yourself. This will take some time to get used to and build up your tolerance. Besides if you do push until you drop, you are likely going to have to start at all over again as you recover and then build up again.</div><div><br /></div><div>You will notice some quite interesting differences between being in armour and being out of armour. Maybe this might require re-learning some skills, or modifying them to suit while you are in armour. The armour will change your movements.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Armoured vs Unarmoured</h2><div>You will notice that movements while wearing armour is different to not wearing it. This will change your actions. Likely one of the reasons you do not perform particular actions during your bouts is simply because you can't, because your PPE will not allow you to execute such actions. There is a significant amount of weight present and it is more bulky in different places this needs to be taken into account. While Musashi was talking about "real" armour, the same, in part, applies.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">"You cannot profit from small techniques particularly when full armour is worn." </div><span><div style="text-align: center;">Miyamoto Musashi <i>Go Rin No Sho</i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Certain techniques may not work for you because of the PPE that you are wearing. You need to take this into consideration. What is even more interesting about this situation is that we are supposed to be performing an <i>unarmoured</i> art, yet we are doing it while wearing <i>armour</i>, in a lot of cases. This is going to make a lot of difference to the way that we can and cannot move. <br /><br />This is especially the case when we look at a lot of HEMA combatants. They can't perform the correct actions because they can't move in the way that they need to because of their protective gear. Questions could be raised as to the reason that they need all the protective gear. It does not take all that much effort to damage an individual, so what is the reason for the hard blows? I think this is a matter for another article, or maybe one I have already discussed previously.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">All a learning process...</h2><p>This is all a learning process, but one that will be well worth your while. You have to learn what it is like to move in your protective gear, and your body has to learn to get used to the heat of the armour that is being worn. This is not a slow process and there will be some times, especially in the beginning, where you will need to slow down, not that this is a bad thing in training, so you can learn to cope with the increased stress.</p><p>If the armour gets too hot: stop, take a breather; even take the gear off if it is not required. The point being that the gear is there to protect you from harm, but if it is harming you then there is something that needs to be adjusted. The PPE has been proven to protect the individual, so it is really the individual that needs to change not the gear. The individual needs to get used to the heat and weight of the armour. Practice in the armour, get used to the heat and movement of the gear that you are fighting in so it presents less stress to your body and you will be a lot more comfortable when you fight, and you will be able to fight for longer.</p><p>Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-85572137474854203882022-02-13T00:00:00.045+10:002022-04-20T09:33:18.141+10:00A Fencer's Responsibility<p> Greetings,</p><p>There is lots of discussion about individuals' rights and what a person is or is not allowed to do, say, wear, or practice. People forget that along with <i>rights</i> come <i>responsibilities</i>. Responsibilities begin with the simple responsibilities we have to our fellow human beings which allow the rights to exist in the first place, but this post is not to discuss such subjects. If you want my discussion of this subject you can read it <a href="https://historicalsocialpolitical.blogspot.com/2018/08/rights-and-responsibilities.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The subject at hand is the responsibilities that each fencer has to each other fencer. These responsibilities are intrinsic with the picking up of a weapon, of any kind, simulated or not.</p><p>Every time that you fence, or even pick up your weapon you are representing every other fencer as a member of an unofficial, but present worldwide membership, that goes back into history, and crosses national and cultural boundaries. It does not matter if you are a member of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronisms), a kendoka, a sport fencer or a member of one of the many Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) groups around the world, you have a connection <i>ALL</i> of them, simply because you participate in the art of the sword. You have a responsibility to all of them to represent the art in its best light. This is the <i>first</i> responsibility that <i>you</i> have. Every time a person takes up a sword and strikes another human being in anger or with the intent to injure or kill, it sheds a negative light on <i>everyone</i> else. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Safety: It's All in Your Hands</h2><div>Safety in regard to any weapon, it primarily concerns control over that weapon. For a firearm it involves ensuring that the weapon is unloaded whenever it is away from the range; ensuring that it only points toward the target when it is loaded; your finger only goes anywhere near the trigger when you are ready to fire; and ensuring the weapon is again unloaded before leaving the firing area. All of these points are about controlling the mechanical processes which are involved in the operation of the weapon.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">It's Still a Weapon</h3><p>The firearm is obviously a weapon capable of doing damage, but in all cases the swords which are used in fencing should always be treated as weapons. They may be simulated weapons in most cases, except those used for test-cutting, but they are weapons nonetheless, and should be treated with the respect due a weapon as they still have the potential to do damage. This is something that you must appreciate, and thus observe all of the rules in regard to safety.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Rules and Conventions</h3><p>Some groups, and most of the officially established groups have formalised rules and conventions for the way they perform their combats. If the situation is a more informal situation then some of the rules and conventions may be unwritten and there may be some negotiation required before the combat starts. In either case, ensure that you always stay within the rules and conventions which have been established for the combat. They are there for your safety and the safety of your opponents. If you are unsure about any of these, ask <i>before</i> you start.</p><p>There are many reasons to fight within the established rules and conventions. In many instances if you do not there will be consequences for not doing so. These can be up to and including removing and banning you from participation. There is a better reason to fight within these standards, it will result in a more pleasant fight, and people will more likely want to fight you again. This will give you a better reputation, and this spreads to other groups with which they will have contact. I have already discussed the subject of <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2016/10/renown-versus-notoriety.html" target="_blank">notoriety and renown</a> in another article previously.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Excessive Blow</h3><p>There will be instances where a combatant will be struck too hard. This is inevitable as fencing is, after all, a contact sport. The purpose is to strike the opponent after all. There is an acceptable standard set in groups as to what blow is hard enough and what is too much, the latter being an "excessive blow." This may waver between groups and even within a group. <br /><br />You should always attempt to strike with sufficient force to transmit your intent, but never to injure your opponent, if there is no standard set. Discuss the standard in a group where you are visiting to ensure that you do not strike too hard. It is <i>your</i> responsibility to ensure that you do not strike too hard.</p><p>Now incidents will happen where such blows are unavoidable, colloquially it could be called the, "sh*t happens" situation, but this is the exception more than the rule. Such an incident could occur where both fencers attack simultaneously, mutually striking one another, or even simply one striking the other. One miscalculates what the other is about to do, expecting them to go back instead of forward, and they are struck, the result is an "excessive blow." </p><p>In each instance the responsibility falls to the person holding the weapon which struck the person who received the "excessive blow" not the person who was struck. The blame should not fall on the person who is struck as the individual should have control of their weapon. Again, there will be instances where the individual has thrown themselves on to the weapon, but it is up to them to <i>accept</i> the blame rather than <i>receive</i> it. This is a fine line, but it must be noted.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Know the Rules</h2><p>Some will state part of safety and what has been said previously is knowing the rules, and in part they are correct. It is important to know the rules, but the following discussion focuses on the rules of the game that is being played, rather than the game and how it is played. There are often long sets of rules which are presented and many participants read part of them, leaving much of them to marshals or referees, depending on what the appointed safety personnel are called. For convenience, I will be calling them "marshals" and the combatants as "fencers".</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Fencer's Rules</h3><p>Many feel it is sufficient for a fencer only to know those rules which particularly pertain to the fencer. In this they feel it is only necessary that the fencer know: the conventions of combat, armour and weapon standards, and how to fight safely. The result is they focus on only those rules which pertain to them as a fencer which either get them on the field or involve them actually fencing. This, unfortunately, leaves a rather large hole in their knowledge, and can cause issues for them, should certain incidents arise.