antleredpsychopomp:

systlin:

fulminata2:

When you pick up a sword for the first time you will be slow and awkward. This is frustrating, but refuse the temptation to try and become a “faster” fencer. Chasing after speed is like trying to catch smoke. If you try and pursue speed, all you will accomplish is haste. Haste is the enemy of 1st class fencing.

Speed is a lie the untrained mind tells itself when it sees an action it cannot follow. The truth is a combination of timing, control, and fluidity. Fluid motion, even done slowly, will always arrive before a hasty strike. Control will allow you to move without wasteful motion that will slow you down. Timing will eliminate the need to move fast almost entirely. There is no need to get somewhere fast so long as you get there at the right time.  

“Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”

My martial arts instructor taught me that long ago. 

Do it slow at first. Get the technique down. As that comes, you will build speed. 

As one of my sword instructors said, “you are never too good to take it slow and remember your basics.”