Teaching kids about swordfighting

[Jeremiah]

Our house rules:

Rules: Swords are to hit only other swords
If a sword is swung at a body part, the attacker is out for the day.
Swords are NOT to be swung at shields.
You can block with your shield, but not attack with it.
If you raise your shield over your head, that is the signal for a time out of the end of the bout.

(Oh, I also have helmets for them, no worries there.)

What do you think? Too ambitious? Our oldest is eight, and she loves the swords... I'm just wondering if there's something we could throw in to teach her a little more than fighting fair.

(BTW- I consider this sport, not actual combat training)

What are the boys rules?

[Shay]

What are the boys rules?

Not to drool too much or hit the dog- he's only 18 months old. It's really my daughter and her friends I'm worried about right now.

[macgreggor]

Hi Shay,
I have had my kids in Escrima (a Fillipino sword style) for just about forever. Of all the suggestions I have heard here, I like the RESPECT and COURTESY ones best. Although the kids are young, they are after all practicing a martial art. My kids know it is all just a game but, there is a small element of danger and emotions can get out of hand. The formality of the bow and shake can help control things. Let the kids have fun, no thrusting (that is where the REAL hurts can occur) and get them elbow pads and some kind of padded gloves. Whacks to the hands and elbows HURT. Yes I speak fron the experience of waaaay to many elbow blocks!

Enjoy the chaos!

Greg

[Sciuropterus]

Hi Shay,
I have had my kids in Escrima (a Fillipino sword style) for just about forever.

Where are they taking Escrima? I studied Kali/Arnis/Escrima in MN when I was younger, the full-contact sparring with padded sticks and hockey helmets was a lot of fun. The Filipino arts are interesting because they had to deal with both Asian and European opponents at various times.

[Jeremiah]

Hi Shay,
I have had my kids in Escrima (a Fillipino sword style) for just about forever. Of all the suggestions I have heard here, I like the RESPECT and COURTESY ones best. Although the kids are young, they are after all practicing a martial art. My kids know it is all just a game but, there is a small element of danger and emotions can get out of hand. The formality of the bow and shake can help control things. Let the kids have fun, no thrusting (that is where the REAL hurts can occur) and get them elbow pads and some kind of padded gloves. Whacks to the hands and elbows HURT. Yes I speak fron the experience of waaaay to many elbow blocks!

Enjoy the chaos!

Greg

Of all the weapon martial arts I've ever practiced Escrima was in my opinion the best and easiest to learn. Excellent system.

[way2fractious]

Avoid sending ANY kids to this school, although they might (hopefully) have gone out of business by now.
-larger image- http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...es/moore02.jpg

[Norbydog]

I train Japanese Samurai, and use a wooden Katan for medium drills, and a live blade for slow drills.

When we spar, we use foam blades that are about 3 feet long, not including handle. I think most martial art stores will sell them. I have also seen shorter handled swords (I train and use an 12 inch handled Katana) just big enough for one hand, which would be baout what you would want for fencing. They are also available at martial arts stores.

I am not going to say there is no possibility of injury with a foam sword; I got bruises to prove it. But most children with little training will generate the force necessary for an injury.

If you can get that baseball bat swinging habit ended now, and get her to take small, low steps, your child will be miles above the rest when she starts formal training.

Good Luck

[macgreggor]

Sciuropterus,
There happens to be a school right in the middle of Nowhere, WI (which is where I live). Master Frank Derrico is the head teacher. Nothing serious about the practice. No live blades or anything. Mostly I do it for the hand-eye stuff and a little cardio. I cannot bring my self to jump rope or run for hours on end but give me a chance to dance around and try to hit someone with a couple of sticks and I am THERE!

Greg

[KiltedKnight]

Not to drool too much or hit the dog- he's only 18 months old. It's really my daughter and her friends I'm worried about right now.

Don't worry too much about the girls. By the time my daughter was 9 years old she could load and fire any of my black powder rifles and hit what she was aiming at. She was right up there with her brothers.

Chris.

[Shay]

I'm more worried about her friends- she kicks major *** and I'm trying to figure out a way to level the playing field a bit.