Origin of the Blades of Torqueadia:

First of all I just want to say I am really stoked to be part of this competition.

Hi folks, my name is Michael C Holdsworth and for want of better word my Aspect Avatar or nom de plume of "Argent Bracci". Many years ago I designed a tool for health and wellness based on the concepts of functionality, namely the Torqueblade. The inspiration came from my experiences in Fencing based on Filipino Martial Arts, Persian club training, Medicine ball training, Yoga and Ti Chi as seen in the above video.

Now I share these experiences as they serve as base to where the flight of fancy leapt. As an instructor I recognised that for a person to embrace change they had to have an emotional attachment and the symbol of the blade does exactly that by manifesting many archetypes to assist with health and wellness, providing the correct prompts are present. Three exercise regimes were codified to assist with physical conditioning. For emotional inspiration I wrote short stories in the style of fables for surreptitious schooling. Simply to fantasize on a subject whether fact or fiction inspires us to accomplish greater things. The fact is, by thinking about a subject we change the way that we feel and this is paramount for a lifestyle change.

From this point on I became consumed with writing a story and all my interests proved to be a retrospective path that lead to the present. My interest in Anthropology, Ancient Theology, Jungian psychology, Health and Wellness, Martial training, Meditation, and Cognitive Behavior Concepts became the raw material and my predilection for the Victorian era and aesthetic became the back drop for a question I asked, “What if the Romans did not defeat the tribes of Britain some 2000 years ago?”

I ask of you dear reader to have an open mind and consider the concept of an experimental fictional, fantasy book amalgamated with a how to manual in the appendix.

I have enclosed two book pitches. If you have any suggestions I would be grateful. Oh by the way, if you get a chance, have a look at my website www.torqueblade.com.

1. Full book pitch - A world that suffered no dark ages, ancient technology is not lost, the five empires of the world squabble over the last free lands of the Abanaki. The uneasy balance between the Theocracy and Republic of the Torqueadian Empire threatens world peace. It is 1884, and a girl comes of age, she is gifted a pair of wooden blades, once used for physical prayer by a disbanded religious sect. Already versed in the heretical forms, she displays her proficiency proving the art is not obsolete. A splinter from the well-used training tool reveals a bronze blade encased within. The wood pierces her hand, her blood and sweat form a conduit with the blade beneath and she becomes a creature of myth. Hunted by the Church, Republic and avoiding a cannibalistic horde as the state descends into chaos, the young girl discovers who she is and will become.

2. The fitness pitch – A story is a great way to motivate people to be active. The “Blades of Torqueadia” uses this concept to subtly promote health and wellness through an inspirational fantasy story. The characters make reference to the four-wellness programs as the Art of Adaptability taught by the disbanded sect of the church of torque - the Grey Branch. The Art incorporates the use of the Torqueblades, one tool for four programs, Torqueblade - Torsion training (a gateway program), Synergistic strength (Boot-camp), Tranquilblade - meditation in motion, and Aspect Avatar (mental acuity concepts). The training tool itself is ready for purchase and the programs have been codified.

Edges out, Stay sharp.

M.C.Holdsworth ne’ Argent Bracci