oning and what is called "on guard" position, which is the primary stance throughout a match. After we had a grasp of how to stand, we were taught to move back and forth, and finally how to lunge. From this point, things really started to pick up. Every practice we would review our movements and get the kit on to have mini fencing matches against other students to practice our new maneuvers. Other than the lunge, we have learned such moves as the parry, which blocks an attack, the riposte, which attacks quickly after a parry, the counter riposte, which as it says, counters the counter, the disengage, which requires a quick flick of the wrist to get the blade around that of your opponent's, and the list goes on. The most common question that arises when I mention I'm in the fencing club is whether it hurts or not? My answer to this always no if you hit them first. But really, it doesn't hurt unless you get hit in an area that isn't padded, but that shouldn't happen if you are properly positioned. Sadly, because I'm only here for a term, I can't be in the running to participate in the beginner's varsity match against Cambridge at the end of the year. However, one of the assistants did say if I had stayed, I would have had a good chance of going. Will I take it up back in the states? I actually might. At the opposite end of the spectrum of Oxford sports is the neglected American Football team. Seen by most as both a "football team" and American football watching social club, it seemed like the perfect activity to get my mind off of work and remind me of home. Just because some of the Brits didn't what the were doing, and the fact that I am one of the top receivers (along with a couple other Americans studying abroad), doesn't mean some of these guys didn't know what they were doing. Most of the linemen are rugby players and know how to push people around. The team use to be a joint team with Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University (a lesser Oxford basically). However, because of new rules, the teams had to split and this was the first year Oxford would be on it own. Luckily, our coach, Coach Marshall, knows what he's talking about. Drilling everyone in receiving, route running, coverage, as well as D and O line work, and even bringing in a wide receiver specialist for a practice, we were having non-padded scrimmages by the 5th week. Not bad for 1 practice a week. Did I say it was very laid back? Yup, 1 practice a week. This is however in addition to future film sessions and social football watching on Sundays at one of the few sports bars in Oxford that will show American sports. However, just like fencing, I will not be able to get into any games this term because the season starts in the spring. The most I could have done was play flag football, but Cambridge's team was not at our level yet so they had to cancel. This is one of the main reasons I am angry to be only staying a term. I've wanted to play football for so long, and after finally having the chance, the dream is cut short. I'll still play flag football and pick up games any day, but I don't think a career in football is in my future. This is not to say it wasn't a dream come true to even practice with a real team, of course depending on ones definition of a real team.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
American Football? And Fencing?
So this post is way overdue, but whatever. Along with the Caving club, Paul and I are also members of the Oxford University Fencing club and American Football. Yep, they call it American Football here. Its weird I know, but when soccer is football, you really can't have another football. I guess you're probably wondering why I would ever join these two groups instead of something like the Crew team which Oxford is known for? First, Paul hates the water. Second, Paul nor I can wake up that early anymore. And Third, whats more British than fencing? Oh and what better place to play American Football than a place where some of the kids have never seen an actual football before? So anyways, I guess I'll start with fencing. As the members and coaches told us at the taster session, its no Jedi jumping, three musketeer swinging sword fight. Each fencer is attached to a sensor that lights up when a successful hit has been made. In addition to this, the matches are relatively short and confined to a narrow rectangle, but that doesn't take away from the action. Some of these guys, and girls as well, are amazingly quick and skillful. I make sure to get to practice early to catch the tail end of our 18 year old teacher's lesson. Yeah, he's pretty legit. Obviously I'm in the beginner class. We start at square one. The first few practices were basic foot positi
oning and what is called "on guard" position, which is the primary stance throughout a match. After we had a grasp of how to stand, we were taught to move back and forth, and finally how to lunge. From this point, things really started to pick up. Every practice we would review our movements and get the kit on to have mini fencing matches against other students to practice our new maneuvers. Other than the lunge, we have learned such moves as the parry, which blocks an attack, the riposte, which attacks quickly after a parry, the counter riposte, which as it says, counters the counter, the disengage, which requires a quick flick of the wrist to get the blade around that of your opponent's, and the list goes on. The most common question that arises when I mention I'm in the fencing club is whether it hurts or not? My answer to this always no if you hit them first. But really, it doesn't hurt unless you get hit in an area that isn't padded, but