Why Two Pells Are Better Than One

So, a week or two ago I saw a post on a fellow Dagorhir friends' Facebook page and it was about head shots occurring because fighters who threw said shot "were used to fighting people taller than them" at their local park/practice, and how to handle the situation. This got me thinking and I came up with a solution that I would like to share with my fellow Dagorhir fighters.....


The 'Muscle Memory' Game

First, let's look at the issue at hand: the head shot. They happen for a myriad of reasons, and a vast majority of the time, they're purely accidental. I personally haven't had this happen to me, being a fighter who is short in stature, and I can't speak to the situation my friend was referring to because I wasn't there, but in my humble and honest opinion, muscle memory, which was brought up as a possible contributing factor, is a poor excuse for one reason: while I understand the conditioning factor at work here, any good fighter will be able to adjust their fighting to any given situation. The shots you throw may be ingrained into your muscle memory, but your eyes see it differently. If the person in front of you isn't towering over you, why are you swinging at them as if they are? If your opponent's head is where the torso of the "giants" of your local practice would be, don't aim there. Adjust your shot accordingly and aim lower. This situation is precisely the reason why I don't religiously do muscle memory training because your brain switches to autopilot and you won't be able to pull an errant shot in time to prevent the aforementioned head shot, and I prefer to be aware of what I'm doing in battle. If you see someone struggling with this issue at your local practice, newbie or not, politely help them out and show them how to adjust their shots in relation to the height of their opponent.

As the fighter on the receiving end of the head shot, remember to remain as calm as possible. If you feel yourself becoming angry, take a time out to collect your thoughts and take a few deep breaths. The last thing you want to do is blow up at the other fighter, especially if they're a newer fighter, over an accident because you may scare them away. If it's a frequent occurrence, work with them in a positive way to fix the situation.

Now, onto my solution....



Two Pells Are Better Than One

For those who religiously do muscle memory training with a pell, may I be so bold as to suggest having TWO pells instead of one? One should be relatively the same height as you, and the other should be shorter or taller than you, depending on your height. Train on both each time you do your pell training, doing the exact same routine on both pells. WHY, you ask? Because it will train you to be able to adjust your shots to the height of your opponent. It's my opinion that you're limiting yourself by using just ONE pell because it won't simulate the differences in height you're going to encounter on the field. You'll most likely fight people shorter than you as well as people taller than you at some point, so why prepare yourself for only one of these situations? Training for both of these situations will make you a well rounded fighter and go a long way in preventing the situation mentioned above.


Let's all keep each other safe, huh?

Knighthood: What it means to be a knight

This post is geared towards those just starting out on the path or those considering the path to knighthood from the perspective of a squire.

What is knighthood?

It isn't just a title, its a way of life. You don't just act as a knight in a Dagorhir setting, you live it everyday. At your job, in your community, even at home. If you only act as a knight when people are watching, you're doing it wrong.

Knighthood, to me, isn't about the fighting, it's about service/helping and dedication to the game. Medic shifts, troll shifts, security, weapons check; these are examples of the services we provide at events and should be done from the goodness of your heart, without expecting anything in return, and without being asked.

Knighthood is lending gear or garb to newbies or those in need, even if it doesn't get returned. You can always get or make new stuff, but helping others have fun and get acclimated to the game is worth far more and can go a long way in growing the game.

Knighthood is helping other people put up their tents, stabilize them in the horrid storms Ragnarok often gets, or providing them with a place to stay if they have none. It's also giving food or drink to someone who may not have enough.

Knighthood is making sure everyone is safe and having a good time because if you aren't having fun, you aren't doing it right. It's helping a drunk event goer get safely back to camp, or looking after them if they're sick. It's accompanying someone to the bathroom if they need an escort. It's standing up for and doing what's right.

Knighthood is about teaching others and growing the game, but it's also a learning experience for the squire/knight. You should never stop learning and always be seeking to better yourself in and out of the game so that you can set a good example and pass on what you've learned.

Knighthood is a responsibility, one that isn't to be taken lightly. It's a lot of work, but very rewarding to those who walk the long road.

Qualities of a Knight

- Selfless

You aren't afraid to give of yourself to others and aren't self absorbed and greedy. Items can be replaced, a good first impression cannot

- Humble

You see everyone as equal and don't consider yourself better than anyone else. You're not arrogant or egotistical

- Patience

Becoming a knight doesn't happen overnight and isn't easy. It takes time and effort. Teaching others also isn't easy because everyone learns differently and some require more than others. Don't rush at it

- Perseverance

The road is long and tough, but you never give up despite the odds or obstacles against you. Keep at it

- Bravery/Courage

You aren't afraid to take charge, and you're also not afraid to fail. You realize that making mistakes is a learning opportunity and don't get frustrated when you make a mistake. You dust yourself off and get up and do it again.

