SCA Fighting and clubbells

[Werdna]

I am trying to find a training program geared towards SCA (stick) fighting. Has anyone developed such a program?

I was able to find a thread from ~2004 where the posters unfortunately kept their Clubbell® routines secret (which is oddly counter to SCA philosophy).

As a bit of background, I read about Clubbell® training online and the training appeared synergistic with SCA fighting (e.g., off center weight, grip strength, etc.). I bought a pair with some skepticism - some of the strength gain claims seem facially over the top.

I pulled various exercises and routines from DVD's, youtube, etc. Over a 3-4 month span I ended up buying almost a complete set. I was fairly astounded. Not by the strength gains but the speed at which the gains came. I unfortunately ended up injuring myself with what I think is golfer's elbow in both elbows. Basically, on the front swing of a mill I would get this electrical shock type feeling. I am fairly certain I went to heavy to fast and my tendons/ligaments couldn't keep up with the strength gains.

In any case, the various routines did generically translate towards SCA fighting with some fairly impressive results, but I would like to optimize my training. If someone is willing to share any programs that have been successful for stick fighting I would love to see them.

[Peter Mitchell]

Hi Werdna...

Noticing that nobody has ventured a post here - better late than never. That you made the connection between improved conditioning for your stickfighting and clubbells is both awesome and correct. There are a couple of things worth mentioning though...

First off - as great as clubbells are as a tool they do need to be wielded correctly to reap all of their benefits. While I can't speak to the cause of your injury I can say that in general golfer's or tennis elbow tends to be a repetitive stress issue. This includes both over-training and incorrect technique.

Secondly - the dvd's and programs are great, but it really is worth your while to get live coaching. If you have a CST instructor or coach near you, hit them up for a session or three. I also know that some coaches have distance training programs. What they can teach you about Clubbell® basics will both accelerate and optimize your training as well as reduce the possibility of injury. Once you have the basics under your belt (which doesn't take long) you can then focus on applying clubbells to your specific training goals.

[ghostfist]

quick reply- again one would focus on the Intu-Flow® to make sure the mobility is both maintained and covered.
Some basics of clubbells would aid the stick fighting - for example the front swing and the side pendulums - both train hip snap which is crucial to delivering power via the waist. Any of the techniques work on grip conditioning which again is vital.
I think the mistake may be in using the clubbells as you swing your sticks -hence the elbow injuries. Clubs can be swung but not in a hitting motion like a stick -way to much stress on the joints.
Again - work the exercises that have direct translation towards martial arts - the swing, hammer swing , shield cast etc

[Aengus]

Hi Werda. Word of advice on the clubbells. Stick with the lighter 15 pounds and build up your form and endurance before going up in weight class. The 15's are great for developing speed but you have to have good form. My programs for SCA fighting, Longsword or any Martial Arts kind of varies wot where i see I need to shore up weaknesses. I do a lot of cycles through HIIT using Burpees , box jumps or wind sprints for anaerobic endurance and recovery. I practice yoga and use programs like FLow-Fit and Tacfit Commando to develop the mobility and function strength through movements as well as increasing more endurance and recovery. clubbells are used for functional strength building endurance as well as learning how to incorporate your entire body into moving a weight through the air. It also directly translates into SCA Sword fighting. Swings and Press movements i use include Mills and Reverse Mills, Shield and Parry cast, Flag, and Head Cast.

BTW, I've got quite a few years SCA combat under my belt as well as teaching some of this stuff.

Hope this helps some.