Rookie Mistakes

[Doug Marnick]

I would like to direct this thread to the veterans of WMA and Senior ARMA members. Please contribute what you think are common mistakes or bad habits; things you often observe among newer folks like myself. What are some typical errors you have noticed in technique, footwork, when sparring, etc.? Thx!

[Matthew_Anderson]

Well, that's a big topic, but I'll comment on one small aspect of it. In sparring, most new people have really poor judgement of timing and distance. They know some techniques, and can perform them in drilling, but not execute them in free fighting because they hesitate or fail to commit. Often when sparring newer people, I'll let them attack and frequently, I can simply stand where I am and do nothing and their attack falls short because they launched the attack from too far away or failed to use proper footwork to close the distance. Timing is also critical and really, I think it only comes with experience. Less experienced fighters will often do the right thing at the wrong time, either too early or too late. I think the best way to work on these problems is to make your excercises and drilling as realistic as possible. When working counters with a partner, for instance, start at a realistic distance so that you have to close the gap somewhat in order to execute the attacks and counters. If you find yourselves getting too close to each other, stop and reset. Also when drilling, don't anticipate, try to keep each other honest and keep your attacks on target and in range. And of course, you must work up to drilling at speed with intent so that the intensity of your drilling is at least close to what is experienced in free fighting against an uncooperative opponent. I'm sure others have lots more observations, but I hope this helps.

[Jake_Norwood]

Slouching, looking at the ground, stepping with the wrong foot, striking middle-cuts with the flat (swinging like a baseball bat), keeping the elbows tight in against the body (not extending into a cut), no vocalization (ever), attacking the opponents sword (or defending against it) instead of the opponent, striking consistently out of range, moving in or out but not off-line, attempting "techniques" instead of just fighting (this is less of an issue when you have a better sense of what you're doing), and so on...

Jake

[GaryGrzybek]

Some issues stem from lack of confidence which can be built up in time if the person posesses any type of martial ability both physical and mental. A person may hesitate to react or fight "out of range" when sparring. This has happened with my study group and I'm focusing on correcting it. The new guys eventually find the proper range while drilling but when they free spar it goes right out the window. The other issue is the lack of focus and intent. Again, this seems to improve when confidence is high and some are getting much better.

Just a few thoughts,

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Hello, I am certainly no expert, but in terms of fighting, also be sure to build your stamina and strength to help carry you through. As a Policeman serving on a swat team, I can tell you it is very easy to get caught up in learning tech, but do not neglect the body. Work on running with sprints, jummping rope, high-rep weights, etc.. all these toghether with your other work will get you in "fighting spirit"-Aaron

[GaryGrzybek]

Yes, very good points. This certainly applies to all forms of martial arts. If your in good physical condition it will boost confidence especially if you have that extra edge..no pun intended.

[John_Clements]

There's several articles on this topic in the Member's area.

JC

[Doug Marnick]

Yes, that's why I look forward to getting a password via e-mail to access all of that great stuff. I feel like I'm missing out. Jake, you mention vocalization. Could you elaborate on what exactly you mean and the benefits of it? Thx all!

[JeanryChandler]

Telegraphing, I would say, both strikes and parries. There was a whole thread about what you are supposed to look at a while back, begnners have a lot of problems with this which make them easy to hit.

DB

[Jake_Norwood]

Re: vocalization

Basically, it's the same thing as a "kiai," I guess. The idea is that when you strike you forcefully exhale at the diaphragm. I tend to make a "hut" noise like a quarterback or I do the daffy duck thing and talk to myself, "cut, thrust, cut, cut, cut, thrust, hangen, cut..." If you vocalize on every cut you may find yourself hyperventilating, so pace yourself.

The benefits of vocalization are many. The big one is that it helps put your entire core into each blow instead of striking, well, half-assed-ly (if that's a word). It does other great stuff too, adding to agressiveness and intimidating an opponent, but the best thing really is the focus of the entire body that it brings to your movements.

Jake

[Casper Bradak]

Not to mention it forces you to breathe, which is another thing beginners sometimes forget to do when sparring, wearing themselves out very quickly.

[Ryan Ricks]

as a beginner, i've been called out on standing too perpendicular relative to the opponent, watching the other guy's sword, holding my sword too horizontally or pointed down while in vom tag, not holding the cross guard at a 45 degree angle while in pflug and ochs and other stuff

ryan

[Shane Smith]

The problems I see the most are;

1.Poor footwork which robs the newbie of range and economy of motion.

2.Poor blade discipline,ie. standing around with the sword in any 'ole position as opposed to being in a proper guard from which one can oppose or direct attacks.

3.Lack of martial intent in fencing and freeplay.

4.The "Big Dog Syndrome" which causes new folks to attempt to impress everyone with how "strong" they are in drills.Fortunately,this malady is usually cured after they are soundly bested in their first fencing bout. <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

5.And my personal pet-peeve...It greatly irks me when you tell the newbie that there will be no thrusts as part of a particular drill and then suddenly,out of nowhere, a thrust leaps for your face during the pressing/winding drill.I hate that.

[Daniel_Vince]

The belief that any sword (longsword, schiavona, rapier, doesn't matter) can and should be used as if it were a katana.

Standing in "movie guard."

Forgetting about the point, the false edge, the quillions, the pommel, or any other "secondary" part of the weapon under stress. This often coincides with "katana syndrome," though the two are separate and distinct mistakes.