[Video | computer webcam]

[eyesofstrength]

[In the video one can see Leonhardt himself, he's relaxing at his desk in his office. The most impressive thing in the room is the fact that the walls have numerous swords and knives displayed. There are various types and ranges of condition. One can even spot a couple of Japanese style weapons among them. It's obvious the man is quite the collector of weapons looking at this. Though looking at his desk and the amount of odd tools and gadgets and the half put together tiny robot, it's not the only thing he does.]

I know I haven't met many here on the network, but I wished to make an offer to those who may have an interest. My name is Leonhardt, feel free to just call me Leon since most have trouble with the name.

I know some here have obtained swords, the skills to use one, or both. I also know that a sword in the hands of the untrained can be quite dangerous.

My offer is this. Since normal training classes may not suit for all of us here I would be willing to set up a special class for those on this network. That way you can also practice using any unique abilities you have learned as well. Since we'll have all levels it will be more of a club or group where lessons will be given and people can practice with each other as well, mostly informal to aid all in gaining experience and good technique.

We'll use the same place where my father teaches his private classes. I have gained permission to rent it out for a very nominal fee, I'll just ask for either a donation or bring some food or drink to share with the others. That way we'll have full use of all the equipment he has so it can be done as safely as possible. I'm my father's assistant instructor and just as qualified to teach as he is. If you do not have a weapon I will do what I can to arrange to get you one that suits any skills you have obtained.

I am not going to limit to any particular age, but if you are under 18 I do need to be aware of this because legally we do have to obtain parent or guardian permission and I have to get you some forms in advance to have them sign.

If you are interested let me know so I can provide a location and time. It will likely be a day on the weekends, more likely Sunday since my father has no classes then.

Comments

[ursoreckless]

Yeah, I've heard about the threats. [He thinks about it for a moment, twirling a pencil around while he does so.] How much?

[eyesofstrength]

Whatever you feel is fair. I was able to convince him to allow me to volunteer my time as long as the costs of equipment use are covered. he's asked me to make sure we can cover a hundred dollars per month among all who come and we provide our own food and drinks. So it will depend on how much others can afford and I can cover the difference if it comes to it.

[Yeah, that took some major convincing, but Leonhardt is persuasive and they will be writing off some of this off as a charitable donation of classes. It also helped that his father has been trying to convince him to take on a class of his own for years.]

[ursoreckless]

[He was expecting a little bit more than that, but honestly? That wasn't bad at all.]

I can help with the costs but I can't say I'd ever held weapon outside of waving a toy sword around when I was six.

[eyesofstrength]

I've taught beginners who have not even held a sword before. The style we teach is fencing and it is actually is not that difficult to learn enough to defend yourself and not risk doing harm to yourself or others.

[ursoreckless]

I don't think I'm completely hopeless when it comes to fighting; I just never used a weapon before.

[School yard brawls, some scuffles in the streets, bar fights, and he did spend about two years learning kickboxing until his high school thought he should try out for the team]

I could try it out, I guess.

[eyesofstrength]

That can be useful. One drawback to a weapon is that a person can be disarmed, but the weapon itself gives advantages. No one method will suit everyone so it is good to consider trying something new.

[ursoreckless]

There's nothing wrong in learning something new.

[eyesofstrength]

Nothing at all. I just admit that I never thought I'd have a use for years of learning fencing.

[ursoreckless]

[laughs, mostly at himself because he thinks the same thing] I know that feeling.

So when will be a good time?

[eyesofstrength]

I was thinking of Sunday afternoons. My father has no Sunday classes and I have no work or school then as well.

[ursoreckless]

That'll work for me as well. So about two in the afternoon on Sunday?

[eyesofstrength]

That would work. I was thinking of having it open to come any time in the afternoon so that it works for as many as possible. Two in the afternoon would be just fine.

[ursoreckless]

Do you think there would be very many showing up at first?