begin rant

The other week, one of the guys I fence with was trying to convince me that I had too much tension in my poise while on strip, and that I should loosen up my form and relax. I tried taking his advice because he really is a more experienced fencer, and I know that he was trying to help - but after following his lead, he and three other guys mopped the floor with me. Then I told them to get back on strip and to let me do things my way. I still didn't win, but my performance improved so drastically and I narrowed the gap between our scores so rapidly that I frightened them.

They didn't realize all that coiled tension could explode outward so suddenly, or jump that far down the lane, or outpace them, or dance unflaggingly on the strip for fifteen minutes. They called it an unnecessary expenditure of energy and told me that I would tire - but after three hours, they were ready to go home, and I was just getting started.

Swordplay can tell you a lot about a person, and that barely constrained energy is part of who and what I am. Some people find their moment through serenity and calm. I find mine through action and passion. For me, it is better to be slightly wound up about enjoying life than placidly accepting circumstances. Yin and yang, my friends. That knot in my neck really is the only thing keeping the puppet on its strings held upright. I will relax the day I die, thanks.

I get more done this way.