For almost a decade i have known and been interested in HEMA. But a majority of these years have been spent in crippling depression and just lack of opportunity to pursue it. I actually joined the SCA because there was no HEMA group for 120mi around me. They have a martial practice fairly new and similar to hema known as Cut & Thrust.
Well... I found out the local group had no steel fighters whatsoever. A year and a half later I remain the only authorized fighter in central Oregon. Luckily though, circumstances have changed...
For one, I've managed to overcome the depression; it was mostly induced by my undiagnosed diabetes which i have subsequently turned around. Second, I have the ability to travel that 120mi distance on the weekend to participate with my fellow SCAdians. But also, Bend now has its first HEMA club, it's italian, but still... we got HEMA.
I've also taken it upon me to just start practicing on my own which i personally find difficult because I lack discipline to be curt about it. Hence this 30 for 30
Within the HEMAA FB group someone created a group to help create accountability. For 30 min a day for 30 Days I've committed to practicing to 1) not only get in the habit, but 2) Finally start to really take this shit seriously.
Today wasn't much of a practice but I did get 30min in. First half I drilled on some cuts and footwork, and then read my copy of Meyer's Kunst des Fechtens. I have learned that I will definitely need to dedicate more than 30min a day, physically i need to work on cardio so I can do the drills and increase my skill. so I think my 30min will be dedicated to that alone, and perhaps keep swordwork and read separate. Exercise has always been my biggest down fall, if i can make that habitual then the sword work and reading which I want to do will be a piece of cake. And with this group I think it'll give me the accountability I need.
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