SCA: Fighting: The rule of 3 - Benefit: instant
Intro:
I have been doing and watching SCA fighting for over 2 decades (gads am I getting old). The first 10 years or was just learning how to be a better fighter... more or less I was on the quest of what is the best fighting style. I bounced from one complete style to another. Then it was small tweaks, then armor changes, then workout styles, then slow practice exercises, then then then.
I turned a corner when I started to read martial arts books. In all cases I tried to only focus on the best of the best (why study only so-so fighters). One martial artist made the most sense - Bruce Lee. Not that we were separated at birth but we had a simular interest - what style is the best. His ultimate conclusion... "no style" is the best. Not as in all the styles are bad but rather don't get into patterns. Learn the basics to the point that when you see (telegraph) an opening about to happen you execute a move without thinking. If you start a shot, before it lands you detach and look for an opening for your next shot and move into the next shot. Wash, wrinse, repeat.
My next quest was how do you teach that? WOW, that is hard. But, I am starting to figure that one out so I thought I would share.
This next part is something that I have been working on for years and I have taught many times. I see now that it is not high level and advanced but it's a starting point and it works. From long time students of mine to people that I have just met I heard and seen a consistan jump in success from a 15 minute talk. You can test this on your own - at your next Crown watch the semi-finals and finals. See who wins what fight and if the below applies.
The rule of 3: (in no real order)
- Don't stay within range for more than 3 seconds. Swing, block, move or whatever... if you are in range you are a target and you *will* create an opening that a equal or better fighter can get to. Nothing in the rules says that you HAVE to stand toe to toe and keep swinging. Play your game and have a plan.
- Don't swing more than 3 shots. Most people keep throwing shots with the hopes of landing something. The truth is if you have not done the setup and landed a shot in under 3 swings #4 or 5 is not going to help other than to open you up more. The better fighter will block and look for the opening.
- Don't block more than 3 shots. This goes without saying... your being setup. Right after block number 3 throw a shot down the middle (slot shot) and move out of range. Even if you know all you hit is sheild most of all the combinations have to cross the center line. A slot shot has the highest probably to mess up shot #4. Remember the other guy (or gal) is pattern fighting and most patterns come from left to right to keep the energy moving (which is not necessarly true but that is a post of another time)
Please do not post else where without permission, which I am happy to give.