You also stare fear and adversity in the face, laugh, and conquer them and march forward with your head held high

- Helpful

You lend a helping hand wherever it is needed without being asked

- Knowledgeable

You always seek knowledge and new ways of doing things, but you also aren't afraid to admit you don't know everything and can point someone in the right direction of the knowledge they seek.

- Open Minded

You are aware that your way of doing things isn't the only way and that it may not work for everyone. You're willing to accept ideas etc. from others and don't dismiss them because you've never tried it that way

- Student

You're a teacher, but also a student. You're always learning and willing to learn. You never stop being a student

- Compassionate

You have a big heart and are there for people when they need it, even if it's just an ear to listen. You don't hold anger or grudges in your heart

- Honor

You care more about fun than winning. You play by the rules and you're not a sore loser or a poor winner. Winning isn't everything. It's better to lose honorably than win by cheating

Reasons TO be a Knight

There are many reasons to become a knight, but the biggest ones are:

- To grow the game
- To pass on the knowledge you've gained
- To enhance the experience of everyone around you and make sure they're safe and having fun
- To help others whenever/however you can

Knighthood isn't all about the person taking up the mantle

Reasons NOT to be a Knight

Basically, if you're only in it for yourself, you're doing it for all the wrong reasons. Don't take up the mantle if you're only in it for the title/fame/glory, to pull rank on people, to keep the knowledge to yourself, if you're a cheater/dirty fighter, if you're an asshole or egotistical, etc. Basically, if you're selfish, it's not for you.

As a knight, you lead by example. If you set a bad example, that's what others will learn from and absorb, and that isn't good for the game.

And as a leader, you shouldn't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Get in those trenches with the rest of your people. Remember, you were once in their shoes. You were once new, at the bottom of the totem pole. Don't let a title change that or cause you to forget where you came from.

My Values

I don't consider myself better than anyone else. I try to help others become better instead of looking down on them. I was once new and inexperienced and I haven't forgotten that.

I refuse to back hack anybody, unless I'm flanking in a team/field battle. My belief is that if all you do is back hack, you either care too much about winning, or you lack skills, confidence, or both. If it's the latter, please come find me at an event and I'll be happy to spar with you and teach you some things :)

Learning is key. Whether it's watching fighting videos or reading books, I'm always looking to learn something new. It's my belief that the more I know, the more I can teach

Overcoming The Mind

In Dagorhir, we face a lot of different enemies. But, there exists no greater enemy than ourselves and our minds. Our minds produce fear in the form of thoughts, which then become obstacles to reaching our goals and attaining what we want. This article will provide some tips to overcome your mind and achieve the success you are striving for.

Eastern philosophy teaches that fear does not actually exist, but rather, it's a byproduct of our mind and being unsure of the unknown and the future. When something is unknown to us, "fear" is produced because we do not understand it; it's new to us and we then begin to judge whatever it is, but in actuality, this makes things worse. To overcome the "fear" we must seek to understand that which is foreign to us. That which is "unknown" becomes the "known", therefore the "fear" dissipates. We must challenge our thoughts and fears in order to change and overcome them.

In the book "The Armored Rose" by Tobi Beck(aka Duchess Elina of the SCA), she discusses what's called the "Lizard Brain". Men and women both have it, but for the purposes of the book, the female "Lizard Brain" is discussed in terms of different hurdles women fighters face. Our society has taught many generations of women, starting at a young age, that women do not fight, only men do(though there are numerous accounts of famed female warriors). Many women hesitate to take the field because of such a notion, their mind producing excuses that there are other more important things to be done at the time. By challenging this notion and taking the field and training, they come to see that they CAN do it and there's no reason that they shouldn't, nor should they be considered inferior to the male fighters. Another hurdle female fighters face is HITTING an opponent. Have you ever seen a female fighter, especially newer ones, apologize after striking an opponent? This is because girls are taught from a young age that hitting of any kind is unacceptable(and in most cases, it is). When training with female fighters, politely point out this situation, ask what they have to apologize for, but do this no more than twice, and continue with the training. Converse to this hurdle is the one of BEING HIT. Again, girls are taught that hitting comes as a way of punishment or discipline because they did something wrong(whereas boys play fight as a way of bonding and making friends). So, in the beginning, when a female fighter is struck by a trainer/fellow fighter, the "Lizard Brain" causes her to think that she has done something wrong, and one of two reactions occurs: Tears or uncontrollable giggling. This may throw the trainer/opponent off guard, but understand that she is fighting a battle with her "Lizard Brain" to counteract the thoughts that women can't and don't fight, and the tears/giggling are the byproduct of frustration at her internal battle and her desire to want to learn and fight. Laugh with her and reassure her, then resume with the training.

