Treating Myself To A New Sword – The Climb #287

Saturday 4^th November 2017

Today I rewarded myself for all my hard work with a new sword.
I’m still in a bit of shock over my result yesterday. I keep thinking back to what my fencing was like just a year ago and marvelling at the progress. I keep thinking about it and finding myself either wanting to laugh or cry.
It’s too early to say if Swordfish has levelled me up as much as last year but I can tell that those around me are proud of my accomplishments. They can see my progress, and now wanting to win the competition one day doesn’t seem so ludicrous to say.
I keep thinking back to past me and wanting to say well done. I remember back to that time, right when I started The Climb when I turned up to training to find no-one there. That there was when I achieved this swordfish personal victory. It’s the product of my hard work and dedication, and not just around the time of the tournament, but in the middle of February as well.
It’s come at a price though. I’m finding texting very difficult at the moment as the tip of my thumb tingles whenever I do. Seeing as my circulation is so poor I rarely feel anything there, I’m pretty certain I’ve broken (or at least fractured) my thumb. Given that my thigh looks like I’ve been assaulted multiple times with a crowbar, it’s probably not the worst injury but it’s been really difficult to text back home.
One of the major sword manufacturers has a stand here. Most of the major names have stopped taking orders given how long their backlist is, but some turn up to events like Swordfish with stock. Regenyei is one of the top makers of swords and is here this weekend. My friend Josh was after a sidesword and so I picked up one for him yesterday. Given that they only take cash, it meant having to go to the cashpoint and withdrawing the maximum amount of cash.
I’d thought that this meant I’d be unable to buy myself a sword. I had been thinking about getting myself a second sidesword but Josh’s purchase took the sails out of that idea a little. However, I was playing with a Montante on Friday night that actually fit in my travel case. I took a picture of it to send to friends back home and have found myself looking at it constantly and thinking what a beautiful sword.
So, after working out I could get enough money together, I bought it today.
It’s a thing of beauty. I took it downstairs to my case to ensure it did fit in. My friend Mike’s eyes lit up when he saw it. Friends have been worried I’ll not be able to get a 6 foot sword home but I’m pretty confident… especially as it does fit in my case.
I also did some sparring this afternoon. A lot of people did that yesterday but after the tournament I was so spent, there was no way I could have fenced more. Even today it was a struggle. But I fought some of the Renaissance guys and feel I did pretty well against them. I did the same a year ago, and came away with a lot of helpful criticism. Again it’s a sign of my progress. And it was nice to be invited to come to their sparring sessions.
I went back to the hotel, showered and got changed and then returned (with weak beer as I forgot the off license was closed on Saturdays) in time for the finals. I remember watching them at home when I first started swordfighting. It was then that I understood the appeal of sports.
Watching the finals live is even more of a buzz. Here is the culmination of an event you yourself took part in. I had a couple of friends in the final and it was fantastic to cheer them on in person. Of course, there’s not much better that sitting drinking beers and watching swordfighting.
It was great to see my friend Sasha take bronze in longsword, and great to see Pedro get a technical award for sabre. I cheered very loud for both of them.
We then drank well into the evening.
Today’s been a great day. I’ve felt exhausted from 2 tournaments inside a week but there’s an inner sense of elation and pride at all I’ve managed to accomplish on this trip. I feel that I’ve validated my grand ambitions, proved that I belong on this stage.
Of course, whilst most would be content to just carry on as is, I want to step it up next year. As writing has taught me, it only gets more difficult the more you progress.
If you want to follow more of my journey, then be sure to check me on my social channels. Likewise, if you’d like me to expand on any point mentioned above, please say so in the comments.