NationStates Jolt Archive

I had my first lightsaber duel today. :)

Yesterday afternoon, I got my lightsaber in the mail. This one:

http://masterreplicas.com/file_cache/tmp42891247efce8_Mace_Saber_Web.gif

The Mace Windu. It's every bit as nice as it looks. My former roommate, whom I still see and hang out with from time to time also has a MasterReplicas lightsaber. Darth Vader's. In fact, he is the one who first told me about these things. He's a major Star Wars nerd. I'm an amateur in comparison. :p

But I beat his ass in that lightsaber duel, baby. :) I'm good!

Now, I am looking around to maybe take some formal swordsmanship lessons. It's hard to decide what kind to study(I'm leaning toward Kendo. I have some exposure to it from my youth). Of course, I suppose before I get too caught up in styles, I ought to consider what's nearby.

But I'm not. I'm considering styles. ANybody here with experience and/or input on this? I took some martial arts a long time ago, but aside from occasionally getting beaten up playing rugby, I really haven't practiced in almost fifteen years.

Edit: God, that pictues sucks! I'll look for a better one...

Dude.......you're a ninja-clown :eek:

Here's a pretty good pic:
http://www.otherlandtoys.co.uk/macewindu_800.jpg

A futuristic toy sword? Uh-hum...

Haha. Now instead of pulling out hankerchiefs out of your mouth when you perform as a clown at birthday parties, you can just pull out a giant sword and beat down another kid! :D

You should take a class on Chinese strait sword. It is a part of the Wushu system. The Jedi are loosely Based on Chinese Shaolin monks and their "wushu" fighting method.

I had my first lightsaber duel today. :)

Yesterday afternoon, I got my lightsaber in the mail. This one:

http://masterreplicas.com/file_cache/tmp42891247efce8_Mace_Saber_Web.gif

The Mace Windu. It's every bit as nice as it looks. My former roommate, whom I still see and hang out with from time to time also has a MasterReplicas lightsaber. Darth Vader's. In fact, he is the one who first told me about these things. He's a major Star Wars nerd. I'm an amateur in comparison. :p

But I beat his ass in that lightsaber duel, baby. :) I'm good!

Now, I am looking around to maybe take some formal swordsmanship lessons. It's hard to decide what kind to study(I'm leaning toward Kendo. I have some exposure to it from my youth). Of course, I suppose before I get too caught up in styles, I ought to consider what's nearby.

But I'm not. I'm considering styles. ANybody here with experience and/or input on this? I took some martial arts a long time ago, but aside from occasionally getting beaten up playing rugby, I really haven't practiced in almost fifteen years.

Edit: God, that pictues sucks! I'll look for a better one...

You're married, right? If you have a girl, I'd just be really sure that the relationship is secure, because taking swordsmanship classes so you can better use your toy lightsaber to fake-fight your friend is a little more than most women can take in the dork department.

So says the voice of experience.

I had my first lightsaber duel today. :)

Yesterday afternoon, I got my lightsaber in the mail. This one:

http://masterreplicas.com/file_cache/tmp42891247efce8_Mace_Saber_Web.gif

The Mace Windu. It's every bit as nice as it looks. My former roommate, whom I still see and hang out with from time to time also has a MasterReplicas lightsaber. Darth Vader's. In fact, he is the one who first told me about these things. He's a major Star Wars nerd. I'm an amateur in comparison. :p

But I beat his ass in that lightsaber duel, baby. :) I'm good!

Now, I am looking around to maybe take some formal swordsmanship lessons. It's hard to decide what kind to study(I'm leaning toward Kendo. I have some exposure to it from my youth). Of course, I suppose before I get too caught up in styles, I ought to consider what's nearby.

But I'm not. I'm considering styles. ANybody here with experience and/or input on this? I took some martial arts a long time ago, but aside from occasionally getting beaten up playing rugby, I really haven't practiced in almost fifteen years.

Edit: God, that pictues sucks! I'll look for a better one...Hmmm.... I once slew 500 enemy warriors with an electric blue lightsaber, before tripping over a rock and getting captured. So I don't know that I'd be much help. ;)

Dude.......you're a ninja-clown :eek:

I'm a Jedi-clown. :)

Though I have been a ninja-clown in the past:

http://www.boomspeed.com/looonatic/ninjaclown.JPG

A futuristic toy sword? Uh-hum...