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Know All the Rules</h3><p>In actual fact, even for fencers it is better to know all of the rules. This is because they give explanation to things in the fencer's rules which are often described in detail in the later parts. A fencer may be involved in an incident on the field of combat. If they have only read the bare minimum, they do not know how to handle the incident, aside from talking with their opponent, and maybe the marshal on the field.</p><p>Knowing all the rules allows the fencer to know procedures for following up on incidents which occur on the field, should they occur. On the more positive side, should a fencer find a weapon combination that is not yet covered in the rules, they will, however give direction how they might be able to experiment with permission, rather than simply turning up and simply being not allowed to use it. Other procedures which are presented in the rules include what to do about another fencer if they break a rule, or if the fencer has concerns about the rules.</p><p>If the fencer only knows their part of the rules. How do they know when a marshal is acting within the bounds of the rules? How do they know how to do anything about this? All such information is, no doubt, found somewhere within the rules and procedures, beyond the simple rules for fencers. Likewise the reporting procedures, so any of the incidents mentioned above, can be reported correctly is likely present. This way something can be done about the incidents, the first time, rather than a lot of backward and forward as the fencer talks trying to find the right person to talk to.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Rules and Safety</h2><div>It would be nice to think that every combatant had the safety of every other combatant in mind every time they took the field. It is simply not the case. Once the adrenaline begins to flow, and the desire for victory is present, often concerns for safety tend to blend into the background and things get missed. It is at these times the individual needs to stand firm and be the representative of safety, even if it is only doing their part to keep them and their opponent safe.<br /><br />One way of keeping people safe is to know the rules under which you are fighting, and knowing all the procedures so you can follow them, should it be required. If you are involved in an incident, it is your responsibility to report it as you were involved. If you expect something to be done about it, then it is likely that you will have to follow it up using the correct procedures. This is your responsibility.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>You</i> have a responsibility as a fencer, one that is linked to every other fencer around the world. The safer you can make what you do the more likely that what you do will last for years to come. The greatest threat that fencing of all kinds faces is not from a lack of participants, but from safety issues and thus legal and insurance issues. It is <i>your</i> responsibility to do <i>your</i> part to keep it safe.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</div><div><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div>You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-23392564026386571412022-01-13T00:00:00.044+10:002022-01-13T00:00:00.143+10:00Nietzsche and the Art of FenceGreetings,<br />
<br />There is much discussion about the philosophical approach to fencing, mostly from the perspective of how a person should train and approach their "game". Questions are asked about whether fencing is a series of touches against an opponent or a series of questions and answers between two fencers having a conversation, and such like questions. What follows does not discuss these philosophical approaches, it discusses what happens when the fencer becomes broken, or old, and how and why the old and/or broken fencer can and should continue on with a long-term injury or injuries, or chronic illness.<br /><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Of Nietzsche</h2><div>For the Nazi implications in regard to Nietzsche and Nietzsche's work, which are sometimes made, I will simply say that, a person writes, or creates a thing, it is often up to others how they use the thing. This is the same case with Nietzsche's ideas and what the Nazis did with them. The Nazis took Nietzsche's ideas, and like they did with many ideas at the time, perverted them to suit their own ideals. Nietzsche was not even alive at the time of the foundation of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_Party" target="_blank">Nazi Party</a>, he had been dead for 20 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>With that distasteful piece of discussion out of the way we can talk more about the man and how he could relate to being broken. He suffered through bouts of physical and mental illness throughout his life and it was during these times that he wrote some of his most significant works. He managed himself around these times of illness, something we can learn from.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nietzchean Philosophy is more common than you might think, <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Out