The point is, challenge your way of thinking, otherwise you will be a slave to your own mind.

Do What You Think You Can't

I'll use my self as an example here: From the first day I started Dagorhir(spring/summer 2010), up until about 6 months ago, I always believed that I could never be a Red fighter because of my small size and the large size of the Red weapons I was seeing. I was under the impression that ALL Red weapons were that size, and never knew of such a thing as a "min" Red. I thought I didn't have the power or strength to wield a Red weapon, so I stayed away from them. Then, 2 years ago, as part of my squireship, I built my first min Red. I only fought with it a couple of times, then got away from it again. Then, about 6 months to a year ago, I picked it up again and started training and fighting Red seriously, and I came to find out it wasn't at all like I thought, and I actually enjoyed it. And this summer, I made a 5-6 foot Red and started fighting with that, and it became solidified that I COULD do it all along. I just had to try.

The moral of the story is, if you think you CAN'T do something, do it anyway. And more often than not, you'll come to realize that your mind was your only hurdle, and not your size, skill, ability, or experience level. Your mind has plenty of ways to trick you, just don't fall for the tricks. Challenge your thinking, ask yourself what you really have to be afraid of, and ask yourself the question "What's the worst that could happen if I....?"

Don't Listen To What Others Are Telling You

You will come across people in life that will be rooting for, and actually trying to cause, your downfall. They'll tell you things like "you can't do that", "you don't have what it takes", "you're not good enough", or "you don't deserve that". DON'T listen to them. They do this because it's a reflection of them and their feelings of insecurity. They're negative thinkers and want others to wollow in their negativity so they won't be lonely. They don't think they have what it takes to achieve what they want, so they don't want others to succeed either. They also fear what could happen if you DO achieve what it is you are striving for. DON'T join them in their misery. Keep your eyes on the prize and never give up.

People will also tell you "Do it this way. Everybody else is". There's one BIG problem with that: YOU aren't everybody else. Fight how you want to fight. If it's comfortable for you and it works and isn't putting your or others' safety at risk, do it. Everybody is unique and different. Nobody else is fighting in your body and you aren't fighting in theirs. What works for you may not work for someone else and vice versa, and that's fine. Unless what you're doing is hurting you or other people, nobody has any right to tell you to do it differently just because THEY don't do it that way. You can't do things the way they can and vice versa because we're all different and have our own nuances and quirks that make us who we are. Eastern philosophy teaches that everything we need to succeed is already inside us and that we don't need to seek external resources to achieve what we strive for. Look inside yourself and you'll find this to be true. This goes back to the "fear of what we don't understand". Just because they don't understand how you do something doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong.

Conformity is the result of fear. Don't be afraid to be different.

Positive Affirmations

What we think, we attract. If we're constantly in a negative state of mind, negativity is what we will attract. If we think things like "I can't do it", "I'm not good enough", "He/She is better than me" etc., then your mind will begin to believe it and you won't achieve your goals and you'll end up miserable. Again I ask you to ponder the question "What's the worst that could happen if I...?" Then change your thinking from "I can't do it" to "I can do it!", from "I'm not good enough" to "I am good enough!" and you'll be surprised at how much things begin to work in your favor. You can do anything you put your mind to. I suggest that you study the Laws of Attraction for a better understanding. Your mind will always try and stop you, but don't hit the brakes. Like runners in the Olympics, jump over those hurdles and continue on your way. Or if you can't jump, go around. Just don't let them stand in your way.

In closing, F.E.A.R is a four letter word and can stand for one of two things:

Forget
Everything
And
Run

OR

Face
Everything
And
Rise

Which one will you live by?

-Durrok

Two Sword Style: A Practical Guide

For most of my almost 5 years in Dagorhir, I've been fighting the two sword style. It's my bread and butter style and the one I enjoy the most. I've learned quite a lot over the years, but really had to do some searching to find the information and resources that have been the backbone of my training. So I've decided to make it my mission to spread the knowledge I've gained to other aspiring two sword fighters so that they can find success with the style. So, here we go....


The Beginning

Before one can hope to get good with two swords, one must first train with one sword. If you can't wield one sword safely, then you really can't be expected to wield two safely, though there certainly are exceptions to the rule. This is where training single blue on your own time will come in handy. I have some basic training drills outlined in a previous article, which can be found here. I recommend that you review those drills and work on them before moving on to any of the drills involving two swords.

As stated in the article mentioned above, you want to start your training with your off hand or non-dominant hand. This is because most of us are not ambidextrous and the motor skills in our non-dominant arm are diminished since we don't use it nearly as often as our dominant arm, so the motor skills need to be built up to be on par with your dominant arm. And this goes without saying, but it's important that you are holding a sword ONLY in the hand of the arm you will be training so that the focus is solely on that arm. When not training with your weapons, there are some everyday things that you can do to work on and improve your ambidexterity, which I go over in my article here.


Equipment

Your equipment is just as important as your training, so let's go over some typical gear used by two sword fighters. Remember, what works for one fighter may not work for you. Most of this is up to personal preference and will be trial and error....


Swords

The swords you use will go a long way in determining your level of success with the style. Some things to consider are the varying lengths, starting from the Short Sword(22.5 inches) up to the Long Sword(38 inches+), with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. What type of fighter you are(Range or Melee) will be a deciding factor in what type of sword will be your best option, as will your arm length.

Short Swords

Strength(s): Lighter, Faster

Weaknesses: Shorter Reach, Less Coverage

Short swords are typically best used by fighters who don't mind getting up close and personal or have longer arm spans. Keep in mind that the taller you are, the less coverage you will have in defending your lower body with shorter swords.

Medium Swords

Strength(s): Best of Both Worlds

Weaknesses:

Medium length swords are what I personally use. They can still offer the light weight and quickness of the short sword and you can also still get in melee range and be effective by choking up on the sword, and it also has the added length for better reach to stay at range and still hit your opponent, as well as provide better defensive coverage.

Long Swords

Strength(s): Excellent Range, Excellent Coverage

Weaknesses: Terrible in Close Melee

Long Swords are typically used by fighters who prefer to stay at range, as well as fighters with longer arm spans looking for superior range. The downside is if you get rushed, the longer swords don't do well in close combat.

You can always try a combination of each, but just remember that you're range is defined by the shorter sword. You can also give the original style a try, which was Long Sword and Dagger, although with the amount of armor and shields in Dagorhir, I'm not sure how effective that combo would be as I've never tried it.

Flat Blade vs Omni Blade

I personally recommend starting with flat blades, then making the switch to omni blades if you so desire to make the switch. Flat blades force you to be focused and pay attention to how you're throwing your shots, which if you don't pay attention, you could strike with the flat of the blade, which doesn't count. Omni(or omni-directional) blades are cylindrical in nature and the whole blade is a legal striking surface. For this reason, you don't have to pay as close attention to your shots as there is no worry of connecting with the flat of the blade. This is where starting with omni blades and transitioning to flat blades can cause problems. You will be conditioned to fight with a sword whose blade is all striking surface, then fighting with flat blades, you are then more prone to striking with the flat of the blade, as well as sloppy shots.


Building Your Swords

As a small note, if you build your own weapons, and you want your swords to be identical, you must make sure to complete the current step of the building process on BOTH swords before moving onto the next step. This will ensure that your swords are the same length and weight.

When it comes to what core to use, it all depends on how light or heavy you want your swords to be. Since I only have experience building with fiberglass and PVC, I would recommend fiberglass for the lighter weapons and PVC for the heavier ones.


Gloves

This is entirely personal preference, but protecting your hands is certainly a good idea. You can use either UFC fighting gloves or hockey/lacrosse gloves. The UFC gloves leave the fingers exposed but protect the rest of the hand, while the hockey gloves offer protection for the entire hand but are bulkier than the UFC ones. The UFC gloves are around $30, while the hockey gloves can start at $30 and go up. That may seem like a lot to some people, but when you compare that to doctor/hospital bills for broken fingers or a broken hand, I'd rather spend the $30 to protect my hands to prevent the injury from happening in the first place. You can't go wrong either way.


Back Shield

You will see some two sword fighters using a back shield while fighting. There are a few reasons for this: #1: To prevent being back hacked, #2: To deflect arrows(Two sword fighters can be prime targets for archers since they usually don't have any kind of shield to stop the arrows), and #3: Some two sword fighters like to be flashy and use spins in their fighting, so the shield protects them during a spin.

If you choose to use one, make sure it's not too big and bulky as it will slow you down and take away from the styles strength, which is speed. It can be hard to move at a fast pace with something big and heavy on your back, but again, there are exceptions to the rule.


Armor

If you choose to wear armor, at the very least use bracers and grieves. Two sword fighters hate losing their arms and legs, as then their advantages(two weapons, speed/mobility) are taken away. Leather is your best option, as it's generally lighter and offers better mobility. If you go with leather, be sure to water form it by placing it in boiling water for a few minutes. This will soften the leather so it's more mobile. After you take it out of the water, put it on and allow it to dry. This will allow the leather to form to your body so that the armor moves with your body. If you don't water form the leather, the armor will be rigid and not have very much give and won't allow for much mobility. Also, be sure to train in your armor during personal training sessions. This will help you get used to wearing the armor while fighting and you'll adjust to the added weight.


