Renaissance Rapier

I had heard that there were always things to do in the university. The building of the Students Association was just at the library's opposite anyway - so I just went to check it out. That was probably a few weeks ago, where I was still fresh and new to everything around me.

Apparently there were a range of short-term courses available for everyone. From the basic basketball matches to the more sophisticated French culinary, coffee-brewing, belly-dancing or drumming - one could just pay and join for a few weeks. You wouldn't have to commit yourself for anything too long-term - not any groups, not any clubs, plus you would get to learn something new. 

That was all good, I thought. Now, if only there was something that could interest me here...

And that was when I saw it.

Renaissance Rapier.

The two words seemed to call out to me. 

(More like, the influence of Assassins Creed and the Three Musketeers.)

Oh, hell. I signed up immediately without a second thought.

...

Well, yes, today was the first session. Needless to say, I was nervous. What if I was the only one there? What if this, what if that? Buggar. I couldn't stop worrying. How typical of me.

Guess what? My worst fears came true.

Firstly, there weren't many people there. Thanks to the fact that Renaissance Rapier was a sophisticated sport that required a lot of individual attention from the instructors themselves, a small number of students was vital. In fact, only another girl, a tall guy, and myself were the newbies. The rest of them were either in the Renaissance Rapier club, or were quite experienced already. 

It didn't help that I was the youngest.

Or the smallest.

...Ffuuuuuu.

Still, I couldn't help but gape in awe when we were allowed to grab a sword each. The patterns were genuinely like something out from a movie, and that weight was definitely something. My hand felt like it was about to fall off just holding it, and the idea of me being able to swing that around seemed impossible. 

At least, that's what I thought.

But you'd be surprised what stubborn Anne could do under these circumstances.

I was genuinely enjoying myself. Footwork, thrusting with the sword, guard positions - that was funfunfunfun and it was screaming fun. I was effectively de-stressing, and that made it even more worthwhile. Thanks to the Taekwondo WTF days, I could perform the basics of basic stuff - like shifting my weight easily from one foot to another while moving forward, bending my knees for a long period of time, etc etc.

Good, clean, fun. 

In a few weeks time, I would have the option of participating in real combat. Lovely.  I've always wanted to fight with a sword.

Assuming if I can, somehow, y'know, hold a sword up without even feeling tired in the first place. That would take some time getting used to. In fact, my arm feels numb right now. I can't even...type properly without having shaky fingers.

I won't forget what the instructors told me.

"Now, assume you are unsheathing the sword..."

"In the next few weeks, we'll teach you how to fight with two swords...and even use things like batons and cloaks to your advantage."

FUN.

I went back home today with a bright smile on my face.

Yes, yes. I can't wait. Just this one session totally took all the crappy feelings I had away. It's even better than the gym. 

What can I say?

It's just about trying something different.