of life's school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Brad/Documents/Swordplay/Personal/Philosophy/Nietzche%20and%20the%20Art%20of%20Fence/Nietzsche%20and%20the%20Art%20of%20Fence.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Yes, that oft-used quote comes from Nietzsche, and forms the foundation of much of the philosophy which I have found most useful, especially in this discussion of its relation to fencing. For the Stoics in the audience, it was Nietzsche who arrived at the concept of "Amor Fati" - love your fate. By this, he meant if you truly embrace the life that you have and you will find power in it. This is a concept which the modern Stoics have embraced.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Of Fencing and Philosophy</h2><div><div>On the one hand, while readers of these articles are likely relatively familiar with fencing and fencing terms, because this is their area of interest, there are distinctively fewer who are familiar with philosophers and philosophy. So when it comes to philosophical terms and individuals concerned with philosophy, somewhat of an introduction is required. Assumptions, especially those broadcast in the main by media or rumour, like the Nazi connections, mentioned above, need to be exposed and removed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of all the important concepts which are found within Nietzsche's work, for the fencer with an injury, especially a long-term one, or a chronic illness, the most important one is the "will to power" a concept in which the power is found within the individual so long as they have the will to find it. This concerns not only living life but living life well. Nietzsche states that life gives will, but not just to live, but to power, thus to live well. He extols the reader to live well not just live. This living well is found through defeating the challenges which are put before them. Further, then surmounting the greater challenges that are put before them after those.</div><div>
<div><div id="ftn1"><h2 style="text-align: left;">Merely the Beginning</h2></div></div></div><div>This discussion is merely the beginning; a bare scraping of the surface of my thoughts on the subject and the research I have performed on the subject. If you are interested and feel that you have a need to read the document in its complete form, and it is quite long and in-depth, it can be found attached to this <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2p00qke9013vf2x/Nietzsche%20and%20the%20Art%20of%20Fence.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">Dropbox link</a>, or by contacting the author, the same as this blog, i.e. me.<div><br /></div><div>Cheers,</div><div><br />Henry.<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.<br /><br /></div></div>
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Brad/Documents/Swordplay/Personal/Philosophy/Nietzche%20and%20the%20Art%20of%20Fence/Nietzsche%20and%20the%20Art%20of%20Fence.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Nietzsche, F (1895) <i>Twilight of the Idols</i>,
<a href="http://www.handprint.com/SC/NIE/GotDamer.html">http://www.handprint.com/SC/NIE/GotDamer.html</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">, para. 8</span></p></div></div></div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-10437923342181540192021-12-13T00:00:00.040+10:002021-12-13T00:00:00.159+10:00Of Guard and Ward<p> Greetings,<br /><br />The following came out of a discussion with one of my students, Adam Kaye, who has made a translation of <a href="https://tempusswords.co.uk/product/lovino-practice-theory" target="_blank">Lovino's treatise</a> into English, by the way. The discussion concerns the differences and similarities between guards and wards. The discussion will examine the concept of the ward and the concept of the guard, then compare and contrast the two. This leads to a discussion finding out where they mean the same thing and where they mean two different things. Within this discussion, there will be an historical consideration of these terms, in the sense of the treatises, as well as actual <i>use</i> of the terms as they have been used throughout the history of the sword, sometimes to mean the same thing, sometimes to mean different things.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Actual versus Potential</h2><p>The difference as it is taken in the modern sense between the guard and the ward concerning their defensive positions. In simplest terms one, the guard is an actual defensive position while the ward is a potential defensive position. The guard by its nature closes a Line so it provides the fencer with an <i>actual</i> defensive position. The ward does not typically do this, so the fencer must make an action for defence so is a <i>potential</i> defensive position. Of course, there are exceptions to this, as always, which will be discussed below.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Historical Considerations</h2><p>Historically, we must examine the concepts of "ward" and "guard" to understand how they were used in the periods in which they were used. Earlier on, they were used pretty much indiscriminately, the were used as synonyms, used to mean and describe the same thing. This was much the case for most of the medieval and Renaissance period. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">“lying
calm and settled in some form with arms, either in order to offend or defend,
that settlement, and that position, and that composition of the body in that
guise, in that form, I call “guard”.<span style="font-family: inherit;">" (</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Viggiani,
