This weekend, some of the members of the Suffolk Swords had the opportunity to spend the day with the White Dragon archery group and do some cross skills training sessions with them.
In the morning, we spent about two hours doing basic drills and exercises with the swords, so the Dragons could get an idea of how to attack and block safely.
Each of the Swords was paired off with a Dragon, and we went over some simple attack and defence moves.
Once we had worked through those, we stepped up the speed with Meyer square drills. Giving everyone a chance to get into a more fluid rhythm.
Next was playing a few games to show how those skills are used in combat. We played a game called ‘Here’ which involves a group circling one person, then someone shouts ‘HERE!’ before attacking. The object being the person in the centre needs to be able to turn to any point around them and defend the blow.
Rounding off the morning was some shoulder to shoulder fighting so the Dragons could get the idea of how tightly packed a full rank could be.
Over lunch everyone mingled about, having a chat about the armour we had brought, things they had learnt and generally had a chat with each other.
Then after that, the Swords had a crash course in archery, with a demonstration of the best way to hold the bow, nock and loose*.
After some practice shots at stationary targets, we got to fire at some different targets. We got to have a go at a swinging skull, shooting at targets in the dark and also from high up, down at the targets.
We did get properly shown up by the skills of the Dragons, but I think we did alright for a first effort. The highlight was when we had the chance to shoot at a live, moving target.
I should add that he is still alive, even with our best efforts to take him down. The armour is tough stuff.
It was a great day and we’re eager to do it again at some point soon. If you want to see more from the day, there’s a gallery below with some of the best shots (pun intended) of the day.
If you like the look of this, why not join us for a training session, we’re also available to visit to give demonstrations at shows and events. You can find out more about us on our Facebook page as well.
Gallery
*I reserve the right to get terms horrible wrong due to being overexcited most of the day. I may have forgotten a lot of the correct archery terms, don’t shoot me.
