What gets you pumped before a fight?

Prince Of Darkmoor · Post by **Prince Of Darkmoor** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 7:20 pm

I know Templar Bob listens to Static-X to get pumped up before a fight (they *rocked* live, btw), but what do some of you others do to get mentally prepared to fight? I used to listen to music like Static X before fights but now I don't use that for my main inspiration because as soon as I get ready to fight, I have to clear my mind and start thinking about my opponent.

For me, mental preparation begins about two months before I even strap on armour. I'm a thinker and would rather fight smarter with each consecutive bout. I've got a copy of the previous year's tournament video and I can watch how everyone fights and try to recognize what they're going to do before they do it. It's hard because once the body loses it's drive, the mind isn't too far behind usually. I've got hand written notes on every fighter in our group that I study like a college student the night before Finals.

Then I'll go through various combat scenarios in my head. 1 on 1; 2 on 1; melees, what to do when grappling, what to keep in mind about unarmoured spots. Where I'll strike first on who - that kind of thing. It gets to the point where I can keep myself up for a couple hours at night just thinking about it and getting pumped up.

Then I'll do some mirror work where I check my stance, practice my swings, and make sure I can get my shield back in its proper position quickly.

The night before a fight, I check over my notes again, eat a big dinner, and go to bed early. When I step onto the field, I feel confident that I know what my opponent is going to do and I'll be ready for it. That confidence has taken me a long way.

So, what gets you ready to fight?

Rainald · Post by **Rainald** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 7:42 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Prince Of Darkmoor:

For me, mental preparation begins about two months before I even strap on armour. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That wouldn't work for me, I fight every week.

Actually I don't do anything but make sure all my stuff is in decent shape the night prior. Then I drink mass quanities of beer, watch a movie and go to bed. Wake up, load the van and drive 20 minutes to practice. Arrive, suit up and dance. It's almost all on autopilot anymore. About the most thinking I do is what I'm going to BBQ later that night.

I'm sure things will change a little once I get back to the states and get to travel to different event/groups. But not much I think. I discovered a while back that I'm my own worst enemy on the list field when I try to pump my self up and worry about how I'm going to do. Now I don't worry and don't try and pump myself up and everything works out just swell.

Shamey · Post by **Shamey** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 7:53 pm

I listen to Korn's 'Follow the Leader' very very loud on my way to practice... then just getting there and armouring up is what really gets me going. Fighting good!!! Love to fight!!!! Sometimes I will just be bouncing around (literally) waiting to start fighting.
I try not to think about what I'm going to be doing - thinking distracts me too much when I fight causing me to make mistakes (I think about what I'm going to throw instead of paying attention to what my opponent is doing which then results in a good shot to my head). Right before lay-on is called I try to put myself in a void and just go on 'auto-pilot'. When I manage to do that I fight much better, making me a happier fighter so I get psyched up even more.

Oh and March of Cambreath is also a good one for me to get pumped since it's all about war and fighting - I hear the opening bars full of drums and bagpipes and I am ready to go!

[This message has been edited by Shameless (edited 03-07-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Shameless (edited 03-08-2002).]

Brennus · Post by **Brennus** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 8:58 pm

This isnt actually something I do before hand but for some reason if while I'm fighting I sing I actually am more effective. It sounds funny and I only do it in practice and yes it could have something to do with throwing my opponent off balance with my horrendous voice.

Days before a War I start watching my collection of movies. I just finished Holy Grail and popped in Knights Tale. The war is Monday if I watch two or three a night I should be in the proper frame of mind before I step on the field. Tommorrow I plan to watch Knight Riders, Lion in Winter , and Warlord. Sat Braveheart, Excaliber, and Henry V. Sunday will be Flesh and Blood if I have time

[This message has been edited by Brennus (edited 03-07-2002).]

