This is part two of my series about modern day applications the Chivalric Code, I Wish I Were a Knight.

Knights were warriors. They trained in swordplay, horse riding, and dancing.

That’s right, dancing. Knights of old were required to know how to dance. The toughest most respected warriors knew every step to every dance and they knew how to make the ladies swoon.

From a young age noble boys were partnered with knights who taught them and trained them in what they were supposed to be doing. These young men, squires, learned everything they were supposed to learn from their older, more experienced brethren.

Years of swinging swords and wearing armor built up strong, tough muscles. Men of battle built up their stamina by carrying around the equivalent of 25 - 50 lbs of steel, running and jumping with it. Anyone seen A Knight’s Tale?

Growing up, I wanted to be a knight so that I could get all of the ladies to swoon over me. Now that I’m a little older, I aspire to the ideals of knighthood so that one particular lady will swoon for me.

Even though there’s no need for regular sword training (although a little stage combat training is fun), there’s still a need for men to be combat ready. While we’re not facing murderous savages bent on impaling us with spears, we are facing a corporate culture that is bent on profit at all costs. In order to keep up we have to make sure that we’re in top shape. Only those who are can keep up, provide for, and protect their families.

…and, you can’t dance your maiden around the floor if you don’t have the energy to stay light on your feet.