IL MFFG TC 01

TC 01-IL The Illinois Meyer Frei Fechter Guild DECEMEBER 2011 DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. TC 01-IL Training Circular No. 01-Illinois IL MFFG Lincoln, IL, 30 December 2011 Illinois Meyer FreiFechter Guild Contents Page PREFACE................................................................................................................. ii Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C 30 December 2011 The Guild............................................................................................................. .1-1 IL MFFG.................................................................................................................2-1 Mission Statement…………………………………………………………….....2-1 Training…………………...……………………………………………………...2-1 Research……………………………………………………………………….....2-2 Leadership……………………………………………………………………….2-2 Safety……………………………………………………………………………..2-3 Training Overview………….............................................................................. 3-1 Warm Up Phase…............................................................................................... 3-1 Drill Phase…....…............................................................................................... 3-2 Training Phase..…............................................................................................... 3-3 Administration.................................................................................................... A-1 Training and Safety Gear................................................................................... A-1 Uniform Policy.…............................................................................................... A-4 Wavier..………….................................................................................................A-5 Fechter Pre-Evaluation .......................................................................................A-6 Warm Up Examples…….....................................................................................B-1 Rotations…………................................................................................................B-1 Warm Up Exercises……..................................................................................... B-3 Leger Zufechten Example Handout..........................................………………B-8 Drill Examples…................................................................................................. C-1 The 4 Count Drill…............................................................................................. C-1 Straight Cuts Drill............................................................................................... C-2 The 4 Opening Drill…........................................................................................ C-3 SFL Hangenort Drill…....................................................................................... C-1 Circuit Drill……….............................................................................................. C-5 Dunham Control Drill….....................................................................................C-5 TC 01-IL i This page intentionally left blank. Preface “To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.” - Socrates Training Circular 01-IL is the primary reference on operations of the Illinois Meyer Frei Fechter Guild Study Group up to, but not necessarily beyond, the publication release date. All of the Training Circulars produced by IL-MFFG are by design secondary references to Meister Joachim Meyer’s works and should serve only as training aids. This TC is intended for internal IL MFFG usage, specifically for the prospective, probational and newer members of the Study Group. Information involving the different weapon systems employed by IL MFFG as interpreted from Meister Meyer refer to References of this TC. This TC is organized into three chapters and four appendixes. Each chapter addresses a major aspect of fundamental IL MFFG Study Group knowledge, while the appendixes address aspects that support and complement the information presented in the chapters in greater detail. administrative data current in the Guild and a brief history. Chapter 2, IL MFFG. This chapter will cover who the IL Study Group are, the group’s training mentality and touch on curricula. The role and importance of research to the Study Group is also covered in this Chapter. Chapter 3, IL MFFG Training Overview. This chapter addresses the IL MFFG current practices and training phases. The IL MFFG Study Group TCs are not the only suggested informational source. Understanding of other historical and modern books, manuals, and articles is highly recommended to help achieve maximum physical and mental effectiveness in a member’s application and interpretations of Meister Meyer’s Kunst. Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns or pronouns do not refer exclusively to men. Chapter 1, The Guild. This chapter discuses important informational and 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL ii Preface Electronic distribution of this version of TC 01-IL is available though the Meyer Freifechter Guild website: http://freifechter.com/articles.cfm The proponent for this publication is the IL MFFG. Send comments and recommendations directly to the Study Group Leader: IllinoisMFFG@Gmail.com Subject field enter; ATTN: Pubs iii TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Preface My Friends, Our Illinois Freifechter brothers have created this excellent Training Circular to help answer the many questions that come from following this path of martial excellence under the Banner of Joachim Meyer. Some of us come to this without benefit of a Study Group or are forming one now or we have to work solo and without solid direction, making the starting steps on this path often more confusing and difficult that it needs to be. Even though Meister Meyer gives us probably the most concise and descriptive instructional text on the German Art of Combat and some of the best images of any manual, there is still a lot of mystery to the concept of turning this data into a living combat Art. There are many aspects to this path and this TC helps to give some content to aspects of this that may not come to mind to those not already experienced in martial arts. Indeed even those who are like myself can use this book as a blueprint to focus on various steps needed to help build the proper basics and add all the little extra tidbits which help to gel this art with our lives as martial artists. It is not a step by step guide but a collection of desirable suggestions based upon our general digestion of Meyer's works in a manner that any member can then work with and customize to suit their particular take on this whole Knightly Arts thing. In essence it’s a great starting point for any of us to work from due to its comprehensive nature. I highly recommend this Training Circular and commend our brethren from the Illinois Guild for taking the time to share this with us. Mike Cartier Freyfechter 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL iv This page intentionally left blank. Chapter 1 The Guild “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” - Plato 1-1 The Meyer Freifechter Guild is a Martial Arts group and educational researched-based Not-for-Profit aspiring to recreate the combative arts of the Sixteenth century using Longsword, Dusack, Dagger, Wrestling, Staff, Halberd, Pike and Rapier as instructed by Joachim Meyer in the manner of the German Fechtschule. 1-2 The goal is to reproduce the considerable martial skills of Renaissance Europe, specifically the German Kunst des Fechten, to do this the Guild follows a methodology designed to cultivate true martial skills by training, study and testing using the weapon systems covered in Meister Meyer’s work published in 1570, Gründtliche Beschreibung der Kunst des Fechtens (A Thorough Description of the Art of Fencing). 1-3 The focus of the Guild’s study and martial recreation is on the works of the most prominent Freifechter, Fechtmeister Joachim Meyer and his magnificent work first published in 1570, his private instructional manual dated 1560 to Otto Graf von Sulms, and the 1570-71 work (MS Var.82) entitled, 30 December 2011 Figure 1-1 Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss. 1-4 To meet the Guild’s goals and stay within the stated focus, the 1570 manual itself is the final authority; not any group, organization, individual interpretation or particular viewpoint and by viewing the manual the way The Guild believes Joachim Meyer intended us to view it, as a holistic study in the Art of war. 1-5 The art taught by Meister Meyer in his 1570 manual in parts with each weapon, but each part and weapon directly relating to the other weapons to form the entire Art of Combat. TC 01-IL 1-1 This page intentionally left blank. Chapter 2 IL MFFG “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work..” - Aristotle THE MISSION TRAINING 2-1 To study, develop, practice and apply practically Historical European Martial Arts, primarily through the Art of combat as instructed by Joachim Meyer in his manuals; to include all of the weapon systems and unarmed combat he presented. To establish and maintain a spirit of camaraderie, personal integrity and esprit de corps that will enhance the prestige of all HEMA practitioners and the Meyer Frei Fechter Guild in particular. To encourage on-going education and research, skill development, fitness and the reduction of the potential of training mishaps and injuries by perpetually increasing proficiency in the Art. To operate and conduct ourselves in a manner that provides equal opportunity and just treatment of all fellow Guild members. Additionally, to set an example for all practitioners through our standards, traditions, honor bound and value centric view of the martial art Meister Joachim Meyer left to us. The Illinois Chapter of the MFFG (IL MFFG) or Fechtergesellschaft Illinois will strive to serve the Guild with true faith and allegiance and bring honor and respect to our martial art. 2-2 Training is paramount and should ideally be conducted multiple times a week in a group setting and daily to some extent by individual members. 30 December 2011 2-3 The IL MFFG train and study to Re-Create the historical art of Joachim Meyer as he presented it, actively attempting to purge the concepts of modern sport fencing, Eastern Martial Arts, and Mixed Martial Arts. 2-4 Meister Meyer presented his Kunst systematically and in the order of precedence he felt was justified considering his intended audience. The IL-MFFG follow Meyer chapter by chapter and verse by verse, advancing only when a given section or subject is able to be physically applied with intent to an unwilling adversary. 2-5 Modern training, Safety and fitness concepts are used to support the advancement of Meyer’s Kunstfechten. See Appendix A for information on Safety . 