Richard Blackmoore · Post by **Richard Blackmoore** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 9:06 pm

In my younger days, the adoration of the groupies was helpful. Now that I'm married, it is not only uninspiring, it decreases the chances of marital bliss...

muttman · Post by **muttman** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 9:16 pm

I`ve never really had a 'routine" to get me pumped before fighting. Loud, aggresive music was such a major part of my life for such a long time that it doesn`t really "pump" me. I suppose that Motorhead "march or Die" and Fear "Lets Start A War" are good pre melee music though. So is The Exploiteds "Insanity", "Death Before Dishonour" and "Sex and Violence". There are other good songs too.
Movies have a marginal effect at best too sometimes moreso than others.
Mostly I just check my gear the night before, stretch the morning of at least, if not just before suiting up, and make sure I have gum (I fight better when I chew gum).
A good breakfast and caffine help too.
John

Khann · Post by **Khann** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 10:05 pm

I think of all that I want to do right.(picture the blows the feeling of connecting with the right amount of force etc..) I think of all the fighters who spent time teaching me, and then I think of how I can honor what they taught me. (This is the competitor in me .playing) When itâ€™s real I think of every bad thing that has ever happen to me as well as every bad thing that has ever been said about me. I then think this is about 2 min of pain where I have to prove to myself who and what I am. I then try to go from red hot to ice cold. (this is the win at any cost in me. Do or die)

Khann

jgalak · Post by **jgalak** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 11:01 pm

What gets me pumped for fighting? Well, mostly fighting... I don't really do the whole "mental state" thing. I just fight a warmup bought, and that get's the adrenalin going a bit. Then I fight some more...

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Yehuda ben Moshe
mka Juliean Galak
http://gerfalcon.tzo.com/medieval/armor/

Murdock · Post by **Murdock** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 11:17 pm

I usually am pretty calm going onto the field. Sometimes i'll hoot and holler just for fun, doesn't really do much though.

If i really don't feel like fighting i might play some Metallica or Vagner on the way to wherever i'm headed.

Occasionaly, if i really wanna get a "mean on" i'll play Triple H's entry music, "Time to play the Game".

Usually it just consists of doing a speech in my head, St Crispians Day, the Sons of Scotland speech from Braveheart, the brial thing from 13th Warrior.

The engagement itself is pretty much enough.

Mike Odea · Post by **Mike Odea** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 11:32 pm

I sing to my self mostly (THe Rising of the Moon )old Irish tune ,and then Im in the Zone,training takes over ,and then Im buying the loser a brew to make him feel better cause an old Irish fart whupped him.

Murdock · Post by **Murdock** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 2:10 am

By the rising of the moon!!!

I love that song!! I only know the chorus though. The Band at Bailey's Irish Pub is pretty drunk by the time i get there i guess. Can't undertsnad a word besides the chorus.

If you don't mind could you email me the lyrics?

And if anyone has the words to "Northwest Passage" I'd appreciate that too.

Alexander · Post by **Alexander** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 4:53 am

Servus!

I like to polish my armor prior to going to war. Sounds silly I know, but polishing is very meditative for me and it also gives me the opportunity to look at my armor very closely and make repairs/improvements as needed. I also like to re-tape my weapons.

All the while I consider what I am going to do in regards to the fighting - who will I ally myself with, what style will I fight, where do I want to be in regard to the main fighting body, things like that.

Remember - going to the bathroom BEFORE armoring up is always a good way to ensure a enjoyable experience....

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Pax Vobiscum,

Herr Alexander

theodrik · Post by **theodrik** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 5:23 am

well let's see. Going onto the field with my unit is definately an up. "Bang you Head" by Quiet Riot, "Volcano Girl" Varuca Salt, "Dragula" Rob Zombie and the rest on my homemade CD rom is great for the hour prior to arming. But some folks get upset by the head phones, but then get upset when I fire up the boombox with my fav bagpipe tunes, so I guess I just can't please everyone. Oh and by the way, 'Archers, Shoot that man!'

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Sir Theodrik of Skane,
West, Mists, Blackwood Company
'Lude Fortier, Lude Juste, Nemini Damnum!'

Morgan · Post by **Morgan** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 7:06 am

Not a thing, personally...I just never have. NOt in 15 years of tourney judo, not in the SCA. Not in debate in highschool and college...

I was born a stone cold killer, and I don't need...er...anyway...

Seriously, I'm more methodical than emotional. I'm part Norwegian, it's not my fault.

