A new sensation
So I find myself with a new (for me) quandary with regard to fencing.
In most physical activities I have taken part in, my understanding of the activity and my physical ability in the activity were generally about even. That's not to say I was/am especially good any of them, but I can blame my lack of skill on a lack of comprehension as much as a lack of physical ability. For example bellydance: I can dance...I know the movements, but the subtle nuances of performance and improv elude me.
But now, with fencing, I am finding that my actual understanding of the sport far exceeds my physical mastery of it. I'm suddenly finding myself able to watch a match and break down what each person is doing: good and bad.
Admittedly, I know I still miss a lot, but compared to a year or so ago, my understanding of what is going on is improved vastly. For example C. When he was fencing at a practice, I could see what was going wrong and after discussing it with F and P, I find that I was right in my idea of how to correct it. Which means that for once the opportunity to help others is not out of my grasp.
My own fencing, however, really sucks at the moment. Part of it has to do with my breathing....or the lack thereof. And once I am able to accustom myself to not being able to rely on my rescue inhaler (and autumn brings drier less humid air), that will improve. I'd like to blame the rest of my problems on my body, but the truth is, while far from "in shape", my body generally does what I ask of it (within reason). So that means that the problem is inside my own head.
I know that I over think everything....including every movement when I am fencing. I over think so much that, at times, while I am still hyper-analyzing why I came close to missing a parry just a moment ago, my opponent kills me. And even if I'm having a day where I'm able to stay in the moment and stay focused, as soon as I become aware of others watching me, that all goes to hell.
Having C move here permanently will help somewhat. We'll be living together and we'll be able to practice independent of practices. I can get past some of it. But over thinking is what I do. And while that is helpful with breaking down what other fencers are doing (and possibly with helping other fencers find their problem areas), in my own fencing, it's a death toll.
I think (or over think) that I need to look at this as a challenge.
In most physical activities I have taken part in, my understanding of the activity and my physical ability in the activity were generally about even. That's not to say I was/am especially good any of them, but I can blame my lack of skill on a lack of comprehension as much as a lack of physical ability. For example bellydance: I can dance...I know the movements, but the subtle nuances of performance and improv elude me.
But now, with fencing, I am finding that my actual understanding of the sport far exceeds my physical mastery of it. I'm suddenly finding myself able to watch a match and break down what each person is doing: good and bad.
Admittedly, I know I still miss a lot, but compared to a year or so ago, my understanding of what is going on is improved vastly. For example C. When he was fencing at a practice, I could see what was going wrong and after discussing it with F and P, I find that I was right in my idea of how to correct it. Which means that for once the opportunity to help others is not out of my grasp.
My own fencing, however, really sucks at the moment. Part of it has to do with my breathing....or the lack thereof. And once I am able to accustom myself to not being able to rely on my rescue inhaler (and autumn brings drier less humid air), that will improve. I'd like to blame the rest of my problems on my body, but the truth is, while far from "in shape", my body generally does what I ask of it (within reason). So that means that the problem is inside my own head.
I know that I over think everything....including every movement when I am fencing. I over think so much that, at times, while I am still hyper-analyzing why I came close to missing a parry just a moment ago, my opponent kills me. And even if I'm having a day where I'm able to stay in the moment and stay focused, as soon as I become aware of others watching me, that all goes to hell.
Having C move here permanently will help somewhat. We'll be living together and we'll be able to practice independent of practices. I can get past some of it. But over thinking is what I do. And while that is helpful with breaking down what other fencers are doing (and possibly with helping other fencers find their problem areas), in my own fencing, it's a death toll.
I think (or over think) that I need to look at this as a challenge.