Open Post: La savate et le chausson

[futaille]

Much to his satisfaction, Grantaire has been able to keep up with many of his hobbies unabated during his time at the mansion. Not all of them, though, mostly because they were ones he'd go to specific spots for, and with those spots not being here in addition to an abundance of his other hobbies, they more or less fell by the wayside.

However, a recent chat with Dionysus has reminded him that he has very much neglected his 'hitting things' level. Although he didn't find a crash test dummy, the thought being on his mind ended up in him stumbling upon a small gym tucked away, complete with some equipment including a standing punching bag.

So he's discarded his waistcoat and cravat over a bench and is practicing his savate¹.

¹French kickboxing! During R's time it was basically for streetfighting, and just beginning to get formalized, but there are some cool vintage videos on youtube (Here and here) to give the... vibe.

Comments

[lightbearinglord]

"But there is some technique," Lan Wangji points out. "You are not merely brawling."

[futaille]

"True enough. Well, it's kick-heavy, probably because of its origin on ships which meant the sailors sometimes would have to hold on to things for balance..."

[lightbearinglord]

"Will you show me?" Lan Wangji asks, then amends: "More slowly, with explanations."

[futaille]

"Certainly." He goes back to the bag and starts to do so, explaining what he's doing as he goes.

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji listens closely, of course, hands behind his back and eyes on everything Grantaire is doing. It's a more savage kind of combat than the kind he is used to, but he can see the utility, and it is good to watch as Grantaire demonstrates something with expertise.

[futaille]

Grantaire would hardly call it expertise, exactly, but he'd also at least acknowledge that he's arguably the closest thing to an expert here, at least. "And that's that. It's not the prettiest form of fighting, but it's effective enough."

[lightbearinglord]

Ultimately, efficacy is all that matters in the majority of combat situations. Lan Wangji fights beautifully because he enjoys it, because it turns swordplay into an art -- but a fight is a fight, and death is death. He nods. "May I try?"

[futaille]

Grantaire steps back from the bag and sweeps a hand towards it. "By all means."

[lightbearinglord]

With permission granted, Lan Wangji steps at last across the threshold into the room Grantaire has been using. He considers the punching bag and considers everything he has just seen from Grantaire. Thereafter, he shucks the two outermost layers of his robes, his belt, and his qiankun pouch; he folds the robes and sets them in a neat pile, the belt coiled neatly, the pouch atop it all. This leaves him in his undershirt, his trousers, and a skirt, along with his boots.

After one slow breath, he spins into a high kick aimed at the bag. He is trying to emulate Grantaire's technique, rather than exert much force, but the sole of his boot does strike decisively anyway.

[futaille]

Grantaire watches curiously and grins as the kick connects. "Very solid hit."

[lightbearinglord]

"Was that correct?" Lan Wangji turns back to Grantaire, awaiting any necessary critique.

[futaille]

"It looked good to me. Or at least no real issues that I could spot."

[lightbearinglord]

"Mn." He repeats the motion, then; it does send the punching bag swinging, so he stops it with one hand on the return. "Will you demonstrate the open-handed strike again?"

[futaille]

It's such a wordy way to describe a slap that it actually takes him half a second to parse it. Once he does, though, he absolutely appreciates it. "The... Oh! Certainly!"

He steps up to the bag and gives it a good whack.

[lightbearinglord]

As before, Lan Wangji observes this with care. Once the bag has stilled again, he copies Grantaire to the best of his abilities; admittedly, despite his best efforts, this does send the bag nearly flying. Again, he stops it with his hand when it swings back to him.

[futaille]

"I see we're running into the same essential issue as with pinball."

[lightbearinglord]

"Too many handstands," Lan Wangji says grimly.

[futaille]

"That must be it. Really, it's my own tragic lack of handstands that is the sole reason that I am not also nearly projecting the target across the room. Truly, the world is full of wonders."

[lightbearinglord]

"It is possible to remedy that." Primarily to prove that he can exercise restraint, Lan Wangji draws his hand back and gives the punching bag another, gentler tap with his open palm.

[futaille]

"Handstands and reasonable force, coexisting in the same person? This seems nearly impossible!"

[lightbearinglord]

"Perhaps the cultivation is responsible," Lan Wangji suggests. It is just a little dry.

[futaille]

"Do you suppose?" He considers this for a moment. "No, I'm certain it's the handstands."

[lightbearinglord]

"The handstands are part of the cultivation."

[futaille]

"Clearly now I need to find someone who regularly does handstands but isn't a cultivator. To see where they stand on the spectrum of force here."

[lightbearinglord]

"Magnus," Lan Wangji says promptly. Technically, this suggestion does fulfill Grantaire's requirements.