Conrad the Mad · Post by **Conrad the Mad** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 9:46 am

"ride of the valkeries" is a good motivator for me. I will be cranking it tonight on my way to practise. Then let the others beware.

Actually my first couple of fights are terrible untill I get my wind up, and the blood flowing.

I think I will try to take it up a notch tonight.

[This message has been edited by Conrad the Mad (edited 03-08-2002).]

Crystoll · Post by **Crystoll** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 9:57 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>

This isnt actually something I do before hand but for some reason if while I'm fighting I sing I actually am more effective. It sounds funny and I only do it in practice and yes it could have something to do with throwing my opponent off balance with my horrendous voice. 
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually, it could also be the fact that your forcing yourself to breathe while fighting..
I know even though I've been fighting for just under 2 years now, and only fighting seriously for about 6 months of those years, that I still forget to breathe at times..
Mainly when I am facing someone who can kick my arse all over the field, and I am trying to move my round shield at terminal velocity to avoid being turned into a baby seal and getting clubbed

Crystoll Mackintosh

Destichado · Post by **Destichado** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 10:17 am

I was in the VMI Bagpipe band, and now drum-cadences run through my head. "Slam" and "Turd" are the two most common, but I don't expect anyone to recognize them.
I sing the tunes that I played on the pipes, too -Scotland the Brave & Blue Bells, mostly.
I know, I'm nuts! Can't help it, I was in the Band; and I'm half-Scott, to boot.

By the way, if words to Scotland the Brave, Blue Bells, or Bonnie Charlie exist (damn, I have that last stuck in my head now...) PLEASE tell me -I'm tired of "nah na-nah"ing to myself!

cheval · Post by **cheval** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 10:29 am

Theodrick: "Oh and by the way, 'Archers, Shoot that man!'"

What can you expect from a man who built a list-legal musket *eg*??

-cheval-

bela of kaffa · Post by **bela of kaffa** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 10:30 am

driving to an event, if i feel the need to "motivate myself", i seem to usually put on black flag or the damned... onsite, the smells, the sounds, all of surrounding people and atmospheres...if it's a melee, the sound of the starting cannon always seems to make my b.p. spike!

James B. · Post by **James B.** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 11:05 am

I am always pumped for some swordplay! Also driving my Z3 115 miles an hour while listening to either something heavy like Cradle of Filth, Dark Funeral, or Dismember or listening to some triumphant sound track like Conan or Gladiator while on the way also helps.

"CONAN! What's best in life?"

Flonzy

[This message has been edited by flonzy (edited 03-08-2002).]

Russ Mitchell · Post by **Russ Mitchell** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 11:19 am

SCA-specific? If not...

Dunno... if I really am feeling like I need something, I whistle something playful. Anything that'll keep you loose before a bout, any kind of stress is death to your wind. I spar three days a week, sometimes four, 2-minute rounds with a minute break; conserving your wind is vital... much different than a "finish it" fight (and actually, I'm now having trouble being sufficiently aggressive, as I've gotten accustomed to pacing myself).

I like the idea of singing. I oughta try that sometime, though I suspect I'll have things thrown at me...

hjalmr · Post by **hjalmr** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 11:21 am

Actually I don't really get myself motivated for practice anymore -if I do, no one will probaly show up.

When I do get motivated for fighting, I listen to music:
Disturbed, Godsmack, Staind, Nickleback, Drowning Pool, etc.

Uh,oh. Conrads going to take it up a notch tonight at practice -I better start listening to some Drowning Pool(let the bodies hit the floor...) or maybe some Godsmack(I'm doing the best I ever did -NOW GO AWAY!)

Hhhhmmmmmmmmmm....
(^_^)

[This message has been edited by hjalmr (edited 03-08-2002).]

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 12:18 pm

I look across the field to the Aten/Trimarin armies, where each and every one of them is thinking "I drove all this way to die by YOUR hand". Then I do my best to oblige them.

I love the smell of rattan in the morning, it's the smell of victory.

bela of kaffa · Post by **bela of kaffa** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 1:07 pm

cool, we've been kinda covering this song!

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by hjalmr:

Uh,oh. Conrads going to take it up a notch tonight at practice -I better start listening to some Drowning Pool(let the bodies hit the floor...)
.]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Templar Bob/De Tyre · Post by **Templar Bob/De Tyre** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 7:21 pm

Mudvayne's "Dig" also gets me in the mood to kill, as does Ramstein (that German band that did the album "Sehensuch")....and just about anything Ministry makes (Psalm 69 in particular). Not terribly period, but it does get the bloodlust up.

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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice
Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

Remember: In Living History/Reinactment, Real Life is the Great Leveler of Man.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 03-08-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 03-08-2002).]

chef de chambre · Post by **chef de chambre** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 12:57 am

..... Well, 'Bonnie Charlie' exists - I'm surprised you don't know it -

Bonnie Tearlaich's noo awa

Saftly o'er the freindly main

Mony a heart shall break in twa

should ye no come back again

(Chorus)
Wull ye no come back again?

Wull ye no come back again?

Better loved, ye ne'r can be

Wull ye no come back again?

Mony a gallant sodger fought

Money a gallant chief was slain,

Aye, death itsel was dearly bought

All for Scotlands lord and king

.... repeat chorus.

There ya go - now find me the words to Lillibolero.

Sorry - had to give you 'Charlie's' proper name in gaelic.

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Bob R.

Brennus · Post by **Brennus** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 1:17 am

The breathing thing is probably right my knight is always saying "breathe dont forget to breathe." Being told this right before a fight may have even made me fight alot better in Tourneys I have won.

Destichado · Post by **Destichado** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 1:28 am

Thanks Chef!

Although I'm afraid I'm going to me a 15c. English, wakling around singing a Scottish hymn... Ah well. I'm supposed to be Northumbrian anyway.

Christian de Westborn · Sat Mar 09, 2002 12:34 pm

Getting psyched for fighting depends on where I am. On the way to practice it's "crank the stereo and blast away with the speed metal."
But at a tournament usually all it takes is to glance over the field at the combatants, watch the pennons and banners in the breeze, and take a deep breath of all the tension in the air. Once I'm fighting, it just takes a glimpse of my lady standing beside the lists to re-energize the fighting spirit.
Of course, if it's a Mists/Cynagua war, I've got to hear "Black Swan Rises" at least once that morning....

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Long live the Prince and Princess of Cynagua!

Derian le Breton · Post by **Derian le Breton** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 1:39 pm

FWIW, that hymn's about Bonnie Prince Charlie, 18th century.

Still a good one though

-Donasian.

chef de chambre · Post by **chef de chambre** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 9:22 pm

Oh,

Absolutely - just post 1745. I can chronicle the course of the Jacobite rebellions through Jacobite songs, from 1688 - 1745, without missing any significant event. Want to know Billy of Oranges popular song though as well.

If you want a 15th century (English) war song, there is the Agincourt carol.

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Bob R.

Stoffel · Post by **Stoffel** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 10:34 pm

I usually think about all the new tactics and moves I want to try that I have been studying from fight books, and usually quit when I'm told by the other sca people that I'm doing it all wrong and need to use sca stances if I want to win.

olaf haraldson · Post by **olaf haraldson** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 11:59 pm

"Put on psy-war op... make it loud..."

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Conrad the Mad:
"ride of the valkeries" is a good motivator for me. [This message has been edited by Conrad the Mad (edited 03-08-2002).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

olaf haraldson · Post by **olaf haraldson** » Sun Mar 10, 2002 12:00 am

Oh frikkin cool!!! I wanna get shot by this... where are y'all from?
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by cheval:

What can you expect from a man who built a list-legal musket *eg*??

-cheval-<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

JJ Shred · Post by **JJ Shred** » Sun Mar 10, 2002 12:53 am

The smell of horses, the knickering, snorting and stamping of feet. The ring of steel harness, the gleam as the morning sun cuts through the mists...then the motion, as men and horses start to move, first at a walk, then a canter, and finally a full gallop as the lances level on their targets...followed by the chorus of screams as we burst through their lines...

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Virtus vincit invidiam
"Virtue overcometh envy"