Consulting Swordsman
It’s always the way. You bring out a new book, and somebody comes up with something that makes you jump up and down going “I wanted that in my book!!! Why couldn’t that have come out a month ago!!!” It’s actually a good feeling. Because no book is the last word on any subject, and … Read more
“Stick to swords, Guy.” I hear that a lot- pretty much every time I express an opinion that is in any way political, or even somewhat outside my core competence. My response is always the same. If you don’t like what I have to say, then either challenge it with reason and evidence, or go … Read more
It is extremely useful to be able to direct your attention to whatever you want. It is also extremely useful to be able to control your state of mind. There is an awful lot of unnecessary bullshit around meditation. You can use bells and whistles, if you want. You can build yourself a special meditation … Read more
Now is the perfect moment in history for snake-oil sellers to make a fortune. There is a shadowy plague out there, and it has everyone even more worried than usual about their health. It is also the first time in history, as far as I’m aware, that there is apparently a real (if very small … Read more
Last week’s post was for the busy people finding that lockdown gave them less free time, not more. This one is for the rest of you, those finding time hanging heavy on your hands. Let me reiterate: if you’re busy, read this if you want to, but it isn’t written for you. Okay, so you’re … Read more
Twits on Twitter bang on a lot about ‘discipline’. Such inanities as ‘if you don’t finish lockdown with a new skill, you didn’t lack time, you lacked discipline’. That is possibly true for some people, but such an appallingly crass statement that I wonder at the capacity some people have for smugly standing in judgement … Read more
If I had to identify a single moment where I became irreversibly a Star Wars fan, it was when Luke Skywalker use the plank he was supposed to walk off on Jabba’s barge as a springboard for a somersault, while R2D2 shoots his lightsaber into the air for him to catch. The closest thing we … Read more
Happy May Day! I know it’s not such a big deal in many countries, but in Finland it’s HUGE. So what better day to launch a new book? Especially when everyone is stuck at home. From Medieval Manuscript to Modern Practice: The Longsword Techniques of Fiore dei Liberi is officially published today! You can order … Read more
One of the hardest parts of this lockdown business is the feeling of helplessness it generates. The plague is amorphous, invisible, and very hard to pin down and beat the shit out of. The other day I went along to the Ipswich Makerspace to use the woodworking machine shop. I have a key and usually … Read more
We are not alone. No, I’m not talking about aliens. Even stranger: woodworkers! If you’ve been keeping up with the World of Guy you’ll know that I’ve been doing a ton of woodworking lately, and it shows no sign of slowing down. This has lead me to look up all sorts of things on t’internet, … Read more