2-6 TC 01-IL Chapter Three, Training Overview 2-1 IL MFFG Figure 2-1 covers information on Training in more depth and is supplemented by Appendix B and C. RESEARCH 2-7 The IL MFFG fully supports the efforts of the Guild Research Section believing that research is the life’s blood of our efforts to Re-Create not Create a martial combative system and the very pulse of understanding Meister Meyer and being a good student of the Art. 2-8 Research is supported by the Study Group’s Library Loan System and the active research of membership into Meyer and the Fechtschule Era of Study with in the Early Modern Period. 2-9 One of the goals of the Study Group is to have all Guild-Members identified as Researchers for the Guild. 2-2 LEADERSHIP 2-10 The role of Study Group Leader (SGL) is administrative. The SGL duty is to provide purpose, direction, and motivation. 2-11 The SGL is not the dictator of the group he is caretaker and lead planner. 2-12 All Guild-Members after successfully passing their Fechter Rank Pre-Evaluation (see Appendix A for EVAL form) are considered Instructors and Assistant Instructors and should prepare themselves accordingly. 2-13 Every Guild-Member should be able to teach / publicly explain up to their current level of understanding. 2-14 Every Member is a student and the only Master is Meyer. TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 IL MFFG SAFETY 2-15 Every Member, participant, and guest will be regarded as a Safety Officer. Noticing and halting unsafe acts, be it by physical action, issues with Personal Protective Equipment , or proximity to non–participants this is everyone’s responsibility. Examples and explanations of safety practices and PPE are found in Appendix A of this TC. 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL 2-3 This page intentionally left blank. Chapter 3 Training Overview “Advice is judged by results, not by intentions.” - Cicero 3-1 Regular Training or Practice days opposed to Events, Stücke Days or Learning Days with the IL MFFG are simple and loosely base upon a three phase approach. The phases are weapon nonspecific and constructed to be tiered to greater complexity and are flexible to the point of total removal based on specific member’s training needs and time constraints. The three phases loosely mirror the US Army’s Crawl-Walk-Run training doctrine (TC25-10), they are The Warm Up Phase, The Drill Phase and The Training Phase. THE WARM UP PHASE 3-2 “Personal” physical maintenance is paramount with Meyer’s Kunst as it is with any Martial Art or physically demanding activity. Physical fitness is a factor in every event of training, it aids movement, balance, endurance, strength and one’s general health. Physical fitness training in and of itself is to be considered a personal event, a highly suggested and encouraged nonmandatory activity outside of the times set aside for Study Group training. Figure 3-1 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL 3-1 Training Overview 3-3 Physically warming up the body for the rigors of training is not considered a waste of valuable training time nor is it a personal event. 3-4 The Warm Up Phase has two parts which are equally based on the economy of motion, injury prevention, muscle memory training and endurance improvement. 3-5 Part One. The first part includes rotational and exercises a physical warm up which ideally will last at minimum approximately ten minutes. It is important to warm up the body because it elevates the cardio-respiratory rate which elevates the body’s core temperature. Elevating the heart rate helps oxygenated blood get to your muscles reducing the rate of fatigue and it also “loosens you up” by reducing friction in the joints (stimulating production of synovial fluid). Examples of part one of the Warm Up Phase are found in Appendix B of this TC. 3-6 Administratively, the first part of the Warm Up Phase affords the opportunity during the stretches and rotations to disseminate information about the current days’ Training Phase, the next practice days agenda, up coming events and to talk about member issues and concerns. Examples of other items are:      3-7 Part Two. The second part of the Warm Up Phase should last at a minimum fifteen to twenty minutes and encompasses movement based drills that perform multiple functions: Balance training, Gross Muscle Memory, Footwork Training and additional Anaerobic warming up of the body. 3-8 Part two continues warming up the body starting with footwork drills, Leger Zufechten Drills and one or two of the many variations of the 4-Openings Drill. Examples of these drills and several others in part two of the Warm Up Phase are found in Appendix B of this TC. THE DRILL PHASE 3-9 Training must be conducted to sustain. The Drill Phase meets this reality. The concept of drilling any activity is to gain technical advancement through repetition, to refine movements and the sustainment of skills acquired by use with intent. 