The Armour Archive

So I started writing a book 12 years ago on SCA fighting that will never get finished.... Then decided to do a video instead, but making it right is just so intimidating and where do I start....

Then we did Trimarian Duke University and someone recorded it and it became a bit of a phenomena on youtube. I've watched my own portion several times now and thought to myself, "I'm not unsatisfied with that"

Then a couple of months ago I was marvelling at youtube and facebook video and the power of this kind of networking and came to an epiphany: I'll VBlog on fighting. Blog entries don't have to be perfect or even well thought out, it's just a guy and a camera and the "blog" part means you keep making chapters. I decided to get started and just try to capture somthing/anything at least twice a month. But it's been very hectic these last few months, blah blah blah....

Then comes Logan's training video thread. He really just shot a minute or so of off the cuff opinions on fighting, very vblog-like. And it's great. Openned up a valid dialog on technique which occurs so rarely anywhere on the web...

Which got me thinking once again. I'm sure there are others with plenty to offer, and we dukes tend to be competitive types who can be motivated best by a worthy challenge.

Way back there was a thread on hitting the pell every day for 99 days with people blogging their progress. The emphasis was on consistency. That was cool. Then the "Get some you nellies" or whatever thread...

So all that rambling to get to this: The Known World Ducal Video Deed (working title, input appreciated)

Thus I present this challenge to individuals who:
1)are SCA dukes
2)have trained at least a few good fighters
3)have something to offer in terms of technique to this burgeonning art we call SCA fighting

If you fit all three citeria above, then I'm calling you out.

Here is my challenge:
Make at least one short video about fighting technique at least once a month for a full year.

Details:
Must be new footage filmed in the current calendar month, though it can be a rehash of something you did before, outside the challange.

It's not about quality, but about consistency. You can make as much video as you like when you are on a roll but that doesn't excuse you from next month's requirement.

Your video can be a simple reply, rebuttal, or elaboration on another duke's video.

You can be as creative as you like: talk, fight, hit the pell, do drills, etc. but just posting footage of you or someone else fighting doesn't count, unless of course you want to do a voice-over with teaching about what we are seeing.

You should post the video to youtube with the name of this challenge in the title for easy searching. Those so inclined should also post it to their own websites, etc for download in higher quality but this is not required.

At least once a month you must post a comment to one of the other challenge videos on youtube, bonus points for video replies.

There should be a thread here for each paticipant to post his progress.

This only works if we get at least 4-5 participants. If you accept the challenge, do so publicly on this thread. If you suggest refinements or modifications to the Deed, also post them here. If you have an idea for a name, please also post that here.


Gaston de Vieuxchamps

I'm not a duke but I approve of this message.

Ditto.

I like the idea, am a Duke, but am uncertain of my ability to get over the technology threshold My video camera records on this magnetic tape stuff (yes, I am a dinosaur )

If I can figure out how to get video reliably, I am interested in participating.

If I can't, I'll be happy to watch everyone else's video and throw in comments from the peanut gallery.

Does it support RCA outputs? If so, most electronic stores have a RCA to USB adapters for anywhere from $20-50. that let you transfer and record video digitally. May not be the most wonderful quality, but will certainly do for this.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton wrote:Does it support RCA outputs? If so, most electronic stores have a RCA to USB adapters for anywhere from $20-50. that let you transfer and record video digitally. May not be the most wonderful quality, but will certainly do for this.

I will have to check, thank you.

Umm..I'll try. maybe my g/f has a videocamera and knows how to operate it.

The tech hurdle....

Nowadays you can get a dirt cheap flash camcorder. I recommend this rather than porting your tape for several reasons:
The flash camcorder quality on even the cheapest ones is "good enough" for what we are doing.
They record in a computer-friendly format for those with poor skills you can usually record to SDHC card and then stick the card right in your computer and upload the files.
Copying tape to your computer takes extra time and gives you one more excuse not to get it done.

Best buy has a dated model of panasonic SDHC standard def camcorder for closeout for less the $200. It's a great deal. If that sounds expensive, get an Aiptek for even cheaper. Even the low end cameras today take decent video.

Sounds like a heck of an idea and one that I look forward to seeing develop.

Keep us posted here on the boards.

Take care and be well,
Brogan.

Great idea. I hope the Dukes take on your challenge for the good of us all lol.

/ bump for awesomeness.

Many modern digital cameras can also take reasonably acceptable videos.

This is a great idea!

-Derian.

Maybe some of your squires are more technically adept? Or at the very least, if they have all left the nest, someone in your neck of the woods must be willing to help.

This is a cool idea.

Og.

So it looks like there are two takers so far with clauses for technical hurdles.

I talked to Baldar tonight and I think he's in (though he too has technical concerns).

I know there are other dukes here on the archive that already have the technical part licked...

I'm also planning to personally challenge a few local dukes who aren't on the archive.

Lots of response but two things I'm still looking for:
A suggestion for a cool title (gotta have a cool title or it won't work) and suggestions for changes to how I specified the deed. I'm sure someone's got some input.

Gaston

Ducal-Fu: The Legend Continues

Big Dukes Big Duchesses - Teach the youngins?

Personally I like Duke University or Duke University online Not sure about the legality of the name though.

Or Dux ducis Universitas (Latin). Or Duc Université (French)

Or, schola of ducal certamen (School of Ducal combat)

Or, schola of ducal ars (School of Ducal technique)

I am using an online translator so it might not be accurate.

As I have not made my first Knight yet I do not qualify for said challenge.

Is there a way to copy the Video from you Tube ? to save it to your computer or a CD.

Thor.

A very intriguing idea, my compliments.