that shouldn't happen if you are properly positioned. Sadly, because I'm only here for a term, I can't be in the running to participate in the beginner's varsity match against Cambridge at the end of the year. However, one of the assistants did say if I had stayed, I would have had a good chance of going. Will I take it up back in the states? I actually might. At the opposite end of the spectrum of Oxford sports is the neglected American Football team. Seen by most as both a "football team" and American football watching social club, it seemed like the perfect activity to get my mind off of work and remind me of home. Just because some of the Brits didn't what the were doing, and the fact that I am one of the top receivers (along with a couple other Americans studying abroad), doesn't mean some of these guys didn't know what they were doing. Most of the linemen are rugby players and know how to push people around. The team use to be a joint team with Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University (a lesser Oxford basically). However, because of new rules, the teams had to split and this was the first year Oxford would be on it own. Luckily, our coach, Coach Marshall, knows what he's talking about. Drilling everyone in receiving, route running, coverage, as well as D and O line work, and even bringing in a wide receiver specialist for a practice, we were having non-padded scrimmages by the 5th week. Not bad for 1 practice a week. Did I say it was very laid back? Yup, 1 practice a week. This is however in addition to future film sessions and social football watching on Sundays at one of the few sports bars in Oxford that will show American sports. However, just like fencing, I will not be able to get into any games this term because the season starts in the spring. The most I could have done was play flag football, but Cambridge's team was not at our level yet so they had to cancel. This is one of the main reasons I am angry to be only staying a term. I've wanted to play football for so long, and after finally having the chance, the dream is cut short. I'll still play flag football and pick up games any day, but I don't think a career in football is in my future. This is not to say it wasn't a dream come true to even practice with a real team, of course depending on ones definition of a real team.
oning and what is called "on guard" position, which is the primary stance throughout a match. After we had a grasp of how to stand, we were taught to move back and forth, and finally how to lunge. From this point, things really started to pick up. Every practice we would review our movements and get the kit on to have mini fencing matches against other students to practice our new maneuvers. Other than the lunge, we have learned such moves as the parry, which blocks an attack, the riposte, which attacks quickly after a parry, the counter riposte, which as it says, counters the counter, the disengage, which requires a quick flick of the wrist to get the blade around that of your opponent's, and the list goes on. The most common question that arises when I mention I'm in the fencing club is whether it hurts or not? My answer to this always no if you hit them first. But really, it doesn't hurt unless you get hit in an area that isn't padded, but that shouldn't happen if you are properly positioned. Sadly, because I'm only here for a term, I can't be in the running to participate in the beginner's varsity match against Cambridge at the end of the year. However, one of the assistants did say if I had stayed, I would have had a good chance of going. Will I take it up back in the states? I actually might. At the opposite end of the spectrum of Oxford sports is the neglected American Football team. Seen by most as both a "football team" and American football watching social club, it seemed like the perfect activity to get my mind off of work and remind me of home. Just because some of the Brits didn't what the were doing, and the fact that I am one of the top receivers (along with a couple other Americans studying abroad), doesn't mean some of these guys didn't know what they were doing. Most of the linemen are rugby players and know how to push people around. The team use to be a joint team with Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University (a lesser Oxford basically). However, because of new rules, the teams had to split and this was the first year Oxford would be on it own. Luckily, our coach, Coach Marshall, knows what he's talking about. Drilling everyone in receiving, route running, coverage, as well as D and O line work, and even bringing in a wide receiver specialist for a practice, we were having non-padded scrimmages by the 5th week. Not bad for 1 practice a week. Did I say it was very laid back? Yup, 1 practice a week. This is however in addition to future film sessions and social football watching on Sundays at one of the few sports bars in Oxford that will show American sports. However, just like fencing, I will not be able to get into any games this term because the season starts in the spring. The most I could have done was play flag football, but Cambridge's team was not at our level yet so they had to cancel. This is one of the main reasons I am angry to be only staying a term. I've wanted to play football for so long, and after finally having the chance, the dream is cut short. I'll still play flag football and pick up games any day, but I don't think a career in football is in my future. This is not to say it wasn't a dream come true to even practice with a real team, of course depending on ones definition of a real team.
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