Who will hand select rattan for me?

[freiman the minstrel]

Guys, I finally got the video back from last crown list, and while my technique was pretty good, I was throwing a lot of blows that were just plain light.

So, I have started yet another training program, this time I am breaking one of my own cardinal rules and using a weighted sword. I have counseled young fighters for a long time not to use weighted pell swords because of the potential for elbow and shoulder damage.

But, I was failing to throw blows with sufficient force, despite having worked hard and smart on technique for several months.

So, I am thinking one cheap fix is to go with heavier rattan. I need to find thicker rattan, and I need to find denser rattan.

Which merchants will hand select it for me?

freiman

[Nissan Maxima]

Heavier swords are good but you also can increase power by striking "through" your opponent. I teach my guys that all blows should lodge in their opponent's spine. If no one else chimes in for wood I will get you a piece.

[DukeAvery]

As an informal member of the Bellatrix Fighting School I always recommend getting with the man himself whenever possible or a teacher who has mastered his techniques you can physically work with. That said, power is a (partial) function of physical capabilities combined with technique. Improving either of these can be the work of years. For myself, I've been focusing on the single hip return which a very few high level fighters know how to use properly and are devastatingly effective with in raining powerful blows quickly. I've spent nearly a year struggling just recently until Paul and I realized I wasn't getting the importance of 'shrugging' at the right time. This is a critical part of accelerating the sword away from the target before the blow is 'returned' and is an example of a small thing that if missed can hold you up. Others examples are mistiming, arm overuse, and a host of pitfalls to be overcome. Although I still have a ways to go it feels as if I've cleared an important hurdle on that road. I oscillate between drills and pell effectiveness pell tests and sparring. I also think Vitus and Nissan (among others) here offer very good advice on fighting in general and developing explosive power specifically. I use a weight vest now and made good use of many other suggestions from them.

Nor are Paul's techniques the only game in town. YMMV

Regards

Avery

[Baron Eirik]

Thicker rattan would be my arena. And you would be surprised at how little weight difference there can be between a typical 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inch dia. stick and a 1 3/4 inch stick planed to 1 1/4.

The only tough part is shipping overseas ain't cheap.

[Duke Icefalcon]

If you are ever free, you are welcome to stop by my shop. I have been told by many that I have a knack for building weapons. I can teach you my technique.

[Baron Alcyoneus]

Thicker rattan would be my arena. And you would be surprised at how little weight difference there can be between a typical 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inch dia. stick and a 1 3/4 inch stick planed to 1 1/4.

The only tough part is shipping overseas ain't cheap.

He should have an APO or know a bunch of folks that do.

[Payn]

oddly, when I had power generation issues, I went to a lighter stick to focus on technique. Bad technique meant I didn't get a cookie.