At this time I am only partially returned to the field (in the process of getting back in shape and rehabilitating old injuries), yet I would like to learn more about how to create such videos and contribute when I am fully returned to the field or perhaps lesser 'deeds' related to retraining at this time. I'll have to give some thought, I am interested, but I cannot say I am ready to accept at this time, regretfully.

As to naming, I would call it some kind of 'throw down'. My family likes Throw Down with Bobby Flay and I think you would do well to capture the spirit of that kind of 'competition'. Maybe do a series of them, "Throw Down with Duke BigBalls : Basic Snap" or "Throw Down with Duke TinyShield: Fakes and Blinds". The series name would stay the same (defines the competition), the name is the entrant, which feeds the ducal ego (if present ).

Regards.

Avery

Thorstenn wrote:
As I have not made my first Knight yet I do not qualify for said challenge.

I haven't made MY first knight yet, either, but I've done a lot of training over the years. At this point I think there would be a lot of overlap in our vids Martin hasn't made a knight yet, either but he has a different knowldge set than us so it would be worthwhile, plus he needs a kick and has no tech excuse. Might be a bit of a stretch to get Gregory excited about it...

Thorstenn wrote:
Is there a way to copy the Video from you Tube ? to save it to your computer or a CD.

Thor.

Not a great way that I know of.

can we see your first blog?

What is your youtube ID?

Can you link it so we can subscribe?


How about autographs for those out of kingdom? <G>

For those amazing dukes that are technically challenged here are a few options.

The Flip HD

This camera is a great concept. It shoots decent HD video and can store a decent amount of footage. the great part is you can shoot the video, plug The Flip into your computer with a USB cable, and press a button to upload the video directly to Youtube.

iPhone 3GS
The new iPhone shoots decent video quality at 30 fps. The iPhone has several built in features to do basic editing and uploading of content that you have recorded.

Sinister_Theo wrote:For those amazing dukes that are technically challenged here are a few options.

The Flip HD

This camera is a great concept. It shoots decent HD video and can store a decent amount of footage. the great part is you can shoot the video, plug The Flip into your computer with a USB cable, and press a button to upload the video directly to Youtube.

iPhone 3GS
The new iPhone shoots decent video quality at 30 fps. The iPhone has several built in features to do basic editing and uploading of content that you have recorded.

I have a Flip Mino for my class. I totally recommend it.

Anyone who has a theme planned for their series of videos? I find myself constantly thinking about what I would be good enough to show, or what people would find interesting for me to show.

The only things that have come to mind so far is that I know how to move around as a BIG guy and how to defend quite sucessfully while being legged.

Thorstenn wrote: Is there a way to copy the Video from you Tube ? to save it to your computer or a CD.
Thor.

I have been using YouTube Downloader with good results.

Tom

Thank you I'll give it a try.

Thor.

I like the idea of a single name changed slightly...

How about:
Duke Throwdown: Duke Gaston with evil Leftiness
Leaving the "Duke Throwdown:" part constant?

Duke School might also work, I'd vote for Duke Throwdown though.

PM sent

I dig Ducal Grade. You could even post a facebook page and link all the vid to the site.

I think the flavor of "deed" or "challenge" is better than "school" because I want to emphasize the idea that this is a task that those meeting the challenge are agreeing to complete, and will require determination, and those that complete it should be proud...

I would like to all start the same month...August maybe.

If I were going to Pennsic then I would do some pitching there and maybe get together to get some first month videos recorded...

I have several dukes showing some interest but no commitments yet....


Gaston

Res Ducum (Deeds of the Dukes)

Hi,
I am interested and I meet the standards;
I am a Duke (1 reign West 1984, 2 East 1986 & 1990, prince of the Mists 1982/1983)
I have had 7 squires knighted (1 is a Duke: Darius, and 2 are Counts: Rhys and Yngvar), 4 Grand Squires (1 is a Duke: Icefalcon) 3 Great Grand squires ( Lars is a Duke and Konrad will be a Duke at the end of his up coming reign), and 1 Great, Great Grand Squire.

I will talk to some of the local guys and see who wants to help.

Ronald

I like Res Ducum.

Yeah, I know who you are Duke Ronald. Glad to have you.

Who else is in?

Would be good to practice but the challenge officially starts August 1st.



Gaston

Passed it on to some of our local dukes that don't look here. Great idea.

Gaston,
I think we met once or twice and the last time I was acting Earl Marshal at a very bad Pennsic plus it has been almost 20 years since I have sat a throne. I will try and get the first one out in September.

Ronald

wilmot wrote:Gaston,
I think we met once or twice and the last time I was acting Earl Marshal at a very bad Pennsic plus it has been almost 20 years since I have sat a throne. I will try and get the first one out in September.

Ronald

First time we met was Pennsic....30? I came at the end of the Queens' Tea to pick up my wife and you were there and we ate leftovers and you told me about how the title of duke was watered down these days. We've met a few times since.

If september works better for you then that's fine but if we all start in august then we can all finish together in august next year and celebrate together...

Remeber, we aren't looking for perfect professional dissertations, just helpful hints or even rants on video. I would point you to Logan's short training vids as an example.

I think "Res Ducum" is the way to go, much shorter than "Known World Ducal Challenge".

Also, with low participation so far maybe I've been too exclusionary with my three criteria? Should we open it up to "any SCA duke". I'm guessing the ones with nothing to teach probably wouldn't take the challenge anyway?

So I'm going to try and shoot some video tomorrow if the weather doesn't interfere. When I get it done it will be posted on youtube as "Res Ducum Gaston: practice"
I say "practice" because it's still july and I'd like to officially start this thing in august. So then it should read "Res Ducum Gaston: August--naming blows"
(my intended first topic).

You would post "Res Ducum Wilmot:(month)(topic)"

I can't wait to see it.