Chivalry is hard to define and yet harder to teach, especially in this modern world we live in where things like Courage, Justice, Mercy, Generosity, Faith, Nobility and Hope are considered by many as "old fashioned" and trying to find a real world equivalent is difficult at best.
I was thinking about chivalry and walked past a roundabout, stood and watching for a few minutes (well it was about half an hour) watching the cars go their separate ways and seeing who would wait for whome,
I was surprised that many times the courtesy of letting someone else go is beyond what's required by the law (road code) In NZ we give way to the right, but why then were people letting those not on their right go first?
The roundabout could be used as a teaching tool to help newcomers with chivalry, a modern day example that they can relate to, and can be used to question and be questioned.
The Law (justice) Requires you to Give way to the right.
Mercy, to let those struggling or in the wrong lane go first.
Generosity, To let another pass before you when it is not there turn.
Faith, In knowing that it's your turn to go next.
Nobility, Not allowing every person to go before you when others are waiting behind you.
Hope, That others will follow the rules and not break them resulting in an accident.
Courage, Moving into your lane knowing that if others do not wait an accident will occur.
I present the Chivalric roundabout.
Saturday 27 June 2015
Friday 19 June 2015
To Gild a Lily..
Expectations or lack there of,
I've been in the SCA for while now coming up on 3 years and I have noticed a curious correlation within my local baroney, some people are expected to perform most of the work while others have no expectations thrust upon them, While this is mostly voluntary like the duty of a squire to his/her knight others are less so, Like organising events.
We have a core group of people who seem to organise everything, while inclusion of new people is possible it seems to be oft overlooked when planning events, who will run future events if we don't start training them now? Some events are large and difficult enough already without the inclusion of untrained stewards/helpers but I believe it's critical to include even the newest members.
This can be tricky as we also don't want to chase them away, too many expectations can drive a person away but too few and they are left feeling like outcasts which the SCA has a real problem with, a balance must be sought. A good chatelaine can help with this also but they must be on the ball and have contacts with that "core" group who do plan and scheme.
When I was a newcomer I remember well being lost and left out, my first event I knew only 2 people in a camp of over 200 and spent most of the 3 days in my campsite only coming out for events my "household" was a part of (which was few and far between), Now I know better.. I rock up and make things happen or ask to be included/participating, But this took time (and quite a lot of it) if I was asked to help out organise "blargh" I would have jumped at the chance. This is a lesson for me as well and I will be looking within my local group for those people being left out and try to bring them into the fold. (if they want to be)
I have found that a small group of people seem to do little to enrich the "dream" and that's their choice I guess and I have to live with that, But it's hard sometimes especially when those people complain about the outcome or criticize your hard work or the work of others (especially behind their backs). Sometimes I don't know how to deal with it or handle it badly, in the mundane world I can just ignore/walk away but as part of a group I feel it's my duty to address and try to fix their concerns so they can have a better time next time, I lie awake at night thinking of ways to please the unpleasable.. /sigh
I think there is only 1 - 2 people who actually read this so please ignore my rambling, it's designed as a record for me, but even if I write a years worth of posts and only 1 person finds value in something I have said I believe my job is done and so I can see how far I have come in later years to answer my own questions /thanks for reading my poor musings.
I've been in the SCA for while now coming up on 3 years and I have noticed a curious correlation within my local baroney, some people are expected to perform most of the work while others have no expectations thrust upon them, While this is mostly voluntary like the duty of a squire to his/her knight others are less so, Like organising events.
We have a core group of people who seem to organise everything, while inclusion of new people is possible it seems to be oft overlooked when planning events, who will run future events if we don't start training them now? Some events are large and difficult enough already without the inclusion of untrained stewards/helpers but I believe it's critical to include even the newest members.
This can be tricky as we also don't want to chase them away, too many expectations can drive a person away but too few and they are left feeling like outcasts which the SCA has a real problem with, a balance must be sought. A good chatelaine can help with this also but they must be on the ball and have contacts with that "core" group who do plan and scheme.