3-10 By proximity targeting, control, distance / measure, timing, flow of movement, intent and building trust in and camaraderie with training partners are all areas that benefit from drilling. Parts and Times of the Fight Martial Artist vs. Hobbyist Mentality Meyer’s Systematic Approach The OODA Loop Guild and 16th Century History Figure 3-2 Regular Drills 3-2 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Training Overview Figure 3-3 3-11 Specific Drill works are not mandated and variety is suggested, however some drills have proven to be more beneficial than others. Those drills found to be more productive are regularly incorporated by the IL MFFG. See figure 3-2 on the pervious page. Examples and explanations of the drills are found in Appendix C of this TC. Learning Cycle 3-13 Quantifying this phase of training is difficult and ultimately unnecessary. Events in this phase may include but are not limited to:      New Material Practice of New Techniques Interpreting Meyer Controlled Freeplay Freeplay THE TRAINING PHASE 3-12 The focus of the third phase is knowledge advancement, acquisition of new skills, interpretational work and the further refinement of the technical through partner work and freeplay. 30 December 2011 3-14 The most important factor in the Training Phase is that it conforms to the Learning Cycle. See Figure 3-3 Test everything, then re-test and start over. TC 01-IL 3-3 Appendix A Administration A-1 SAFETY a) The safeguarding and preservation of training partners is of great importance and only surpassed by the safety of visitors and other Non–participants. We must adhere to the words of Christoff Rösener, “...make fun of no one , In the practice it is forbidden, Also you should bloody no one “ Rösener, C., (2011). Honor, title and praise, the free knightly art of fencing. (Maurer, K. with Meier, H., & Ueberschär, W. Trans.). Dresden. (Original work published 1589) or rather for clarification to IL-MFFG membership, “See that you injury no one during training” it is a display of a gross lack of control of your emotions or skill. b) General Safety Requirements. The individuals training are the strongest of all “Safety” equipment. The participant’s control, accuracy and power determine the level of injury that occurs when an accident happens. However, there is no amount of safety precautions that can be taken that will alleviate all possibilities of injuries, this is a Martial Art. The IL-MFFG believe: i) “Control Over Speed.” is a phrase that should be spoken by the SGL, the Instructor or Assistant Instructor at every practice and repeated by the rest of those training. ii) “Speed comes from accuracy and control” and iii) “Unregulated power is commonly mistaken for skill.” and iv) “Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast” c) A requirement born from safety and the gauging of skill is; Members that are unable to demonstrate control (see Appendix C, Dunham Control Drill) will only enjoy Controlled Freeplay or Freeplay with the SGL or a senior Guild-Member until their control has improved. Also see the Wavier Handout in this Appendix, pg A-5 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL A-1 Appendix A A-2 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT a) The Study Group has some “loaner” equipment but highly encourage Members purchase their own Fencing Mask and Gloves. b) During Freeplay Male and Female Groin PPE and a Chest Guard (Female) is required. If a Member does not have and/or utilize the afore mentioned PPE, or any other item of a protective nature and partakes in Freeplay they then take the assumption of risk and of liability (see page A-). c) Other items for personal use and purchase may include, but are not limited to: i) ii) iii) iv) Elbow Pads Forearm Protection Mouth Guard Padded Jacket In most instants it is beneficial to Member to ask why other have purchased what they have and to try items out. A-3 EQUIPMENT a) Herein suggestions are made and examples given, not mandates for particular purveyors of HEMA Training equipment. The IL-MFFG are not endorsed by any of the follow establishments. i) Fechtschwert/ Paratschwert / Fechtschulschwert. The training weapon of choice of the IL-MFFG is the “Hanwei Federschwert ”. It is our opinion that it is the safest Longsword simulator available at the cheapest cost to Members. A example of the weapon can be see on-line can be found here: http://therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c1166.html ii) Fencing Mask. The IL MFFG utilized fencing mask in ways they were not designed to withstand, furthermore no modern fencing masks are built for HEMA use. Sabre or Three (3) Weapons Fencing masks are suggested for use. The punishment that sabre masks are built to survive is closer to Historical swordplay than Foil and 3 Weapons Masks are constructed for Epee, Foil and Sabre fencing. http://shop.fencing.net/product_p/fdn-66304-r.htm http://www.zenwarriorarmory.com/catalog.php? item=150&catid=43&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D43 A-2 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Appendix A iii) Padded Gloves. The particular type and brand is a matter of individual preference. The IL MFFG suggest the primarily factors determining a protective glove for purchase should be: Knuckle protection, Thumb protection and a sure Grip. The availability of quality gloves is high. Look for gloves intended for: Motorcycle / BMX http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-gloves/velocity-gear/ http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/37/10975/ITEM/ScorpionMagnum-Gloves.aspx http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=6967 http://www.rap4.com/images/gloves/ka-glove-02-f.jpg Military / Tactical http://www.p-wholesale.com/cn-pro/4/230to1/tactical-gloves-zsst-a02205732.html http://www.armynavyshop.