I’ve taken some Aikido and a little Kendo, but I wouldn’t begin to call myself fluent in either.

The movement and footwork from Aikido carries over quite a bit. Aikido is big on circular movement and redirecting incoming force so it lends itself well to body voids and parries. I will occasionally notice its influence in other ways too subtle to really put into words. The Kendo is actually a fairly recent sideline so it’s really been the opposite: I’ve brought a lot from fighting and fencing into it.

The pace. It’s much faster than heavy list and consequently a little more exciting. On a broader scheme, it’s like all the movie sword fights you try to emulate as a kid (and that some of us still do).

Depends on the fight. I’ve been described as an "instinctual fighter" and as such tend to be reactionary rather than thinking too far into the fight.

It’s the most comfortable. I can block just as well if not better with a dagger as I could with another long blade and it’s not as likely to get in the way. Ironically, I’m pretty lousy with buckler.

I’d like to be a bit more polished. My form is kind of a mish-mash and can be a bit sloppy.

Jean-Michel de Taurion: He taught me the basics and knew enough to turn me loose rather than try and force a formal education on me.
Dalen Caradoc: Through no conscious effort of his own, he taught me that a long reach simply is not enough.
Dylan ap Maelgwn: It may have been his interest and encouragement that caused me to treat fencing as more than a side hobby.

Free-bouting. I hate drills.

I like them both about the same, but for different reasons.

For melees, I like the chaotic excitement, I like to see a plan work, I like to be able to make up a plan on the fly when the situation changes, and I like the way the reflexes take over. Singles are very primal and focused. And again, "the duel" is the sword-fighting you see movies. What’s not to like?

I could do without the "6 inch rule". Too many people out on the field seem not to know how long 6 inches is. (Insert your own joke here.)

In the SCA? Being Knighted. In general? My son.

I cannot, technically, be bribed. However, I’m not above negotiating a fee for something I was already planning to do. :-)

As if!

I’m not too regimented; some stretching and a little free-bouting pretty much covers it.

It’s a Midrealm fighting award, specifically for melee fighting. Some years ago at Pennsic the Midrealm king (I forget which one) awarded it to the entire Eastern Unbelted Champions team that I was on after we trounced his team. At the time it was a very elite award (about 35 members) and we had a 65 person team that year. I believe the order was dissolved shortly thereafter—possibly in response to the rumor that we all planned to attend the meeting.

Jost (rhymes with toast) von Aichstadt for his dedication, his knowledge, his willingness to test that knowledge, and his youthful exuberance.

Maitre Alexandre Lerot d'Avigné and Don Antonio Patriquin.

Have fun. This game is hard and sometimes painful. If it’s not fun, it’s not worth it.

"Happy Crotch Day!"