Today gave us all a new opportunity to embarrass ourselves as we spent some time examining the art of manly fighting, pugilism. With milling, fancy foot work and a couple of cracked knuckles the group was given a tour de force of how to move, bob and weave like a gentleman pugilist of the 19th Century. With some members feeling slightly more than foolish we moved through the basics of the fighting style and what the theories of much of the movementand ended with a very short fight sequence each that, while rough round the edgesdue to their hurried nature, gave us all an idea of what could be achieved with a little more effort and a swift little phrase each.
In addition we built again, upon the dagger drills learnt previously, this time with a strong emphasis on being able to produce a coherent stage fight at the end. Within 30 minutes each the groups came back with a swift, violent looking and interesting sequence.
The recent emphasis on unarmed combat and dagger drills is starting to pay dividends as we are starting to move more competantly and swiftly, quickly moving from one drill to another. This should all come together for the pirate fighting at Lulworth and for the medieval dagger drill display at Peterborough.
Some time was given to explinaing what is planned for Lulworth and Peterborough.
Next week there is no training as the theatre is being used for a play. However the week after and in the run up to the Lulworth Pirates event can all members that have said they are attending the event ensure that they are able to make training or let Steve know if you are unable.
As ever, McDonald's saw us for coffee and some food afterwards.