A. (1575) <i>Lo Schermo</i>, Translated by W.
Jherek Swanger 2002)</span></span></blockquote><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </span><br />It was only in the later Renaissance period that the ward, began to turn more toward the guard, where the weapon was used to close areas of the combatant off. This was most presently demonstrated by Fabris' concept of <i>contra-postura</i> in which the fencer adopted a position which was closed to the opponent.<div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;">“According to Fabris, a counterguard (or
counterposture) is a subtle adjustment of any of the main guards made to ensure
that <i>the line between the opponent’s tip
and one’s body is completely covered by the forte of the sword. </i>Counterpostures are to be formed outside
the measure in order to ensure good defense once the “danger zone” is entered.” (</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Leoni,
T. (2002) “A Brief Glossary of Italian Rapier Concepts”, The Association for
Renaissance Martial Arts, <a href="http://www.thearma.org/rapierglossary.htm">http://www.thearma.org/rapierglossary.htm</a>)</span></span></p></blockquote><p><br />While this was a process made against an opponent and the later forms of rapier positions began to take into account the position of the opponent and began to close off areas to the opponent's attack. This was only the beginnings of what we could call a "true" guard. The guard which is familiar today would have to wait until the advent of the smallsword.</p><p>The guards of the smallsword and later modern sport fencing weapons were designed to close off a Line. These were guards in the truest sense. Any attack down the Line of the guard that was closed could be ignored and this forced the opponent to attack a Line that was open. Here we see the conception of what is understood by a guard in the modern sense. But the discussion does not end there.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">One is the Other</h2><div>There are instances where a ward is a guard, where a Line is closed to the opponent because of the position of the weapon or the body, or the combination of the weapon and the body, this article does not claim that this is absent. Indeed these instances <i>are</i> recognised and are notable. One of the prime instances that this occurs, is when a person deliberately adopts a <i>contra-postura</i> to the opponent's position. Other instances occur when the individual is in a such a position in which the weapon is in such an position that the opponent's weapon must be closed out of the Line such as in the hanging guard. These positions are made easier by the addition of an off-hand device which can serve to assist in the closing of a Line. In these cases there are more wards that are like guards. </div><p>Most guards are also wards; they are also positions from which attacks and defences are easily launched. They simply have the added advantage of having one Line which is closed to the opponent so that Line the fencer does not have to worry about during the initial part of the encounter. The guard is a position from which it is also comfortable to launch attacks from, and also defend the other Lines which are not defended by the position of the guard in that position. It is a guard in the sense of one Line, but a ward in the sense of the other Lines which are not already covered.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What is the Purpose?</h2><p>The necessary thing is that the purpose needs to be examined, the purpose behind the two different types of stances which are present in fencing. The ward starts the fencer relatively open, but expects the fencer to act against all the actions of the opponent, making choices to attack or defend. The guard closes a Line automatically defending a position against the opponent and driving their attacks toward another direction. This, primarily, prepares the fencer to respond to attacks in that other direction. The guard is intended to limit the opponent's options, and also the required actions of the fencer.</p><p>Once you can understand the purpose of a thing, like the ward and the guard it is relatively easy to sort out which is which. Further you can sort out how to turn one to the other, how to close a Line that may be open or create an opportunity for an active action, depending what your desire is. Some will prefer to sit and wait for their opponent to make the first action, others will prefer to make the first action themselves. In part this should be a consideration as to whether you choose a ward or a guard, and which one you take against which opponent. While relatively simple, these questions can get quite complex the further you look into them.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><p><br /></p><p>P.S. You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</p></div>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-68216875430297434332021-11-13T00:00:00.014+10:002021-11-13T00:00:00.154+10:00All a Matter of Attitude<p> Greetings,</p><p>The following discussion is about attitude, about the philosophical approach you take to your fencing. Now, I will admit that in my early years that I was a "tourney-bunny" which meant that all that was important to me was the next tournament, defeating my next opponent, securing my next position in that tournament, and I did quite well at it. Time has gone by, I have found that there is more to be found in the Art of Swordsmanship, there is more to be found than just defeating my opponent. </p><p>There is a philosophical approach that a person can take that will enable a person to find personal growth, but it has to be embraced, and it is necessary to focus on more than just how to defeat an opponent, as this is rather limiting in the scope of things. Questions will be asked in the following discussion, questions that we must all answer in all seriousness. If you want to change your approach you have to be serious about it, and work on it <i>every</i> time that you fence.