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/fox79931.jpg http://www.zenwarriorarmory.com/images/glove1.jpg iv) Forearm and Elbow Protection. Forearm protective equipment is also readily available from many venders of various sports and activities. The IL MFFG suggest equipment with a rigid outer shell over foam composites. Like gloves, it is suggested that members look to tactical, motor-cross, skateboard, rugby, etc. v) Padded Jacket. Currently the IL MFFG does not use safety gear beyond the Mask, Glove, Elbow Guard and Cup set. However the Study Group is involved with the Research, Devolvement, Creation and Testing of HEMA specific protective equipment. Padded Jackets, Fencing Masks and Gloves are the priority. vi) Dusack Trainer. At the time of this publications release the only Dusack simulators in use by the IL MFFG are proper wooden dusacks from Kevin Maurer and the leather training dusacks from Purpleheart Armory. http://www.woodenswords.com/WMA/dussack.htm vii) Polearms. The IL MFFG use hand made polearms crafted by Kevin Maurer that are superior to the one offered by Purpleheart Armory. 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL A-3 Appendix A A-3 UNIFORM a) The only requirement and / or restriction on dress are those that are safety related. Controls must be set to safeguard members from their interactions with one another and from themselves. b) The unofficial Guild standard is the wearing of Black in color Bottoms. The IL MFFG wish to keep this tradition and conform to at least that level of uniformity. i) When an individual becomes a Guild-Member the Study Group Leader will bestow the MFFG Patch to them. ii) The MFFG Patch awarded to Guild-Members, although not required to be displayed or displayed in a specific location upon the members person is suggested for regular wear on the upper left front of the thigh area of the black in color Bottoms. c) The Study Group will provide to regularly attending probational members and to all Guild-Member upon request, en gratis, but not require the wear of; i) Two (2) pair of OD green in color socks ii) One (1) gray in color MFFG Tee Shirt d) The Study Group: i) Highly Suggests. Black in color Bottoms, i.e. comfortable pants, long shorts for athletic use. Comfortable, light weight athletic footwear. Gray in color short or long sleeved tee shirt. ii) Highly Discourage. Wear of Red in color shirts, Loud multi-colored patterned clothing, and military camouflage. Any personal jewelry that if struck or forcibly removed during training could cause injury to the wearer . Any item that the member does not want to be broken. iii) Unauthorized. Any item on a person that could cause injury to another member (ie. Spiked wrist bands, collars, etc). High heeled shoes, platform boots / shoes. Any item that impedes or defeats PPE effectiveness. A-4 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in the Martial Arts Program indicated below and/or being permitted to enter for any purpose any restricted area (here in defined as any area where in admittance to the general public is prohibited), the participant named below agree: 1. The participant understands that prior to participating in the below martial arts activity or event, he or she should inspect the facilities and equipment to be used, and if he or she believes anything is unsafe, the participant should immediately advise the officials of such condition and refuse to participate. I understand and agree that, if at any time, I feel anything to be UNSAFE; I will immediately take all precautions to avoid the unsafe area and REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE further. 2. I fully understand and acknowledge that: a. There are risks and dangers associated with participation in martial arts events and activities which could result in bodily injury partial and/or total disability, paralysis and death. b. The social and economic losses and/or damages, which could result from these risks and dangers described above, could be severe. c. These risks and dangers may be caused by the action, inaction or negligence of the participant or the action, inaction or negligence of others, including, but not limited to, the Releasees named below. d. There may be other risks not known to us or are not reasonably foreseeable at this time. 3. I accept and assume such risks and responsibility for the losses and/or damages following such injury, disability, paralysis or death, however caused and whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Releasees named below. 4. I HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the martial arts facility used by the participant, including it owners, managers, promoters, lessees of premises used to conduct the martial arts event or program, premises and event inspectors, underwriters, consultants and others who give recommendations, directions or instructions to engage in risk evaluation or loss control activities regarding the martial arts facility or events held at such facility and each of them, their directors, officers, agents, employees, all for the purpose herein referred to as “Releasee”… From all liability to the undersigned, my personal representatives, assigns, executors, heirs and next to kin For any and all claims, demands, losses or damages and any claims or demands therefore on account of any injury, including but not limited to the death of the participant or damage to property, arising out of or relating to the events(s) caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the releasee or otherwise. 