I went to practice #2 last night. I was outfitted up in some loaner gear (it was pink and rose-covered) and learned about judging the distance between myself and my opponent. I was better at it than I thought I would be, what with my lack of binocular vision. I have a tendency to keep one thing good while letting the other six things I need to do fall apart. I expect this will improve with time. Like, I parry a blow but in the process get my blade tip off in South Texas somewhere and pfft, I'm dead. Or my feet will be placed correctly but I'm slouching and lifting my back foot up. Etc.
It makes driving a stick shift seem pretty easy.
I'm worried about how hard I'm hitting. Surprisingly, I'm hitting too hard. I think it's due to my weak little arms. In order to get there (even remotely close) at all, I have to use most of my strength, and so I bang! too hard. I don't have anything left to contribute to controlling the power of the blow. At least I hope that's it. I'm shooting wild. In any event, I'll get better at that too. Either I'm right and strength will help it, or I'm wrong but time will help it. Or both!
Strength will help with the slouching too. My core is so trashed. Probably every pregnancy and definitely the last three my abdominal muscles unzipped themselves to accommodate the baby. I'm not sure if I can repair them, but I can strengthen what's left and also work on my lower back muscles.
I asked about the cost to get outfitted in this gig because I can't really tell from online sources. I don't know what length of blade I need, or which manufacturers to avoid, or, well, anything. I hope to find someone who was in my position a year or two ago who is ready to sell his noob gear. The Marshal (person in charge of rapier) said he'd make me a price list and give me some sources to buy from. I found this Practical Rapier - 37 Inch Blade and think maybe it will be okay?
I also need a helmet/mask, a gorget (neck protection) and gloves. And armor, such as it is. This is unarmored combat, so the armor consists of puncture and abrasion resistant clothes. I can make that.
Wow.
