Warming Up by Steven Ragatz

Visualization and Juggling by Steven Ragatz

Numbers Training by Steven Ragatz

Throw height and rate by Steven Ragatz

I attended the Illinois fest this past weekend in Champagne/Urbana. After an afternoon of practice, I took in a couple of rounds of combat with the locals. Now, I have been bashing it out in the combat circles for almost two decades, but the past two fests I have played, I have been getting some looks laden with contempt from my opponents. I try to be a polite player. Careful not to injure and go for people who are at the same skill level as I. After all, it's not fair for someone with my experience taking out some new kid every round just because I can. I also try to laugh, cry, and fall down in pain where appropriate (thanks Phil). And, usually, I don't win.

But at one fest last year I was informed that I was not allowed to juggle two in one hand, freeing the other hand for attack. I had never heard this before, but I agreed and modified my technique. Then, I was told that I was being too rough. Oh poo. At this fest, every time I would snatch another's club, usually a high toss, the move was met with disapproval. Nobody actually came forward and said that wasn't how "we" play the game, but it was mumbled and I was regarded with a cold shoulder. After the other players saw that this was my favored strategy, I was avoided both in and out of the game. It has been many years since I have gone to fest, but alas, now I got the feeling that none of the other jugglers wanted to play with me anymore.

Oh, gone are the days of the annual Purdue/Indiana combat competition for the Foamin' Bucket. Rules! We don't need no stinkin' rules! Hell, it's not a game of combat until the ice packs come out...

I can't remember a time that I have ever hurt anyone. In fact, I'm always the one who is getting creamed. Three days later, my arm still hurts from a club knob stab. My trophy of the battle glory.

So, what gives? Has everyone gone soft? Is there no challenge to this game anymore? Has it been so distilled that I can't steal, bump, grind, smash and have an all around good time? If all I wanted to do was juggle in the corner of a gym, I don't think I would go to fests at all. If I can't find anyone who want to play with me anymore, I guess next time I'll just have to stay home an play with myself.

- Steve