When I was a newcomer I remember well being lost and left out, my first event I knew only 2 people in a camp of over 200 and spent most of the 3 days in my campsite only coming out for events my "household" was a part of (which was few and far between), Now I know better.. I rock up and make things happen or ask to be included/participating, But this took time (and quite a lot of it) if I was asked to help out organise "blargh" I would have jumped at the chance. This is a lesson for me as well and I will be looking within my local group for those people being left out and try to bring them into the fold. (if they want to be)
I have found that a small group of people seem to do little to enrich the "dream" and that's their choice I guess and I have to live with that, But it's hard sometimes especially when those people complain about the outcome or criticize your hard work or the work of others (especially behind their backs). Sometimes I don't know how to deal with it or handle it badly, in the mundane world I can just ignore/walk away but as part of a group I feel it's my duty to address and try to fix their concerns so they can have a better time next time, I lie awake at night thinking of ways to please the unpleasable.. /sigh
I think there is only 1 - 2 people who actually read this so please ignore my rambling, it's designed as a record for me, but even if I write a years worth of posts and only 1 person finds value in something I have said I believe my job is done and so I can see how far I have come in later years to answer my own questions /thanks for reading my poor musings.
Thursday 11 June 2015
Its a good lie.
I love the SCA, you will never find a better group of people to drink and make merry with, but it's all a lie.
The culture we epitomise as medieval life we create within the SCA, Isn't a true reflection of the medieval world. And why would we want it to be? I have been researching Chivalry and have now read many texts regarding the subject. (including Libre del ordre de cavayleria and translated copy of Livre de Chevalerie)
They mostly paint a drab gray world, surrounded by enemies, heretic's and Duty. Honor was what each lord decided it was and included no mercy for the lowborn, (in most cases, there is a story a knight who decided each man and woman were equal regardless of station, his name was William marshal, the truest knight who ever lived.) They weren't even considered people, animals were more valued. Chivalry (as we know it today) wasn't really adopted until late into the 17th Century, before that it was only limited to nobel's of sufficient station. (or nation)
In the SCA everyone is of Noble birth (low station) and as your deeds are recognised within the Group/s you can rise in station/rank, All power is an illusion and only what we attribute to it. The more you achieve the more you rise in respect within the Group, by word or by deed, Teach all and respect all.
In period we would have had lowborn to do the grubbier tasks, this makes an interesting (in my mind anyway) dynamic of Service and duty, Service and duty is part of the game/dream, not a "chore" each of us within our group/s should serve those higher on the "ladder" and in turn those above have the duty to support the growth of those below, The goal is to grow the game, a lie to be sure as rising in station in Medieval times was a difficult enterprise unless you have large amounts of money, Artisan's skills, A large amount of time to devote or martial prowess; Within our Game/Dream you dont need either (although it doesn't hurt)
Medieval men and women have very different roles (although you would be surprised what some of the woman got up to) In the SCA we have a closer to equal playing field, some of the roles are dominated by women or men but nothing is barred from participation. We are of many names, households, countries and faiths but we come together as one whole for the Dream.
The SCA is the best kind of lie, but it is important to realise that it is a lie/untruth/misrepresentation of the life in the time we portray, because failure to remember the hardship or dark times is a disservice for how far we have come as a civilization and that is very important.
The culture we epitomise as medieval life we create within the SCA, Isn't a true reflection of the medieval world. And why would we want it to be? I have been researching Chivalry and have now read many texts regarding the subject. (including Libre del ordre de cavayleria and translated copy of Livre de Chevalerie)
They mostly paint a drab gray world, surrounded by enemies, heretic's and Duty. Honor was what each lord decided it was and included no mercy for the lowborn, (in most cases, there is a story a knight who decided each man and woman were equal regardless of station, his name was William marshal, the truest knight who ever lived.) They weren't even considered people, animals were more valued. Chivalry (as we know it today) wasn't really adopted until late into the 17th Century, before that it was only limited to nobel's of sufficient station. (or nation)
In the SCA everyone is of Noble birth (low station) and as your deeds are recognised within the Group/s you can rise in station/rank, All power is an illusion and only what we attribute to it. The more you achieve the more you rise in respect within the Group, by word or by deed, Teach all and respect all.
