This weapon is your life: Saberfit Challenge

[Darth Nonymous]

Owe sore. I just finished my first session of a new workout plan. Very very sore core right now. Probably doing another set once the rugrat is in bed.

I know it's going to help the sabering overall as I keep doing it.

You're not doing sit up or crunches are you?

[Veldryne]

No weird twisty stuff I've never seen before holding my body off the ground and not letting it sag, basically only using my abdominal muscles rigid.

Situps are garbage. I've known that forever.

[Darth Nonymous]

No weird twisty stuff I've never seen before holding my body off the ground and not letting it sag, basically only using my abdominal muscles rigid.

Situps are garbage. I've known that forever.

Good.

There is simple equation to protect your back. When you are under load (holding a contraction like not letting your body sag) the spine should never twist or bend. If you drew a rectangle from out shoulders to hips, those stay in line while tense. Twisting, bending and other things require relaxation. Other wise our are putting tons of compassion on the spine and then moving it under that tension.

TPLA will be doing a live show on conditioning and exercise to keep everyone strong and uninjured. I have at least one big researcher lined up to come and present.

[Veldryne]

Nice ! Looking forward to it. My stomach mucked hurt like I've been kicked by a bantha lol. I'm going to do the workout three times tomorrow since its just a short 15 min one. Same sunday and Monday, then switch to a different one for a couple of days.

[Darth Nonymous]

Nice ! Looking forward to it. My stomach mucked hurt like I've been kicked by a bantha lol. I'm going to do the workout three times tomorrow since its just a short 15 min one. Same sunday and Monday, then switch to a different one for a couple of days.

You might want to take it easy and let your body adapt a bit. do something different then get back to it when you are fresh. Or just do it a bit easier. There is no reason to huff and puff or feel sore after a core work out.

Periodization and rest are the most important and are almost always neglected by people.

Be like Jackie Chan,

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osw-XJyC35M" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osw-XJyC35M</a>

Except for the sit ups.

[Thonolan]

If I could offer one observation: I suggest that you focus on one handed techniques for now. I notice when you change to single handed, you attacks are often off center and have what we consider "flail" after the strike. This leaves your left side wide open and your body mechanics suffer a bit.

All observations are welcome and encouraged! I will spend more time with them. I noticed myself that when I was attempting to "swing and stop" as opposed to allowing myself to flow the flail happened more. I will work on changing my rotation points to bring them in closer to my body, which should stop the flail and allow me to control my body a little easier.

On the other hand, when you are wielding two handed, everything look very good. Your strikes are clear and relatively clean. There is none of the flail or dropping off center. Two handed is also the prefer grip of Shi-Cho, and I have agree with Master Nero, that is where you would do well to place a lot of attention.

I cant help but feel like my saber hilt is to short for a dedicated 2 handed style, my hands are fairly large and they are nearly stacked on top of each other when I use both hands right now. I am ordering some parts from TCSS to extend the length of the hilt for that exact reason (also to make it look pretty )

Again good work. I look forward to more videos.

And Point for doing one in good light.

hehe, it was pitch black outside! All that light is from my saber, the thing is monster bright!

[Darth Nonymous]

All observations are welcome and encouraged! I will spend more time with them. I noticed myself that when I was attempting to "swing and stop" as opposed to allowing myself to flow the flail happened more. I will work on changing my rotation points to bring them in closer to my body, which should stop the flail and allow me to control my body a little easier.

I cant help but feel like my saber hilt is to short for a dedicated 2 handed style, my hands are fairly large and they are nearly stacked on top of each other when I use both hands right now. I am ordering some parts from TCSS to extend the length of the hilt for that exact reason (also to make it look pretty )

Again good work. I look forward to more videos. hehe, it was pitch black outside! All that light is from my saber, the thing is monster bright!

Try doing real eases and seeing the slash as more of a two hand assist. that way you can let go and place your hand back on when the mechanics count.

As far as the one handed bit, just try to keep it on the centerline as much as possible.

[Master VorNach]

I cant help but feel like my saber hilt is to short for a dedicated 2 handed style, my hands are fairly large and they are nearly stacked on top of each other when I use both hands right now. I am ordering some parts from TCSS to extend the length of the hilt for that exact reason (also to make it look pretty )

Again good work. I look forward to more videos. hehe, it was pitch black outside! All that light is from my saber, the thing is monster bright!

How long is your current hilt?
D_Nonymous and I have had numerous discussions about what's comfortable or not. There seems to be a middle ground of about 12" that most people find comfortable for 2 handed hilts but it's always subjective.

[Thonolan]

I am currently using a stock initiate V3, which sits just about 10 inches. my top dominant hand sits at the first choke point witch is about an inch and a half in (can't find my measuring tape) and my hands are about 4.5" wide. in order to 2 hand they are stacked one above another.

I think having about 12"-14" of room would be Ideal for a 2 handed approach (which is what mine will be with the extension and new pommel).


The only time I can remember being comfortable wielding with 2 hands was when I dueled a friend and held a nodachi sized Bokken. Partially because of the weight, but the overall length of the hilt gave me so much room for activities.

[Thonolan]

also - Just wanted to put a shout out to Master Nero for the Makashi video. I've been studying it and used it at our session last night. It really messed up my usual sparring partner to have me switch from a very Juyo-esque attack to a parry/counter mid match.

I scored quite a few hits being able to switch between techniques.

He is a very fluid and aggressive fighter so my movement with him needs to be bang on.

[Master Nero Attoru]

also - Just wanted to put a shout out to Master Nero for the Makashi video. I've been studying it and used it at our session last night. It really messed up my usual sparring partner to have me switch from a very Juyo-esque attack to a parry/counter mid match.

I scored quite a few hits being able to switch between techniques.

He is a very fluid and aggressive fighter so my movement with him needs to be bang on.

There's nothing a teacher loves more than knowing that his instruction helped somebody.  I'm glad to hear it worked for you!

Even if you're not a Makashi practitioner, many of the techniques I was demonstrating can come in handy.  Adding them to your repetoire of moves definitely makes you more versatile, and therefore unpredictable.  I hope to make some more vids in the future to try and reinforce such concepts, as well as introduce some new ones.

[Master VorNach]

I am currently using a stock initiate V3, which sits just about 10 inches. my top dominant hand sits at the first choke point witch is about an inch and a half in (can't find my measuring tape) and my hands are about 4.5" wide. in order to 2 hand they are stacked one above another.

I think having about 12"-14" of room would be Ideal for a 2 handed approach (which is what mine will be with the extension and new pommel).

Without actually seeing what you're describing it sounds like 14" will work pretty well for you. I would suggest you get a pommel with a larger diameter than the hilt assembly; it serves as a sort of backstop to help prevent your hand from sliding off. Also if you cup the end of the pommel in your off hand it can allow a good grip for some blade manipulate techniques.

[Veldryne]

a couple new clips from tract and myself from last night

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFyZrEVzkHY" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFyZrEVzkHY</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxFD3GD_1D0" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxFD3GD_1D0</a>

[Master VorNach]

Very smooth and clean V., really nice work.

[Darth Nonymous]

I'l throw this up here as well.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjaGIW69QkE" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjaGIW69QkE</a>