[Ansteorra-rapier] melee practice

[Potterkd2@cs.com]

In a message dated 9/4/2001 9:06:40 PM Central Daylight Time,
dmriney at earthlink.net writes:

<< I can't remember the last time I have seen the basics of how to be part
 of a line engagement taught. and our new fighters are having to learn in
  live scenarios. This is not conductive to helping these new fighters
 want to be part of the line at war. Nor have I seen any sessions on how
 to run as a mobility unit (cav) We are learning allot from these
 practices and our performance on the filed is improving. However it can
 only improve so far if we don't teach the new people coming in the
 basics of what we are doing.

Greetings,

You have brought up some concern that are valid.  First off -- unless there
was a change in practice there is always a break in-between the melees --
discuss what is going on -- why and what.  I have also in the past asked who
is new to melees and given them some information regarding what to expect. I
am not sure how many practices you have had the opportunity to attend in the
past 3-4 months but that is the usual MO for them.

I must however disagree with your views on the active teaching method.
Talking does not replace doing.  While at Pennsic we were able to take
someone within the 5 man melee and make her an interracial part of the team.
Gabriella has only fought for 4 months and that was her 3 time in a
melee.......practicing the previous day in a 5 man practice for about and
hour was enough to help us go undefeated into the semi's.

I have seen an amazing jump in understand, skill and quality over the past
year with the fighters of Ansteorra.  Something of which I very proud.  You
are right in that one is only as strong as your weakest link, but I feel with
the local practices that are going on around the kingdom -- and taking time
out within these kingdom melees we are address the issues above.

K.