In period we would have had lowborn to do the grubbier tasks, this makes an interesting (in my mind anyway) dynamic of Service and duty, Service and duty is part of the game/dream, not a "chore" each of us within our group/s should serve those higher on the "ladder" and in turn those above have the duty to support the growth of those below, The goal is to grow the game, a lie to be sure as rising in station in Medieval times was a difficult enterprise unless you have large amounts of money, Artisan's skills, A large amount of time to devote or martial prowess; Within our Game/Dream you dont need either (although it doesn't hurt)
Medieval men and women have very different roles (although you would be surprised what some of the woman got up to) In the SCA we have a closer to equal playing field, some of the roles are dominated by women or men but nothing is barred from participation. We are of many names, households, countries and faiths but we come together as one whole for the Dream.
The SCA is the best kind of lie, but it is important to realise that it is a lie/untruth/misrepresentation of the life in the time we portray, because failure to remember the hardship or dark times is a disservice for how far we have come as a civilization and that is very important.
Tuesday 2 June 2015
I realize I am remiss, And haven't mentioned physical conditioning. As with anything you can put in a much as you want to of time/materials/funds, but unless you're a natural you will need to workout to not only provide your "wind/stamina" but to build muscle and flexibility.
My routine on a weekly basis is:
Mon - Gym (cardio)
Tue - Pell (slow work)
Wed - Gym (Upper Body)
Thus - Pell (accuracy)
Fri - Gym (lower Body)
Sat - Pell (speed)
Sun - Fighters practice
Each routine is approx 1 hour at least (if i'm feeling energetic will extend the time) Including warm up and cooldown time total workout takes 1hr 30min - 2 hrs per day.
I won't cover the exercises in this blog and what works for me prob won't work for you. There's a lot of other information on the internet which covers this topic much better than I could.
Always, always warm up and cool down before excising it will save your fighting career and prevent downtime due to injury.
Finally have fun, it's a competitive sport, not a job if your not enjoying it change your routine so its something you enjoy, Play tennis as a warmup or go swimming, don't like running? Cycle instead.
Your will be surprise how much 1 hr a day can change your fitness level, you can always do more but keeping that 1hr a day up will make a big difference.
My routine on a weekly basis is:
Mon - Gym (cardio)
Tue - Pell (slow work)
Wed - Gym (Upper Body)
Thus - Pell (accuracy)
Fri - Gym (lower Body)
Sat - Pell (speed)
Sun - Fighters practice
Each routine is approx 1 hour at least (if i'm feeling energetic will extend the time) Including warm up and cooldown time total workout takes 1hr 30min - 2 hrs per day.
- Cardio is simply running or swimming/rowing machine.
- Slow work is exaggerated slowness in practicing strikes to build muscle memory and so I know when I ramp up the speed I won't injure myself or others.
- Upper Body, concentrates on arms and core.
- Accuracy is the same as slow work but at speed with a focus on targeting.
- Lower Body focuses on legs (I also throw a little core work in)
- Speed is the same as the other two pell work but focusing on delivering the blow at speed while still retaining accuracy.
I won't cover the exercises in this blog and what works for me prob won't work for you. There's a lot of other information on the internet which covers this topic much better than I could.
Always, always warm up and cool down before excising it will save your fighting career and prevent downtime due to injury.
Finally have fun, it's a competitive sport, not a job if your not enjoying it change your routine so its something you enjoy, Play tennis as a warmup or go swimming, don't like running? Cycle instead.
Your will be surprise how much 1 hr a day can change your fitness level, you can always do more but keeping that 1hr a day up will make a big difference.
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