You make it sound so....trivial. :p

Haha. Now instead of pulling out hankerchiefs out of your mouth when you perform as a clown at birthday parties, you can just pull out a giant sword and beat down another kid! :D

Tell me that kids wouldn't like Jedi-clowns and I'll call you a liar. :)

You're married, right? If you have a girl, I'd just be really sure that the relationship is secure, because taking swordsmanship classes so you can better use your toy lightsaber to fake-fight your friend is a little more than most women can take in the dork department.

So says the voice of experience.

SHe is waiting for MasterReplicas to make green ones again. They used to. The Luke Skywalker Episode VI model. But they fetch $400-$500 on E-bay right now. :(

I'm a Jedi-clown. :)

Though I have been a ninja-clown in the past:

http://www.boomspeed.com/looonatic/ninjaclown.JPG
okay.....a ninja-padawan-clown then :D

Hmmm.... I once slew 500 enemy warriors with an electric blue lightsaber, before tripping over a rock and getting captured. So I don't know that I'd be much help. ;)

Heh. Loser. :p

SHe is waiting for MasterReplicas to make green ones again. They used to. The Luke Skywalker Episode VI model. But they fetch $400-$500 on E-bay right now. :(

Does she have a sister?

I kid, but you do not want to let that one get away (as if you didn't know already).

You make it sound so....trivial. :p

This was one of those social occurences where I should have feigned interest, wasn't it?

Had it been a phaser, OTOH, then you'd be talking, Star Wars boy! (Was that better?)

Does she have a sister?

She has a brother. He's not gay, but I offer him to you anyway. :p

(Her brother doesn't like me.)

This was one of those social occurences where I should have feigned interest, wasn't it?

Had it been a phaser, OTOH, then you'd be talking, Star Wars boy! (Was that better?)


I actually prefer Star Trek to Star Wars. I'm a huge Holodeck fan.

But let's face it: The Lightsaber is hands-down the coolest weapon in sci-fi history.

Edit: P.S.: Much better. :D

Heh. Loser. :pIt wasn't my fault! Like I put that rock there! :rolleyes:

It wasn't my fault! Like I put that rock there! :rolleyes:


*blinks.*

Er...

*shifts uncomfortably*

...um...

Was the... rock painted? Green with purple butterflies?

*grins sheepishly* I'm just asking out of a natural sense of curiosity, that's all. You don't have to answer that.

*Bolts*

*blinks.*

Er...

*shifts uncomfortably*

...um...

Was the... rock painted? Green with purple butterflies?

*grins sheepishly* I'm just asking out of a natural sense of curiosity, that's all. You don't have to answer that.

*Bolts*Lmao, now that you mention it.... ;)

[QUOTE=Lunatic Goofballs]I had my first lightsaber duel today. :)
Now, I am looking around to maybe take some formal swordsmanship lessons. It's hard to decide what kind to study(I'm leaning toward Kendo. I have some exposure to it from my youth). Of course, I suppose before I get too caught up in styles, I ought to consider what's nearby.

But I'm not. I'm considering styles. ANybody here with experience and/or input on this? I took some martial arts a long time ago, but aside from occasionally getting beaten up playing rugby, I really haven't practiced in almost fifteen years.
QUOTE]

dude, you asked the right person, i'm a sword fighting nerd. i've not done lightsabre or theatrical swordfights, but i've done some kendo, LARP, fencing and re-enactment. i think the latter is best, you get to fight with big metal swords :D . I didn't quite get kendo, it seemed to me you walk up to eachother and politely twat eachother on the head with big wooden swords, then walk past eachother. LARP is more like fencing, in that the weapons are ridiculously light and you can do some twirly shit, but as you can't stab its probably more like sabre fighting, which i haven't done yet :( . fencing is the most stylish, and arguably the one which needs most skill. it certainly needs more finesse than re-enactment fighting. well, that's how i see it anyway, hope this helps.