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Are you focused on the win or swordsmanship?</h2><div>The first dividing line is the biggest one of them. It is a rather generic approach which people will then claim that a person can use swordsmanship to win, this is true, but the focus is still on winning not on swordsmanship. A person who is concerned about the win over swordsmanship will compromise their swordsmanship for the win.</div><p>A person who is focused on swordsmanship will not be concerned about winning, they will be concerned about improving their skills in swordsmanship. A bout or tournament is merely a way to test what they have learned outside of the cooperative situation of the drill. To put their skills to the test against an opponent, who may not give them the "textbook" attacks or responses, to see what they have truly learned in their training. This leads on to the next question that needs to be asked.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Are you concerned about the hit, or the way you got the hit?</h2><div>A fencer who is concerned about winning will only be concerned that they struck their opponent. A fencer who is concerned about swordsmanship will be concerned about the <i>way</i> they struck their opponent. There are all sorts of gimmicks and tricks that can be used to strike the opponent, not restricted to, using the flexibility of the blade to bend it around the opponent's weapon, or simple blind speed.<br /><br />The fencer who is concerned about swordsmanship will be concerned that they struck their opponent in a fashion which would result in the sword, acting like a real weapon, striking the opponent and doing sufficient damage to incapacitate or wound them, while maintaining the principles of fencing theory i.e. such things as engagement, time and distance. A clean cut, not one that bounces. A clean thrust, not one that skips off the opponent. A clean action, one following the other that results in the opponent being struck and the fencer not being struck. Actions which conform to what the fencer has learned and practised in drills. When the fencer is struck by such an attack, they complement their opponent.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Can you complement your opponent on a good hit, or is it simply a failure on your part, an assault on your ego?</h2><div>The fencer who is focused on the win will not understand how a fencer can complement an opponent on a good hit. They will not understand how the fencer can appreciate the good action of an opponent, because in their mind the strike against them is a failure on their part; it means that they have not won the bout. This is because they are focused on the win, and anything that is not a win is to be disregarded. This truncates their learning, because they never get to learn from their opponent.</div><p>The fencer who is focused on swordsmanship, who complements their opponent on a good hit, who appreciates the action of the opponent, has the advantage because they can learn from their experience. They can always see the strike against them as a chance to learn from an encounter, not as a failure because they did not win. They also have the advantage that their opponent will often have a better feeling fighting them and enjoy their encounters with them more, because of such appreciation.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do you understand the difference between notoriety and renown and how they are achieved?</h2><p>I have already written about the difference between <a href="https://afencersramblings.blogspot.com/2016/10/renown-versus-notoriety.html" target="_blank">renown and notoriety</a> in a previous article on this blog, because it is a significant subject. They are something which the fencer should always have in the back of their mind when they fence, regardless of whether they are fencing in bouting, or in a tournament. These are achieved through the view of the individual's peers, through the actions of the individual. It is the public's impression of the individual, and they do go ahead of the individual.</p><p>The fencer who wins and is focused on the win, especially if it is regardless of the cost, will earn themselves notoriety. Notoriety is a difficult mark to get rid of, and the respect that goes with it only last so long as the individual is an effective (that is to say, can win) fencer, after that, often the notoriety remains and the respect goes. The fencer who is focused on swordsmanship, who complements their opponent, who fights with courtesy, will more likely earn themselves renown. The fencer with renown, will keep renown so long as they continue to treat their opponents with respect, regardless of the results they have in bout or tournament. The issue being that once notoriety is earned it is difficult to get rid of, in the period when swords were sharp it would've earned the fencer the name of "duellist."</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do you understand what would gain you the reputation of a duellist, and that of a gentleman, or lady?