First Time Training

[Solinus]

So today was my very first training session with a saber. I'm sorry that I don't have any pictures or videos to share with you, but you didn't really want to see this train wreck anyway. Haha!! We'll have to see about next time. I actually want to have some videos of me so that I can see my progression over time, so maybe you WILL get to see some stuff!

Anyhow, let's see.. where do I begin? Oh yeah! So I met up with our very own Lucien Kane. I'm lucky to have someone as talented as him live close enough and willing to teach me. Like I said, I'm a train wreck, but he was patient.

THE TRIP

I live in a part of San Diego called Chula Vista. It look me roughly 50 minutes of driving to reach the training grounds, one way. It's a killer on gas, having a Titan that eats 1 gallon every 18 miles. I don't mind the drive. I love driving and listening to my music. It calms me and allows me time to think. Sometimes that's not a good thing though, as I tend to think of the things that have caused me so much pain in the last year, and I get angry. But overall, the trip is nice and the scenery is beautiful. It's why I am never leaving San Diego.

THE LOCATION

All I can say is that this place really lends itself to a Star Wars themed Jedi training academy. Walking down the winding stone steps, through the trees, we arrived at a dirt clearing next to a wall covered with overgrown brush and vines. Trees lined the area, as well as a broken bridge and an area of overgrown vegetation. The only way that I can describe this would be Yavin IV and the Massassi Temple. I pictured Luke training his new Jedi forces here before the restoration of the temple.

THE TRAINING

So I have very little, if any, real martial arts experience. I trained in Wu Shu Kung Fu for a couple of months in high school (17 years ago), and some close combat MMA training learned in the Army. My footwork is non-existent. Like I said: a train wreck. The first thing Lucien asked me was what I wanted to learn. I said just the basics. That's what we did. Basic footwork with some light dueling between us. We went pretty much non stop from 11:30 until 4:00. I didn't feel it then, but when I got home, my legs were very sore and I was tired.

I am my own worst critic. We all are. But I know I came away having learned at least ONE thing. I feel better on my feet. I know not to watch the blade and watch the persons body (eyes or shoulders). I learned that the hard way. We went through a few basic sequences, and practiced the one thing I was having a real problem with: my spins and flourishes.

I will be heading back each week on Sunday, and may even be bringing my son if my ex-wife will allow it. If not, I'll be teaching him what I learn.

Someone really needs to consider bestowing Lucien Kane with the title of Master. Don't take MY word for it. Just look at all of the stuff he has done for me and for the rest of the saber community here. I would say he knows what he is doing.

[Master Lucien Kane]

Haha thanks dude! you are too kind... All I do is bring to light what you already have inside though. It's all you, a teacher is only as good as his students, and you are a great student. You soak up the knowledge well, just wait you'll be taking Jedi scum like me down in no time. lol


Today was a blast Solinus, another couple of friends of mine, and my 10 year old brother in law were all crossing blades today... I am actually tired today, which is saying something!

Thanks for being a great sport, and driving such a long distance! You are an asset to our little team we have going here.

[Solinus]

I really enjoyed it!

I've been practicing most of the night, after eating dinner. I REALLY need to go outside though. I don't think my ceiling fan or the walls in my bedroom can take much more abuse.

Working on footwork is easy in the house. But incorporating it with a saber is difficult in a confined space.

It's 10:30 right now. I think I may just head out to the patch of grass outside of my door and practice there. I'm just worried that someone will come walking by and think I'm a weirdo or something. I know.. I shouldn't care what people think of me. But I do.

I'll keep the LED turned off. That should help in the "not drawing attention to myself" dept. But when I get better with things, I'm sure I'll draw positive attention as it'll actually look cool.

Thanks again for all of your help today. I really appreciate it and I had a blast.

Oh, by the way, the flourish? The one that goes behind the back??

I has it... 

[Xanedan]

It's so awesome to see the community come together and help each other like this.

[Master Lucien Kane]

Oh, by the way, the flourish? The one that goes behind the back??

I has it... 

Nice!!! dude that is sick... most people take months to pick that one up.

Way to go, and practice makes perfect... Cheesy line, but true.

thanks Xanedan, we'll get videos going next time.

[Darth Cestual]

I gotta say I envy you Solinus, LK is indeed one of the most skilled saber enthusiasts I've seen out there in youtube land and anyone apprenticing under him has an enormous opportunity to learn from.

Lucien, I really hope you plan on doing a virtual jedi academy at some point for those of us who can't really commute, lol.

[Master Lucien Kane]

I gotta say I envy you Solinus, LK is indeed one of the most skilled saber enthusiasts I've seen out there in youtube land and anyone apprenticing under him has an enormous opportunity to learn from.

Lucien, I really hope you plan on doing a virtual jedi academy at some point for those of us who can't really commute, lol.

Thanks! I really can't express how humbling and kind the compliments are! You guys are seriously awesome!

When I get my own place depending on the setup... I definitely plan to do a Star Wars themed workshop, and it will be set up like a Jedi praxeum type ship or something. I just need my own place to do this with......

Donations are always welcome! lol     
 

[ZequarX]

MAN... I'm totally jealous! I'm glad you guys got to train though, thats very very cool of both of yall to come together and get things rollin!

LK, you still heading down to Texas here soon? I'd be willing to do the same thing bro, as far as meeting up with you, if and when you do?

Solinus, you will be a battle hardened warrior here soon man, we will ALL need to watch out for you!

[Darth Cestual]

Donations are always welcome! lol     
 

have you considered Kickstarter? 

[Master Lucien Kane]

Didn't know this existed... I wonder if they would have a rule against me starting a project of making a Tythonian Jedi Temple.... lol I guess I need to start doing research now.

[Darth Cestual]

Just take a bit of time to browse the projects and you'll see a wide range of endeavors being attempted. Everything from card games to movies. I imagine your list of "freebies" for donations can range anything from tutorials to sabers. Many Kickstarters are just looking for operating capital to keep their bills paid while they work on their project. Something to consider.

[Veldryne]

I really enjoyed it!

I've been practicing most of the night, after eating dinner. I REALLY need to go outside though. I don't think my ceiling fan or the walls in my bedroom can take much more abuse.

Working on footwork is easy in the house. But incorporating it with a saber is difficult in a confined space.

It's 10:30 right now. I think I may just head out to the patch of grass outside of my door and practice there. I'm just worried that someone will come walking by and think I'm a weirdo or something. I know.. I shouldn't care what people think of me. But I do.

I'll keep the LED turned off. That should help in the "not drawing attention to myself" dept. But when I get better with things, I'm sure I'll draw positive attention as it'll actually look cool.

Thanks again for all of your help today. I really appreciate it and I had a blast.

Oh, by the way, the flourish? The one that goes behind the back??

I has it... 

Keep the light on its worth it! When we dont have our full group out we just end up destroyiing my front lawn and people drive by all the time honking and shouting, and more than a few people stop to watch for a min or two!