Teaching kids about swordfighting

**Jeremiah** · 1st March 06, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by 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

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

**way2fractious** · 1st March 06, 01:12 PM

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** · 2nd March 06, 12:07 AM

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** · 2nd March 06, 04:10 AM

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

**Norbydog** · 2nd March 06, 06:12 AM

That's the most important part, getting there.

I trained Full contact in the Miletich systems for years, and was in the fight circuit (just training, boss says no professional competeing), and I still wrestle with the kids at one of my local high schools. But, I am getting older, don't bounce back like I used too, and decided to try swordsmanship. I have been at it over a year, and it has been some of the hardest (mentally) traning I have ever had, since I have had to learn to break so many hand-to-hand habits.