</h2><p>Some will claim that there is little point in knowing the history or the culture of the period in which the weapons were used, even when they are studying the same weapons. Some will claim that there is little point in studying the manuals on duelling and etiquette from the period, as they do not apply to what is being studied in our contemporary era. This is because the weapons that we are using now are blunt, and there is little chance that someone is going to be challenged to a duel.</p><p>Once again it highlights the difference in attitude, it approach to the art of the sword, that people study. Many of the explanations for the actions are found in the culture and history of the period. The manuals on duelling and etiquette give the cultural foundations for what is found in the fencing treatises of the period for the weapons which are being used. If you were an individual who was just interested in furthering yourself through finding fights and winning them, you would've quickly earned your name as a duellist, however if you studied the art as a part of the requirements should you require it, that would earn you the name of lady, or gentleman, or swordsman. </p><p>The one could likely get you in trouble, decrease your reputation, impact other areas of your social life, determine who would associate with you, and not. The other title would assist you into negotiations and further you life, increase your reputation and so forth. The interesting thing is that the same thing can be seen even today in contrast between the two different groups highlighted in this discussion. For the most part, the latter, the ones who are interested in swordsmanship, and are courteous to their opponents, find more people to fence, simply because people like to fence them more. </p><p>Consider your approach to your fencing, don't just consider what you're getting out of it, but what are you giving back, especially to your opponents.</p><p>Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><p><br /></p><p>P.S. You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6313781518801847621.post-10056605858399695052021-10-13T00:00:00.011+10:002021-10-14T09:21:30.942+10:00Fencing is Choices and Consequences<p> Greetings,</p><p>The title of this article makes it look like it's about social choices we make in our fencing career. I have spoken about this long and in-depth previously; this time it isn't. Those choices will determine the length and depth of your fencing career, often will result in what sort of people you will associate with, and your overall worldview of fencing. For this article I am wanting to look more at the fencing itself, though it is likely the discussion will venture into some those areas again as they are all related. </p><p>When we fence there is a set of choices to be made. These result in consequences in our fencing, and sometimes, even broader than that. For the purposes of this article, I want to focus on the choices and consequences that are made in regard to the act of fencing, and some of the physical details attached to it. There are some simple things that we do not take into consideration which will affect our fencing, choices which we make, either consciously or subconsciously which will affect the result of the bout/s that we have.</p><p>The interplay of choices and consequences in the act of fencing one of the reasons I really enjoy fencing (there are others). A fencer makes a choice in the actions that they take; then they must face the consequences of those actions. Sometimes the consequences of those actions are immediate, sometimes they take a little longer to take effect, but they always have an effect. There is no avoiding this situation. There is <i>always</i> some effect.</p><p>If an opponent makes an attack, there is a choice to make in the response. Even the timing of this response is a choice. If the fencer making this choice gets the choice right, they don't get hit; if they make an incorrect choice, it is likely that they will be hit, unless they have redundancy built into their choice, and the redundancy is a choice too. This is the immediate result, the immediate consequence.</p><p>Even where there is a redundancy built into the response, there will still be a consequence for the primary response failing. This may cost the fencer Time, Distance, or both. Both of these are essential to fencing, and any action that loses the fencer either one of these will affect the actions that follow.</p><p>Each time a fencer makes a choice, there are consequences. Those consequences are not necessarily immediate, such as being struck, but they will have an effect on the encounter. Each action affects the position of the fencers in time and space, an action which takes the fencer out of the correct time or space is going to affect where they should be for the following actions. This is especially important for compound actions. The effect of half a foot-length (even less) over two actions can be amazing, as will be the effect of an action which is even slightly out of <i>tempo</i>.</p><p>Fencing with an opponent is a series of choices and consequences made. Successful fencing is simply making the right choices, for your fencing at the right time. Of course, this is made easier by training and practising so you have more options available and so more correct choices to make. </p><p>Cheers,<br /><br />Henry.</p><p><br /></p><p>P.S. You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this <a href="https://donate.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LandingPage&country=AU&uselang=en&utm_medium=donatewiki_page&utm_source=Ways_to_Give&utm_campaign=donate_now_btn" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.</p>Henry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07709154816465095991noreply@blogger.com0