[QUOTE=Lunatic Goofballs]I had my first lightsaber duel today. :)
Now, I am looking around to maybe take some formal swordsmanship lessons. It's hard to decide what kind to study(I'm leaning toward Kendo. I have some exposure to it from my youth). Of course, I suppose before I get too caught up in styles, I ought to consider what's nearby.

But I'm not. I'm considering styles. ANybody here with experience and/or input on this? I took some martial arts a long time ago, but aside from occasionally getting beaten up playing rugby, I really haven't practiced in almost fifteen years.
QUOTE]

dude, you asked the right person, i'm a sword fighting nerd. i've not done lightsabre or theatrical swordfights, but i've done some kendo, LARP, fencing and re-enactment. i think the latter is best, you get to fight with big metal swords :D . I didn't quite get kendo, it seemed to me you walk up to eachother and politely twat eachother on the head with big wooden swords, then walk past eachother. LARP is more like fencing, in that the weapons are ridiculously light and you can do some twirly shit, but as you can't stab its probably more like sabre fighting, which i haven't done yet :( . fencing is the most stylish, and arguably the one which needs most skill. it certainly needs more finesse than re-enactment fighting. well, that's how i see it anyway, hope this helps.

I've also been looking at Tai Chi swordsmanship.

Uncle Argyll taps young William Wallace on the head.

"First I'll teach you to use this," he says, then holds up a sword. "Then I'll teach you to use this."

(Braveheart, 1995)


For the sake of a playfight with toy swords you want to take up a martial art? You may be disappointed. But take it up because you want to devote yourself to a philosophy of respect, honour and discipline, and you will benefit physically and mentally.

Uncle Argyll taps young William Wallace on the head.

"First I'll teach you to use this," he says, then holds up a sword. "Then I'll teach you to use this."

(Braveheart, 1995)


For the sake of a playfight with toy swords you want to take up a martial art? You may be disappointed. But take it up because you want to devote yourself to a philosophy of respect, honour and discipline, and you will benefit physically and mentally.

I am already devoted to a philosophy of respect, honor and discipline; I'm a clown. :)

And it benefits me...um...physically and... mentally. Uh... now when you say benefit...

I am already devoted to a philosophy of respect, honor and discipline; I'm a clown. :)

And it benefits me...um...physically and... mentally. Uh... now when you say benefit......Well, rotten tomatoes are good for you, aren't they? ;)

...Well, rotten tomatoes are good for you, aren't they? ;)

God, I hope so. :(

God, I hope so. :(You can call me 'Czardas', it'll suffice. :p

I was heavily into fencing for about 5 years, and in retrospect should never have given it up. (we had 3 coaches, the 2 really cool ones left for other countries and the remaining one was an a$$hole I couldn't reconcile myslef with, not to mention my bipolar disorder manifesting itself badly at the same time) I reccomend fencing for straightforward but incredibly challenging AND beautiful swordfighting skills. It hones your mind, your ability to make split-second judgements, helps you read other peoples intent both on and off the floor, hones your reflexes, gives most of your body a good workout, and at its best it can be a spiritual experience, especially when the whole of your world becomes your opponent, without revealing your intent while trying to read that of your opponent, finding that one, ever moving and elusive hole in his defenses, then striking without hesitation ...quite zen actually. As martial art it can trace its lineage back just as far as most Oriental styles, and much further in many cases (A lot of those styles aren't much over 200 to 300 years old, as a codified form that is) Most of the modern moves and techniques can be traced directly back to the infamous German and French Fencing Academies of the 17th century and evern earlier, which were basicly glorfied Pirate Training schools. Theres been a recent revival of the two-handed style using epee and main-gouche (long dagger, in your off hand) whi brings it to an entirely differnt level of challenge and flashiness.

For a flashier style more in line with the type of playacting style swordfighting your trying to emulate, Tiger Style Sword and othe Kung-Fu and Wushu sword styles are a better bet, but they are usually taught as part of a larger set of styles and forms, rather than something you can immediately focus on.

I'm not exactly sure what I'm going for; style or functionality. Not that I ever intend to be in a REAL sword fight. But I've always considered myself to be a multi-talented kind of guy and I like things that are both artistic AND useful.

I have the green lightsaber your girlfriend so desires.