Training

As mentioned earlier in this article, you should strive to become at least average with a single blue before picking up a second sword. I provided a link to my first article about basic drills, and if you haven't checked out those drills, please go do so now and practice, practice, practice before reading on.


Sinawali

Sinawali, meaning "two stick", is a Filipino form of martial arts fighting and is a great place to start when learning the two sword style, as the patterns are designed so that you have to do them with both hands before the pattern is complete. This will get you used to attacking from both sides and not limit yourself to attacking with one side and defending with the other, thus becoming predictable to your enemies. The most important patterns to focus on and practice are Heaven Six, Earth Six, Heaven & Earth Six, and Four Count Open:

Heaven Six

Heaven Six focuses on the upper quadrant of your opponent, as demonstrated here:

Earth Six

Earth Six focuses on the lower quadrant of your opponent, as shown here:

Heaven & Earth Six

Heaven & Earth Six combines the Heaven Six and Earth Six patterns, allowing for combos, which are a very important part of the two sword style. This pattern can be seen here:

Four Count Open

This is another basic drill and will get you used to throwing shots with both swords, and is a good place to start when beginning to work with combos. This pattern can be seen here:

There are other more advanced patterns that you can learn later after you've mastered the basic ones above. But for now, focus on the basics. Be sure to start out slow. You can gradually increase your speed once you get used to the patterns.


Doble Baston

Doble Baston, which comes from Lameco Eskrima, is very similar to Sinawali and I encourage you to check it out and see which works best for you. You can even use elements from both styles since they are so similar. Below are two videos highlighting Doble Baston:

Boxing

Boxing and the Two Sword fighting style are very identical in a lot of ways. In Boxing, you use both hands, throwing punch combos at your opponent. In Dagorhir, you use two swords in this style to attack your enemy, also using combos. When throwing shot combos in Dagorhir, like boxing, make sure you're not firing your second shot until you've completed the first one and are pulling the sword back into the starting position to allow for defensive maneuvers. You never see a boxer throwing two punches at once, and you shouldn't be throwing two shots at the same time either. I highly encourage you to watch boxing training videos and even matches as they will help immensely.

Also, like in boxing, you always want to be moving your feet, never standing still, both in training and in battle. It's harder to hit a moving target than it is one that is standing still. If they can't hit you, they can't kill you. You always want to be light on your feet, standing on the balls of your feet so that you can move quickly at a moments notice.


Bodyweight Drills

I also encourage doing bodyweight drills as part of your training. The best ones to do are Lunges, as well as calf exercises, such as Calf Raises, since you'll be spending a lot of time on the balls of your feet, you'll want to have strong calves. The best part about bodyweight drills is that you can do them everyday, unlike with free weights. Doing Lunges and Calf Raises will build the muscles in your legs and prepare you for quick movement, which is essential.

I also recommend that you watch the footwork videos I have in my article about basic drills. The link can be found at the beginning of this article.


Increasing Sword Speed

When first starting out with the drills I listed above, you'll want to start slow to get used to the movements and condition your muscles to make these movements without a second thought. After a good amount of practice, you can begin to increase your speed in these drills. If you want to increase your sword speed, I recommend using wrist weights while doing your sword training. I personally use two 1.5lb weighted gloves from Gold's Gym, which you can get at Walmart for around $10. I prefer the gloves because they always stay in place. Using weight while practicing your sword shots really works your muscles and will make your swords seem heavier than they are. After you take the weights off, you'll notice how much lighter your weapons feel, and how much faster you can swing them. Do this for a few months and eventually your speed will increase by a lot.


Role On The Field

As a two sword fighter, your main purpose on the field will be flanking and anti-flanking. Flanking is a fine art that must be practiced and requires precise timing. You have to commit to it. Either you do it or you don't, there is no time for thinking about it. If you time it wrong, it could mean your death or a missed opportunity. I'm sure you're now asking the question "What side do I flank from, the left or the right?". I recommend flanking the side that doesn't have much going on, as you won't encounter as many obstacles and will have a better chance at succeeding than you would on the end where all the action is. First, make sure the person on the end of the line you're going to flank isn't paying attention to you and doesn't see you as an immediate threat. This can be accomplished by looking and walking in another direction, then, at the last second, change direction quickly and dart down their line. This won't always work, especially against veteran units, because they've seen it so many times before and are prepared for it. Make sure you don't try flanking the same unit multiple times in a row as they'll catch onto you pretty quickly and keep an eye out for you. You'll also want to switch up the sides you flank from to confuse the enemy. The more variables you throw at them, the harder it will be for them to adapt.

In closing, I would like to leave the link to my personal playlist of videos I've come across and used in my training in the two sword style. I hope they help you as much as they've helped me. The link can be found here. Thanks for reading and good luck my fellow two sword enthusiasts.