5. I HEREBY acknowledge that THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EVENT(S) ARE VERY DANGEROUS and involve the risk of serious injury and/or death and/or property damage. Each of THE UNDERSIGNED also expressly acknowledges that INJURIES RECEIVED MAY BE COMPOUNDED OR INCREASED BY NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS OR PROCEDURES OF THE RELEASEES. 6. EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED further expressly agrees that the foregoing release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the Province or State in which the activities are conducted and that if any portion is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding continue in full legal force and effect. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WTHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT, ASSURANCE, OR GUARANTEE BEING MADE TO ME AND INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. Name (print) Signature of Participant Program/Releasees Received by Registrar Signature Printed Name Date This page intentionally left blank. IL Meyer Freifechter Guild Fechter Rank Pre-Evaluation Check List □ History of Meyer (Give brief BIO on Meyer, Name His works with dates) □ Parts of Sword (Name All In German) __Hilt / Gefeß __ Pommel / Knopff __Blade/Klinge __Shield / Schilt __ Short (edge)/Kurz __ Strong /Stark __ Grip /Bindt __ Cross / Creutz __Flat / Flach __Point/ Ort __ Long (edge)/ Lang __ Weak /Schwech □ Footwork (Name, Explain and Display) __ Passing __ Gathering __ Triangle □ Parts and Times of the Fight (Name and Explain All) __ Parts __ Zufechten __ Kreig __ Abzug __ Times __ Vor __ Nach □ Guards (Name, Explain and Display All) __ Primary Guards __ Ochs __ Pflug __ Secondary Guards __ Zornhut __ Eisenport __ Einhorn __ Langort __ Schrankhut __ Mittelhut □ Hews (Name, Explain and Display All) __Primary Hews __ Oberhau __ Mittelhau __ Meisterhauwen __ Scheitelhau __ Zwerchhau __ Zornhau __Lunge __ Gleich __ Indes __ Vom Tag __ Olber __ Wechsel __ Hangetort __ Sprechfenster __ Nebenhut __ Schlüssel __ Zornhau __Underhau __ Krumphau __ Schielhau □ Four Openings Drill (Name the variables and Display all 16 cuts in a fluid continuous manner) __ Guard __ Blade Alignment __ Cut __ Footwork □ Control Test (8 of 10 attempts (each side) or better is a GO) __ Right Side __ Left Side □ Handworks (choose Five to display and explain) □ Explain the Concept of the Stücke □ Stücke (choose Two to display and explain) □ Freeplay (Minimum of Eight Passes, minimum number of Five wins for a GO) This page intentionally left blank. Appendix B Warm Up Examples B-1 The Warm Up of the IL MFFG is conducted in two parts. Part One consists of Rotational Movements followed by a Dynamic Warm Up Exercises. B-2 Part One. Rotations. Rotations are used to gently stretch the tendons, ligaments, and muscles associated with a joint and to stimulate lubrication of the joint with synovial fluid. This may provide better movement and less friction in the joint while reducing the chance for injury. The IL MFFG conduct eight rotational exercises, namely for the; neck, arm and shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers and thumb, hips, knee and ankles and ankle. At the beginning of each rotation the SGL, Instructor or Assistant Instructor The Neck Rotation The start position for the neck rotation is standing with the back straight, feet shoulder width apart, and hands on the hips. Rotate your head from chin on chest all the way around in a clockwise rotation back to chin on chest. One rotation is when you come back to the start, rotate in this direction three to five (3-5) times, then reverse direction for another set of rotations. The Arm and Shoulder Rotation Stand with the back straight and feet shoulder width apart. Extend the arms outward to shoulder height parallel to the ground. Rotate the shoulders forward, making a large slow circular motion with the arms that decrease in size. Once five to ten (5-10) rotations are completed in the forward direction-reverse direction, moving from small circles to larger circular motions. The Elbow Rotation Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Rotate with both arms by creating circles with the forearms on the frontal plane, rotation of the elbows. Start with small circles and increase the size, keeping the hands open and loose and shoulders dropped and relaxed. The Wrist Rotation Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Interlace / interlock the fingers leaving the thumbs loose and not attached to the opposite hand. The arms should be parallel to the ground. Start rotating the wrists by rolling them away from the body. Once five to ten (5-10) rotations are completed in the forward direction-reverse direction. 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL B-1 Appendix B The Fingers and Thumb Rotation. Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Place arms in a comfortable position. Rotate each finger and then the thumb five to ten (5-10) times in turn clockwise then counter-clockwise. Rotating the same digit on each hand at the same time. The Hip Rotation. Stand with the back straight and feet shoulder width apart. Place the hands on hips. Rotate the hips while keeping the back as straight as possible. Rotate hips in a clockwise rotation as far as it can comfortably go. Maintain balance in this rotation but rotate far enough to include the lower back. Rotate at least five (5) times counterclockwise and five (5) times clockwise. Knee and Ankle Rotation Stand with the feet together, with the feet forward several (2-3) inches apart. Bend at the waist with the knees slightly bent. Place the hands above the knees, and rotate the legs in a clockwise direction. Reverse direction. Rotate at least five (5) times counter-clockwise and five (5) times clockwise. An alternative to rotating the knees is to flex them by leaning forward until there is slight pressure on your ankles. If you do the alternate rotation you need to do it ten times. Ankle Rotation Stand with feet comfortably apart. Raise the right foot off the ground. Maintaining balance rotate your right foot clockwise, making large, complete circles. Repeat this ten (10) times. Then reverse direction for ten (10) more rotations. Place the right foot back on the ground, raise the left foot. Maintaining balance rotate your left foot clockwise, making large, complete circles. Repeat this ten (10) times. Then reverse direction for ten (10) more rotations. B-3 Part Two. Dynamic Warm Up. The following pages show examples of the Physical Warm Up conducted by the Study Group and a sample Zufechten Drill. B-2 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Appendix B 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL B-3 Appendix A B-4 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Appendix B 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL B-5 Appendix B B-6 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Appendix B 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL B-7 This page intentionally left blank. Appendix B 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL B-8 This page intentionally left blank. Appendix C Drill Examples C-1 THE 4 COUNT DRILL a) The 4 (four) Count Drill is based on military-style cadence drilling. The goal of the drill is to break large movements into smaller components that are then numbered. The participant then moves through the components as the instructor calls out the corresponding numbers. The benefits of this drill include: being able to analyze the individual components of movements and make connections, learning a new technique through repetition, and building muscle memory by moving to the numbers and not conscious thought. b) The four count drill is exceptional at teaching new members the primary cuts and basic techniques, but is not necessarily limited to low skill-level drilling. Even larger, more complex movements like secondary cuts and handwork examples can be broken down into counts. c) The following are examples of four count drills: i) Oberhau from right; Tag to left Wechsel. Starting position: Tag, left leg leading. As the SGL calls out the numbers, the participants slowly move from one position to the next, stopping at each one. 1) 2) 3) 4) Tag (starting position) Langort (step and cut, slowly) Wechsel (finish cut) Nebenhut (Reverse hands) Participants should call out the number of the repetition just completed when the SGL calls out “Four”. The instructor will then call out “one” and 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL C-1 Appendix C - participants will return to the starting position. ii) An example of pulling from Zornhut Starting position: Zornhut, left leg leading 1) 2) 3) 4) Zornhut (starting position) Einhorn (step and cut) Pull back Reverse hands and cut short edge Though the four count drill is very useful for learning simple movements, it does not effectively work footwork, speed, timing, or more complex techniques like Stücke. C-2 STRAIGHT CUTS DRILL a) The aim of the straight cuts drill is to build muscle memory of the primary cuts through repetition. In this drill, the participant throws a single cut and then returns to a starting position; a guard chosen at the start of the drill. Generally, the drill is performed with full, straight edge strikes starting with a Schietelhau, then to one side: an Oberhau, Mittelhau, and Unterhau. There are several variables that can be altered to significantly change the drill, though. These include the cutting edge, the order of the strikes, and the guard used. b) The straight cuts drill is one of the first drills a new member will use. It allows the participant to focus solely on the basic, primary cut, without the distraction of more advanced techniques. Cuts in the drill are thrown at speed, so teach form and aim. c) The following are examples of the straight cuts drill: i) The basic usage of the straight cuts drill Starting position: Tag, left leg leading The participant steps and throws a Schietelhau from Tag, the steps back and returns to Tag. The participant then throws a right Oberhau, right Mittelhau, and right Unterhau taking full passing steps forward, and backwards when returning to Tag after each strike. ii) Straight cuts with variables: Ochs guard, half cuts, and alternating sides. Starting position: right Ochs, left leg leading C-2 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Appendix C The participant, starting in right Ochs, throws a Schietelhau, stopping at Langort to make a half-cut strike. Then returns to Ochs, but leaving his right foot forward, the participant throws a left Oberhau in the same fashion. The participant proceeds to throw strikes into the upper right, left Mittelhau, right Mittelhau, lower left, and lower right openings, using appropriate footwork. The straight cuts drill is useful for, as the name implies, practicing the basic straight cuts, but can not effectively be used to practice more complex techniques. C-3 4 OPENING DRILL a) The four openings drill is one of, if not the most important drill available to members of the guild. It is taken straight out of Meyer's 1570 and uses a visual