First bruise!

I have recently joined a foam fighing group called the Clan of the Hydra, part of the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. On Tuesday nights, I dress in medieval garb and head out to do a little fighting.

Several of the guys at work are involved and they thought I might enjoy joining them. It is a good workout and my taekwondo training is coming in handy for fighting skills and avoiding weapons. I am a little sad that I didn't train more in double stick as I am now fighting with two swords. The weapons are padded so that you can use full speed and full contact.

Typically, you don't get many brusies, however, last night I must have taken a hell of a shot to the lower back as I got home and noticed it was a bit sore. Glenn looked and told me that I had a nasty bruise. It is probably just bruised from a hard hit, but there is a slight chance that one of the foam weapons needs a little repair. Hopefully, next week all the weapons will undergo a thorough inspection by those more qualified than I and any that are not as "soft" will be retired to a pile to be re-padded.

Even though my back hurts, I still enjoy the fighting and will return next week. I plan to attend my first event (multi-group fighting event) in January. I will likely end up with more bruises then, but hopefully none like this one: