Stav wisdom for the Ranger Path

Western(esse) Martial Arts / Numenorean Martial Arts....

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Ringulf
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Stav wisdom for the Ranger Path

Post by Ringulf »

Many of you know I have been an interested participant in the Runic martial art called "Stav" I wanted to pass along some of the wisdom that had been sent to me this week as it is in my opinion pertinant to our endeavors. This comes from Graham Butcher in the UK.


This weeks' quote is the verse below from the Methodist Hymn
book and my comment below that. I chose it as one of the hymns for
the service I took on Sunday. No one in the congregation
remembered singing it before apart from one elderly lady who said
she had sung it at school, which must have been before or during
the last war. Shame really because it has a nice tune and it has
to be the most appropriate hymn for European martial arts that I am
aware of in the Hymn book and I know the Hymn book pretty well.

I think I will have a quote from Bruce Lee next week.

"My faith it is an oaken staff,

The traveler's well loved aid;

My faith it is a weapon stout,

The soldier's trusty blade.

I'll travel on and still be stirred

To action at my master's word;

By all my perils undeterred,

A soldier unafraid."

Methodist Hymns and Psalms 682 v 1 by Thomas Toke Lynch

Stav martial training is based on the staff. The best staffs are
made of oak, it has just the right weight, strength, density and
resonance. Training with weapons develops coordination,
strengthens the body and focusses the mind much more effectively
than training unarmed from the beginning. The feedback from staff
training makes you aware of your body and how to use it more
effectively than any other system of training.

Beginners learn and practice a series of staff exercises based on
the stances. This prepares the body for more advanced training,
teaches the stances and provides the basis for safe and effective
two person training. You will be amazed at the degree of accuracy
and control you can develop in a few weeks of Stav training with
the staff.

regards

Graham

Whether you are into Stav or not, the verse reminds me of the things I think to myself to stay in the "Ranger" frame of mind, and though not particularly an oath, it made me reflect on our recent conversations, that our "self talk" helps us remain on the path, just as our oath begins the journey. :mrgreen:
I am Ringulf the Dwarven Woodsman, I craft leather, wood, metal, and clay,
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed! :mrgreen:
User avatar
Ringulf
Naugothrain
Posts: 2413
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2011 1:50 pm
Location: Central Florida
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Re: Stav wisdom for the Ranger Path

Post by Ringulf »

Last week I recieved this post from Graham as he started his Stav words of wisdom in a weekly quote.


Graham Butcher
To
Me
Sep 27 at 8:29 AM
Hi Scott

As we get closer to completing work on the Stav Centre (how long
have I been saying that?) I am getting the on site publicity on
display. In the porch there are now two notice boards and a
perspex display holder. The notice boards will have details of
classes and forthcoming events such as courses and taster sessions.
The display holder I am using for a 'quote of the week'.
The first one is from the Havamal although someone asked me if it
was from the bible, when I said it was from the Edda he said I
should use bible quotes, sometimes I will, the one I am planning
for next week is a verse from a Methodist hymn, and yes, it is very
appropriate as you will see on Monday.

The current quote with my comments is:

"The foolish man thinks he will live for ever if he keeps away
from fighting; but old age won't grant him a truce even if the
spears do."
Havamal Stanza 16

Stav is a tradition of body, mind and spirit training for men and
women of all ages. While we may be lucky enough to avoid violent
confrontation we all still get older. We cannot avoid the changes
that come with aging but we can keep fit and strong as long as
possible with the right training and regular practice.

Stav training provides gentle but effective exercises which develop
good posture, cultivates deep and natural breathing, raises energy
levels and gently tones the muscles and strengthens the sinews and
tendons. Stav training and practice ensures that you use the whole
of your body and thus you won't lose strength, stamina and
flexibilty before you absolutely have to.




I have posted a picture of the porch as it is today at
http://www.somersetstav.co.uk/sc.html?a ... ZLJWXg0GVw
Graham Butcher
Unit 1, Rope Walk, Parrett Works, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6AE, UK

Graham is a Methodist minister as you may have surmised. He has been a man I have enjoyed learning from. His open mind and martial spirit does not oppose his faith but truly supports it, as he respects the wisdom of alternate views with interest and humility. I find that to be a welcome example.
I am Ringulf the Dwarven Woodsman, I craft leather, wood, metal, and clay,
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed! :mrgreen:
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