And if I could, I would rub it in her face. The fact that I have it, not the lightsaber itself. That's just too much.

You know the best thing? It was a gift. From a fanatical fan-boy of a boyfriend. I must say, though, months and months of holding out and pretending not to be interested in Star Wars certainly turned out to my benefit once I got that. And then I quit trying to hide it. Apparently once you bring up the Mandalorian Wars, even if you blush and try to recant and just say "I heard some other guy talking about that..." your secret's out.

Holy shit. That's awesome. If you buy me one, LG, I'll do whatever you want.

Might I suggest fencing, first? Unless you want more practical forms of swordfighting..?

In addition to the already mentioned kendo and Chinese wu shu styles, I'd add Escrima. All three influanced the Jedi Style. However, it's my understanding that Nick Gillard based it primarily on kendo. The stances, for example, are straight kendo.

Now if you were interested in a Sith style, see if you can find a naginata school. In addition to it's being similar to the staff work Ray Park used, the kata for naginata are usually set up as naginata vs tachi (sword).

How about getting it engraved with the words "Bad Motherfucker"?

:D

Naginatajutsu is also suitable for anyone wanting to be Crimson Guard.

Having awesome sword skills is bitching but its nice if not only u can handle urself with a sword(incase a ninja suddenly attacks u) but if he were to knock the sword outta ur hand. Even if u werent attacked by a ninja its still cool to be able to do sum hand to hand martial arts techniques thrown into ur sword battles. Personally I mix my tae kwon do into my kendo. it totally looks cool and throws off the dude that ur fighting with. Some people say its a stupid mix of style and kendo has its own cool moves but theres nothing like mixing two styles together. After all thats what the jedi style is.

You're married, right? If you have a girl, I'd just be really sure that the relationship is secure, because taking swordsmanship classes so you can better use your toy lightsaber to fake-fight your friend is a little more than most women can take in the dork department.

So says the voice of experience.

I'd actually find it incredibly cute and while not sexy, I believe it would make the guy a whole lot more lovable.

How about getting it engraved with the words "Bad Motherfucker"?

:D

Naginatajutsu is also suitable for anyone wanting to be Crimson Guard.

"Hand me my lightsaber."
"Which one is it?"
"It's the one that says, 'Bad Motherfucker'."

:D I like it.

Where do you buy those?

Where do you buy those?

http://masterreplicas.com/customer/index.php

The Mace Windu Force FX have a significant wait on backorder. It took me 3 months to get mine. But it was worth it. :)

http://masterreplicas.com/customer/index.php

The Mace Windu Force FX have a significant wait on backorder. It took me 3 months to get mine. But it was worth it. :)

$120, huh? Seems a little high. But then again, I did pay $199 for my Imperial Star Destroyer Lego set.

$120, huh? Seems a little high. But then again, I did pay $199 for my Imperial Star Destroyer Lego set.

Here's a tip: If there's a Comp USA near you, go there and search the store carefully. My former roommate found his Darth Vader there in a corner near the courtesy desk. They didn't have a spot for them on the shelves. He paid $99. for it from Comp USA. :)

That Website kicks arse.

Official Harlesburg Decree
Episode I(Phantom Menace) is Episode IV
Episode II(Clone Wars) is Episode V
Episode III(Return OF The Sith) is Episode VI
Meaning ....
A New Hope is Episode I not Episode IV
The Empire Strikes Back is II
Return Of The Jedi is III

$120, huh? Seems a little high. But then again, I did pay $199 for my Imperial Star Destroyer Lego set.
It's cheaper than in Canada: CAD $299 about = USD $220-230
I think...

Now, I am looking around to maybe take some formal swordsmanship lessons. It's hard to decide what kind to study(I'm leaning toward Kendo. I have some exposure to it from my youth). Of course, I suppose before I get too caught up in styles, I ought to consider what's nearby.

But I'm not. I'm considering styles. ANybody here with experience and/or input on this? I took some martial arts a long time ago, but aside from occasionally getting beaten up playing rugby, I really haven't practiced in almost fifteen years.

