ES - Lady Fighters

Christine Fink eleefink at consultant.com
Wed Jun 14 10:02:19 PDT 2000


I do have a problem with the handles on the rapiers, too. I have very small
hands (I wear a child size large in gloves) They are made for men's hands
(which are bigger and like you said are constructed for their hands). Even
the smaller handles, hurt my hands after 10-15 minutes of grip time.

I wonder if the woodworkers guild could design or help us design a handle
that would be comfortable for us ladies? I would do it, but I don't have the
tools (a hammer and screwdriver don't count) :)

As far as stance in rapier, anyone who has taken ballet will be comfortable
with the rapier stance. The only problem I have with the stance is my sight.
The blindness in my right eye puts me at a major disadvantage during the
offensive stance (I can't see!) But, that is something I have to work out on
my own. Unless someone has any suggestions?

Maria

------Original Message------
Wow!  I didn't realize that women who did rapier combat would have similar
problems as those who did rattan combat.  But I guess the head (the lizard
part)is still the same in both games.

Most of what Duchess Elina covers in the physical aspects may not have as
much application in the rapier field.  There are several distinct
differences that make an impact on rattan fighting.  One is the difference
in the tendons of the hand.  Women make fists differently than a man, a
difference that will cause problems when a woman grips a man's sword.  She
suggests filing the handles differently to make it more comfortable for a
woman.  I don't know if this would work for rapier handles, or if it even
applies.

A woman is also jointed differently in the elbow, which is why women can
take a short stick between their hands and rotate their hands over their
shoulders without bending their elbows (and men can't).  [When I did this
the first time Galen freaked!]

Another point where women and men differ are in the hips.  This makes a
significant difference in how they get their "power" into their shots.  Men
need to use the same side leg and arm to throw power into their shot.  Women
need to use opposing leg and arm to put power into their shot.

This refers to rattan fighting (mostly) and it is not meant for everyone
(YMMV), but I have certainly seen where I ought to use her methods to
increase my ability on the field.  (Not that I have much interest to be
there, except in a melee.)

That's my $.02 (or less, it's just an opinion, ya know)

Ciao,
Allessandra

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