target with an “X” shape numbered for diagonal strikes. Multiple variables can be employed including the striking edge, type of cut, starting guard, and footwork used. b) The four opening drill uses opposition strikes to all four of the openings: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Strikes are thrown in sets of four, according to the numbers. The drill should be used every practice and training day. It practices everything from footwork to accuracy and has dozens of variations. c) The following are examples of the four opening s drill: i) Starting position: Tag, left leg leading The participant steps and throws, with the long edge, a right Oberhau for number one, left Unterhau for number two, right Unterhau for number three, and a left Oberhau for number four. These strikes will be thrown in quick succession, without pausing in between strikes. The same shall be done for each set of four, working toward the center. ii) This example uses several variables: starting guard, footwork used, an type of strike Starting position: right ox, left leg leading. 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL C-3 Appendix C The participant simple-steps, pulling the blade around his head, and throws a right Oberhau, stopping at Langort for a half cut for number one. He then pulls the sword back away, around the head and throws a left Unterhau, stopping at Langort for number two. Then, pulls the sword back around for a half cut Unterhau at number three, and a cut at number four. Proceed to throw half cuts at the corresponding numbers of each set. The participant may return to the starting guard at the beginning of each set, but the strikes in each set should be thrown in quick succession. C-4 SFL MFFG HANGENORT DRILL a) The purpose of the hanging drill is to teach participants to block incoming strikes with Hangenort, as well as point orientation, footwork, and running off. In the drill, one participant throws an Oberhau to one side and the other moves to Hangenort to block the stroke. The blocker then lets the opponent's blade run off of theirs, and throws the same Oberhau, which the former attacker will then blocker. b) At first the drill should be performed slowly, but as confidence builds, the participants may alternate sides and speed up the drill. c) The keys to the drill are keeping proper distance and timing and point orientation. Excessive movement of the tip is a waste of valuable time and can result in a failure of the block all together. d) The Hangen Drill's use of advanced blocking techniques and handworks makes it less effective for new members who are not proficient with the primary strikes and guards and a least familiar with the handworks. It is more important for the participant to understand the concepts of the drill than to just know how to do it c) The following is an example of the Hangen Drill Starting position: Participant A: Tag, left leg leading Participant B: Hangen, left leg leading Participant A throws a right Oberhau, stepping off line to the right. Participant B intercepts this stroke with Hangen, lets his opponent's blade run off of his and pulls the blade around his head for a right Oberhau. Participant A must then, keeping his point on target, rotate the sword around quickly into Hangen. After catching the stroke, participant A drops his point and pulls around for an other right Oberhau, which participant B will catch with Hangen. C-4 TC 01-IL 30 December 2011 Appendix C important to note that if both participants fall out of rhythm it is more important to embrace the chaos and fight to regain the harmony than it is to stop all together and reset. The hanging drill can be used to practice very effectively the techniques involved in using the Hangen guard as a defense, but as the name implies, it is a drill to work those techniques almost exclusively. C-5 CIRCUIT DRILL a) The Circuit Drill is used to practice complex techniques like Stücke and handwork examples. More than two people are needed to make the circuit drill work effectively. b) The Drill begins with two participants actively practicing the Stücke or handwork, but after several passes (more or less depending on exactly how many members are participating) one participant steps out and joins the members observing the drill and an observer takes his place. This constant exchange of participants and observers lets members experience various styles and skill sets quickly. The observers also have the opportunity to learn through watching others drill and asses their own performance. c) The benefits of this drill are virtually endless. It is a great way to practice new material and refine technique. Switching between training partners allows members to expand their game and learn more effectively. Also, rapidly moving into and out of intense, and intent drilling very effectively improves cardiovascular endurance. C-6 DUNHAM CONTROL DRILL a) The Dunham control drill uses three padded cylindrical targets set up on a flat surface. The target (approximately one foot in length) are arranged in a triangle shape and the objective is to strike the center target and send it sailing between the other two, without striking them. b) The drill teaches both accuracy and control, skills that are paramount to the art and necessary for sparring and free play. Control drills should be introduced to members when they have enough of an understanding of the art to consider sparring. 30 December 2011 TC 01-IL C-5 This page intentionally left blank.