Token mention of Western Martial Arts:

www.swordforum.com (seriously go here, it rocks)

Go to amazon and look at these:

Guy Windsor (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1891448412/qid=1121869756/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5844347-8608916?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

Christian Henry Tobler (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1891448242/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/102-5844347-8608916?v=glance&s=books&st=*)


as for other forms and arts that I have had experience with:

Kendo; fun enough, but its a sport, so a lot of realism is taken away.

Fencing; flashy but its still a sport, in fact too much for it to even reflect true swordsmanship.

SCA/Re enactment: Good fun, but realism is out the window, but then again it has to be for safety.

...taking swordsmanship classes so you can better use your toy lightsaber to fake-fight your friend is a little more than most women can take in the dork department.

So says the voice of experience.
Speak for yourself!
Though I don't agree with the choice in colors, I admire a man (or woman) with a lightsabre. Especially one who can use it effectivly.
Can I be your Padawan, Master Lunatic Goofballs?

When I was in elementary school and middle school, I use to be a damn good lightsaber duelist. I could wield two swords and then fight the other two people at once. I was also the only one who really knew how to properly use the Double-bladed Darth Maul saber.... I even took my LHS squad leaders on in a one vs two match..... Suddenly I lost it mid-freshman year.

Then I just stopped and switched to videogames (Jedi Knights II, Jedi Academy, Kotor I & II). I'm very good with those. Kicked my brother's ass everytime (my vengence from him kicking my ass in Halo).

I have KOTOR 2. It's pretty good.

I had my first lightsaber duel today. :)

Yesterday afternoon, I got my lightsaber in the mail. This one:

http://masterreplicas.com/file_cache/tmp42891247efce8_Mace_Saber_Web.gif

The Mace Windu. It's every bit as nice as it looks. My former roommate, whom I still see and hang out with from time to time also has a MasterReplicas lightsaber. Darth Vader's. In fact, he is the one who first told me about these things. He's a major Star Wars nerd. I'm an amateur in comparison. :p

But I beat his ass in that lightsaber duel, baby. :) I'm good!

Now, I am looking around to maybe take some formal swordsmanship lessons. It's hard to decide what kind to study(I'm leaning toward Kendo. I have some exposure to it from my youth). Of course, I suppose before I get too caught up in styles, I ought to consider what's nearby.

But I'm not. I'm considering styles. ANybody here with experience and/or input on this? I took some martial arts a long time ago, but aside from occasionally getting beaten up playing rugby, I really haven't practiced in almost fifteen years.

Edit: God, that pictues sucks! I'll look for a better one...

Dude. You aren't good. You beat a nerd who doesn't know a spit of fencing. Whoo hoo and all of that, but you are still lame little grasshopper wannabe.

If your going to take weapons class, it isn't that easy. At least not if you are going to be seriously trained by a school. Most respectable schools WILL demand you take more than a few classes before they even bother teaching you kendo or other martial art weapons. I think my dojo doesn't even bother till a student is a green belt which is pretty laxed standards. And that is only when the instructor feels they are ready.

You will have to start again as a white belt and work your way up to the requirement belt before they start you out teaching you sword arts. The Japanese sword form alone is like a 5+ minute routine that isn't a joke. No white belt sword fighting wannabe is going to be seriously taught fencing. In all seriousness, you shouldn't have quit going to karate classes.

Dude. You aren't good. You beat a nerd who doesn't know a spit of fencing. Whoo hoo and all of that, but you are still lame little grasshopper wannabe.

If your going to take weapons class, it isn't that easy. At least not if you are going to be seriously trained by a school. Most respectable schools WILL demand you take more than a few classes before they even bother teaching you kendo or other martial art weapons. I think my dojo doesn't even bother till a student is a green belt which is pretty laxed standards. And that is only when the instructor feels they are ready.

You will have to start again as a white belt and work your way up to the requirement belt before they start you out teaching you sword arts. The Japanese sword form alone is like a 5+ minute routine that isn't a joke. No white belt sword fighting wannabe is going to be seriously taught fencing. In all seriousness, you shouldn't have quit going to karate classes.


I like you. You're silly. :)

I do regret stopping martial arts.

However you are wrong about one thing; "The Japanese sword form alone is like a 5+ minute routine that isn't a joke." WRONG! Everything is a joke to me. You just have to find the punchline. :)