LAST EDITED ON May-08-09 AT 06:34 PM (EDT)
I am not involved in the ryu, although I like me a good Dave Lowry book or column (as does Gryph).That being said, I fenced foil for a couple months in college before the expense of getting my own gear and the regimented approach of Olympic-style fencing pretty much stopped that. After my car accident, I went on to become a student of the Black Sword Martial Salon of Oakland, California, a motley band of Bay Area sorts-- former bar bouncers, ex-SCAdians, escrima fighters, axe-throwing Norse Pagans, etc.-- and trained in broadsword and katana styles with them until I moved to Los Angeles.
I can still dump Wedge on his ass at least once or twice every few times we get out to spar, so I guess I'm doing OK. My current state of disability tends to deny me opportunities to hit people with shinai.
Maybe I'll post a pic of my jian later today, if I can get decent light.
(Edit: Since 'Spud went there, I'm a reasonable shot with a rifle, but have not tried handguns. Less call for them in Wedge's family's hunting setup.)
(Edit #2: Here's the pic. Pardon my iPhone.
I have more pics of the castings for the hanger, the pommel ring, and the crossguard, such as it is, if anyone wants them. I have one of the whole blade too, but that'd be better-served with me taking outside tomorrow when Wedge is around to shoot a pic.)
Ard Collier
that Janice chick
Usual Suspect and general menace