Writing Excuses 8.43: Realistic Melee Fighting with Wesley Chu

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Writing Excuses 8.43: Realistic Melee Fighting with Wesley Chu

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2013/10/27/writing-excuses-8-43-realistic-melee-fighting-with-wesley-chu/

Key points: Real martial arts training takes a long time. Also, weapons weigh a lot! When characters get injured, deal with the injuries. Balance showy fighting with realism. Focus on what the fight means, not the step-by-step actions. How does the character feel? What reaction do you want to elicit from the reader?
( High-kick! Low-kick. Spin! )

[Brandon] All right. Let's bring it out with a writing prompt.
[Wesley] Good. We're going to do a fantasy this time. I want you to write a scene in any world where a pirate can beat a ninja.
[Laughter]
[Brandon] All right.
[Audience] Does it have to be a ninja?
[Brandon] It has to be a ninja. He just said.
[Wesley] If you ever get a chance, look at The Deadliest Warrior. They actually have a pirate beating a ninja, and it pisses me off. I'd like to just... Gah!
[Brandon] This is Writing Excuses. You're out of excuses. Now go write.
[Applause]