Sharon Friedman – Vigilance and Tranquility

Working the sword with people: Start slowly on a standing person as you lie down. From below start to move the sword so it either cuts or slashes and still be able to move. Avoid for example rolling with the sword so you cut the ankles of the other but than are stuck on him with no place to go. Roll and move around the person with him either standing or walking and continue to work on affecting his form, changing his movement (a sword moving in front of the face is a good motivator) and most important not getting stuck or hurt yourself. Change rolls and see how it feels from the other side. If you have different lengths of sticks or whatever you use switch from time to time so no one gets to attached to one particular. Change again and now work with both of you (or more if possible) with swords or knives. Working in groups teaches you to see distance and advantage for more than yourself and that is helpfull. comunicate without words as you work and don’t get too worked up on “winning”  Once this develops to a fluid form where you can exist without getting exited or hurt than proceed to kneeling and standing. The more demanding lower planes of movement will teach you to move with balance and economy. You will know where you can go and when there is a wall (ground or electric fence…) in the way. Go from state to state as required but don’t favor one over the other and avoid becoming flashy. Simply stay alive and take the agression from the others away.