New fighter guide, First Practice

Having a good time at the first practice-

Showing up-
First- Check their web site for big events/weather cancellations before you go- it's a bummer to show up, to a canceled practice.

If you are new, in the bay area, the best time to show up is, about a half hour after the practice starts- that way people will be there for sure, (instead of just the person responsible for the practice) but there won't be so many people that they won't have time to go over the rules, and focus on welcoming you. Bay area standard is be an hour late, if you are experienced. 

What the timing is in your area, I don't know. Just keep in mind, if you show up on time,(which you should, to be safe) if there aren't that many people, don't despair- most of the people are just lazy and late- they'll be there.

Introductions-
There will be an area with all sorts of equipment, with people milling about. Either go up and introduce yourself, or wander over to the area, and watch the fighting. Most likely someone will greet you warmly. Say you are interested in trying it, and they will direct you to someone to read you the rules(or read you the rules yourself).  The person who reads you the rules will direct you to loaner equipment, and may fight with you for a little bit, before directing you towards other people to fight with. He or she is using those first fights to size you up, so that he can direct you towards someone of about your skill level, so that hopefully your fighting will be fun, and at a level that you can learn from.

Fight/train-

New fighters fall into two categories- ones that want to get out there and fight, and are fine with learning by trial and error, and those that want to be taught. 

They may or may not be sensitive to this dichotomy. If they are they will probe you to figure out which one you are, and then treat you accordingly. If they don't you'll know if your needs aren't being met, as you'll be frustrated, and won't be having a good time.

There are two types of frustration-

If you want to hit things, being told to drill. Dag tends to be lower on this than other martial arts. Ignore the people drilling, and find someone similarly frustrated, that's about your level, and just go spar with them. 

Similarly, it's frustrating going out to fight when you know you don't know what you are doing. If you want training/advice and they are not giving it to you, ask, and most people will be happy to teach you what they can. However, you need to be aware that some fighters, can't teach. If you can't get what you need, email me, and I'll try to help out- I happen to be a more training oriented fighter, and I can direct you to some great online resources. 

Targets for a first practice-

First of all, don't sweat it, have fun. But if you need more concrete targets, here they are- 

First the things you might expect- learn the rules, get comfortable calling the shots that hit you, and try not to hit people in the head. Do sweat it if you mess up on any/all of the above. They'll correct you. Also, if you've hit someone twice in the head, (or even once really bad) try to move on to fight someone else, as soon as you can without being awkward about it. Head hits happen, especially with new fighters, but it's better not to put the burden all on one person.

Next target is learn to die. To learn to stand and fight, even when that means you'll die- and just concentrate on doing your best. It's unnatural not to fear death, but as a Dag fighter, it's required. First off, you won't really die- this isn't real. Second, it's not a matter of skill- everyone dies, over and over. The best fighters on the field are also the fighters that have died the most. You need to get comfortable with that and stop fearing it.

Final thing to focus on, is get comfortable swinging a sword- Knowing where your body is in space, (Body awareness) is key to this game, and in the first few practices, regardless of what people try to teach you, that's mainly what you'll be learning. That's why it's common to let new people spar, rather than trying to drill them their first couple of practices- until you can tell where your sword is in space, it does no good trying coach you on how to move it.

Oh, and in mass battles, think of it as a strategy game- 

First- spar with whatever, but if you are new, in a large battle, borrow a shield if at all possible. It helps a ton.
Your side may win or lose, but as long as you've done your part to nudge it towards victory, it's all good. You may be the worst fighter on the field (someone has to be), and never survive, but if you focus on trying to trade up, you'll be doing your part. 

Note that trading yourself up, doesn't require killing someone- early on, occupying people is often more important. This works because as you distract people, your buddies will have fewer people to deal with elsewhere(helping them to win there). Every second you spend occupying someone who is better than you, helps your team win. I spend a lot of my time do this in ditches, and I'm quite good at it- it takes a little skill, but is an easy way to multiply your value. (Don't mistake this for running away- if what you are doing doesn't improve your chances of winning, and only extends a battle, it will just annoy people. It is the mark of someone who hasn't yet learned how to die.) 

Also, flanking and getting in a backstab or two on somebody better than you also works ;) There's an art to it, and some people know how to counter flank better than others. If they do, watch and ask. If they don't, make sure you aren't trying to just skirt the edge- go wider and you'll do better.

Also, Have fun!