Choosing A Unit

Perhaps just as important as selecting the right weapon for you, you also want to make sure to choose the right unit. This article will provide some advice and things to consider for new fighters looking to find their first unit.


So, you're new to Dagorhir and want to find a place to call home, a unit with which to identify. For some people, this is an easy process. Yet, for others, it can be a painstaking process. Still others end up attempting to start their own unit because they don't find one they like. Allow me to help a little bit...


Finding A Unit

Choosing a unit can seem like a daunting task to a newer fighter, especially if the local realm has a lot of units contained within it. My suggestion is to not join the first unit that you like or that approaches you with an offer to join. Take some time and get to know all of the units in your local realm and see what each has to offer. Watch how they fight on the field, how they interact with one another and the other units, and how they present themselves in general. Just because a unit has awesome fighters or a badass logo doesn't mean it's the right one for you. Talk to each unit and ask as many questions as you can. The more information you get, the better.

Some things to ask/consider when searching for a unit:

Average Age: Does the unit seem to have more older adults, younger adults/teens, or a combination of both? I personally would recommend going with one with a combination of both, but this will be entirely up to the age group in which you fall. Older adults and younger adults/teens can certainly mesh well together, but remember that older adults and young adults often have different ideas on what's fun and acceptable and what isn't. Go where you'll feel most comfortable.

Conduct: How do they conduct themselves at practice, events(if you've been to one), and in the general public? Are these behaviors something you can deal with or do they bother you? If in a Dagorhir setting, make sure their behavior isn't just in character as quite a few Dagorhirim roleplay while at events. Everybody is unique and different in their own way. Remember this and don't form an opinion without all the facts and information.

Fighting: Find out how they handle training for new fighters. Look for a unit that trains together and teaches their new fighters instead of utilizing the "baptism by fire" type approach. While some people learn better on their own, others need teaching, so a unit that trains together and emphasizes the use of drills would be a good choice. Not all units teach or use drills, but that doesn't make them bad.

Also find out what their philosophies for fighting are. These will vary from unit to unit, so find out about "house rules" and determine if these are acceptable for you.

Specialized Unit: Some units fight with only specific weapon types, or are made up of only a specific type of character, like elves, orcs, or dwarves. Is this something you're willing to accept to be part of the unit, and if not, are they willing to fit you into the fold anyway? Don't change something about your persona or way of fighting just to join a unit. Only do it because you're genuinely willing to do so.

Core Values/Beliefs: Are the core values and beliefs of the unit and its members similar to yours or are they different? Are they willing to accept and respect your personal values and beliefs if they differ from those of their own? You don't want to join a unit that forces their beliefs on you or disrespects your values and beliefs. Join a unit where you're appreciated and respected for who you are.

Expectations: Most, if not all, units will have certain expectations for what they want out of their members. For example, some units are big on volunteering at events(weapons check, heralding, troll etc.) Are these expectations something that you are willing and able to live up to?


These are some of the more important things you want to consider when searching for a unit to join.



Starting A Unit

When you're new to Dagorhir and don't have prior fighting experience in other fighting systems(Belegarth, Amtgard, SCA etc.), I recommend not starting your own unit right out of the gate. Join an established unit, learn the game and the proper fundamentals, have fun, and sit back and watch how a unit works and what it's like to run one. As a unit leader, you'll be responsible for teaching the game to new fighters and training them, establishing and overseeing a ranking system, run a camp at events, and discipline problem members among other things. With and without the proper experience and knowledge, these responsibilities can be overwhelming and stressful. New fighters should focus their time on learning and soaking up knowledge so that they can be ready and able to run their own unit one day. Study as many units as you can and that will allow you to do so. Having several models from which to learn can provide you with some fresh perspectives. Learn first, teach second. Don't get ahead of yourself. And remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Hope this article was helpful, and thanks for reading

Durrok Thunderaxe

Selecting The Right Weapon For You

In this article, I will be discussing the importance of selecting the right weapon for you. This is geared towards new fighters who are ready to make their first weapon or are in the process of choosing, as well as unit and realm leaders to assist them.


Selecting A Weapon Type

When starting out, new fighters tend to choose a weapon based on what they see and like on the field without the proper knowledge of the weapon, and often times also without the proper fighting foundation and fundamentals...

New Fighters

I know that Red weapons and spears and even bow and arrows offer a high appeal, but unless you're a cross gamer with prior fighting experience, your first weapon should always be a blue sword. It's vital for new fighters to understand the importance of learning and training single blue. It's the most commonly encountered weapon on the battlefield: a Two Stick fighter has 2 blues, a Sword/Board fighter has a shield and a blue, a Red weapon is just a long blue if two hands aren't used, a lot of Spear fighters carry a side weapon(usually a blue weapon), and some archers also carry a side weapon. And if a Florentine, Sword/Board, or Red fighter loses an arm, they only have one weapon. Situations like these are where single blue training are very important and come in handy. Sure, single blue may be boring and unappealing, but it will teach you the most. Since you only have 1 weapon, it serves as both your offense and defense and careful planning is often required to know the right moments to attack and when you should be on the defensive. You'll often be outclassed by the other weapon types, but single blue is a valuable learning tool that not everyone pays enough attention to. See my first article here for training drills to improve your single blue fighting.


Unit/Realm Leaders

I realize most of you probably already know this, I'm just emphasizing the importance. When a new inexperienced fighter chooses a weapon type other than a blue, don't discourage them, but rather stress the importance of building up to that weapon type. Yes, the basics can be boring, but ignoring them can prove costly. Whenever there are new fighters present at practice, try and run a few Single Blue battles so the focus will be on single blue fighting and they'll be able to learn and won't feel so outmatched and overwhelmed on their first day. If everybody is fighting single blue, the new fighters will most likely feel more comfortable, and the more comfortable they feel, the more they will likely learn.

(Note: It is not advised to head onto the battlefield armed only with a blue sword. Single Blue is meant as a training tool and should be limited to personal training sessions and practices)

Also, unless yours is a specialized unit fighting with specific weapons, don't force a specific weapon on a new fighter, let them choose for themselves. And even if yours is a specialized unit, but the new fighter doesn't want to fight with the specific weapon of the unit, it may still be worth your while to try and fit them into your plans anyway because you never know, you just may be turning away an awesome fighter in the making over a specific weapon type, or just an awesome person in general. Plus, fitting them into your units plans and strategy will make them feel important, and stepping out of the norm may greatly benefit your unit and add more options in your strategies.


Things To Consider

As a new fighter, you don't want to choose a weapon simply because it looks cool or because other people fight with it. You want to choose a weapon that's best suited for you, so there are some things to consider when choosing the right weapon for you:

Your Body Type: Are you a small fighter? A large fighter? As a small fighter that isn't the strongest, I favor lighter, quicker weapons as they best suit my physical build. You should always strive fight with weapons that complement your physical build, not work against it.

Fighting Style: Are you an aggressive fighter or do you prefer ranged fighting? Are you an agile, mobile fighter or a stay at home type? These kinds of questions will take some time to answer if you're a new fighter starting out, so it will come down to personal preference and trial and error. But these questions must be considered because they will help ensure that you get the most out of the weapon in your hands and don't end up frustrated because you're not seeing the results you would like.

Weapon Size: The size of your weapon can make a very big difference. Make sure that you are fighting with weapons that you can wield safely, comfortably, and effectively. Safety is more important than cool/flashy. If someone in your local unit or realm has a weapon that appeals to you, ask them if you can test it out. Chances are, you'll need to adjust the length and weight of the weapon or shield to fit your body type. Remember, YOU should be controlling the weapon, NOT the other way around. If it's controlling you, then it's too heavy and you need a lighter weapon. You don't need to prove yourself to anyone by wielding a big heavy weapon that you can't safely wield. Again, this will come down to trial and error and personal preference.

Environment: Different environments/scenarios require different weapons. Once you've been to a larger event(100+ fighters) and have experienced different scenarios, you'll see what I mean. That's why you should strive to make varying sizes of your chosen weapon type to accommodate for different environments, specifically with Reds and Spears, but also blues. Tight quarters can make fighting with large weapons difficult. This is also why you should learn to fight with more than one weapon type as certain weapon types are at a disadvantage in certain scenarios.

A lot of this is common knowledge, but I want to do my part to help new fighters excel. I hope this article was helpful.

Until next time, thanks for reading!

Durrok Thunderaxe

Ambidexterity and Hand Matching

This article will cover ambidexterity and hand matching and their usefulness and how they can help you become a better fighter. Enjoy...

Not everyone has been gifted with the ability of growing up ambidextrous. Most of us use our dominant hands for everything and the off hand is left hanging around like "hey, what about me?". Not only is this true in the mundane world of everyday life, but also in our fantasy world of Dagorhir. Most fighters do all of the fighting with their dominant hand and never learn how to fight with their off hands. There is nothing saying that you have to be fighting ambidextrous, but it certainly has its advantages and can really take your fighting to the next level.


Ambidexterity

For those reading this that are newer to the game and just starting out, I would recommend that you first learn proper weapon control before learning to fight with your offhand. If you can't properly control a blue sword with your dominant hand, it will be even more difficult to do with your offhand. For most people, the motor skills in their offhand are significantly lower than that of their dominant hand. Low motor skills and poor weapon control don't make for a good pairing.

Moving on, allow me to discuss the advantages of becoming fighting ambidextrous:

Say you're a Sword/Board fighter and you lose your sword arm. While the shield is a useful tool and can keep you alive, it won't get you any kills. And a Red fighter can come along and break your shield, then what do you do? If you learn how to fight with your offhand, you'll have a chance to stay alive and keep fighting. Now, in a team scenario, that shield can still be beneficial, but in 1v1 combat you would be better off with the sword than the shield.

Learning how to fight with your offhand will also help you to better read opponents who's dominant hand is opposite of yours because you will have fought from the perspective of a fighter of the opposite dominant hand. As I stated in my previous article, found here, "Becoming The Obstacle" can help you overcome it, and learning how to fight with your offhand can teach you how those fighters fight. You'll know what shots they throw and how, and you'll be better able to visualize where their attacks will come from so that you're ready to defend and counter because you'll already be a step ahead of them. Being able to read and predict what an opponent is going to do will go a long way in defeating them, and learning to fight with your offhand is one way to achieve that.

On the other side of the coin, learning to fight with your off hand can give you an advantage over those fighters who may not be expecting it from you. Say you're a right handed Sword/Board fighter and you decide to go lefty, it will throw people off, even more so if they're not used to fighting left handed fighters. If your opponent is also a Sword/Board fighter, your sword is now on their sword side and you won't have the shield to contend with as much, and shots that may not have been available before now become an option.

Being fighting ambidextrous will also go a long way when fighting with two handed weapons(Reds and Spears/Polearms). You'll be able to vary your shots and shot locations so that you don't become predictable, and this will be especially helpful if you're fighting next to someone who fights opposite handed to you or if you're positioned on a certain side of your team's line. If you're positioned on the left side of the line, it would be better to throw shots from the left side, and vice versa. The bottom line is, you won't be as limited if you can fight equally well with both hands.

Training Tips

We may not all be ambidextrous, but luckily there are ways to teach yourself to become so:

Pat Your Head, Rub Your Belly: Remember when people would ask you if you could pat your head and rub your belly at the same time? Well as silly as it may seem, it can help you to coordinate both hands. You'll likely find that you can do this pretty easily with your dominant hand patting your head and your offhand rubbing your belly, but will likely find it more difficult to do if you reverse it. Yes it's a silly exercise, but it will get both hands moving at the same time, operating independent of one another. Do this exercise everyday if possible for as long you can stand. The longer you do it the better.

Offhand Day: This was a concept taught to me by a friend and fellow Dagorhirian. Start off by choosing one day a week that should be a day off of work or school, and do everything you normally do but with your offhand for the entire day(this includes eating, brushing your teeth, etc.) Do this for an entire month. Then, the following month, take two days a week and do the same thing for the entire month. Continue this process, adding a day each month until you can do things with your offhand everyday just as well as with your dominant hand.

Play Drums: If you can afford it and won't get in trouble, try learning to play the drums. Again, this will get your hands both working at the same time, but independent of one another.

Study Boxing: Watch boxing matches and boxing training videos. Obviously boxing requires the use of both of your hands, just like a couple other things on this list. Not only will you learn to effectively use both hands, but you'll also learn how to throw combos in the process.

Muscle Memory: Please refer to my first article about drills, found here, and search for the Muscle Memory drill. This will go a long way in building up your offhand.

Fight Armed: Another way to build up your offhand is to fight at practice as if you lost your dominant arm, so you have no choice but to fight with your offhand and every shot is a kill shot. Not only will this help build up the motor skills, weapon control, and fighting ability in your offhand, but it will also sharpen your defense as you'll have to really fight to protect yourself and stay alive.



Hand Matching

Hand Matching, or "mirroring", is a very useful strategy. Not only does it provide you with more options, but it also takes away any advantage your opponent may have had over you by fighting the opposite to your dominant hand. To hand match or mirror your opponent, think of it just like a mirror: if their sword is in their right hand, yours should be in your left hand, and vice versa. Doing this will make it so less movement is required to defend that side of the body. You won't have to cross your center line to block a shot, which would leave you far more open. Doing this can also throw your opponent off and make it more difficult for them to read and predict what you're going to do if you're constantly switching hands. This isn't as necessary with Sword/Board as it would be a slower process with switching the sword and shield, especially if you fight with a strap shield, but this can be done in 1v1 duels. You won't always be able to hand match, but when possible, I encourage it. Again, if you're a new fighter starting out, focus on weapon control first.

A good way to train hand matching is by doing the Block/Strike drill. You can watch a video of how to do the drill here.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope this article was helpful.

Until next time,

Durrok Thunderaxe