New to WMA/ Georgia ARMA Members?

[Jonathan Harton]

Hello Folks,

Names Jonathan Harton. I'm 19 and have been studying military history, strategy, and arms most of my life. I've been seriously intrested in getting into WMA for about 2 years now, I've started late 11th-12th living history too, but simply haven't had the time due to school and other activities to commit to it. Being that I'm going to the University of Georgia this fall and have moved past several of those activities (scouts, high school sports, etc) I have the time.

My big question is are there any ARMA members willing to take on a practice partner for longsword and possibly sword and shield study in the Athens/ Metro-Atlanta area? I'm considering starting an ARMA study group at UGA if I can get enough people intrested, but it would still be nice to have someone with a little experience in the art to work with even if that does come about.

I know there are no manuals for sword and shield. I was thinking on buying the book Hand and Wagner have written about the Royal Armouries system and Toler's book Fighting with the German Longsword
Does anyone have any suggestions on a waster provider. I am familiar with Purpleheart Armouries wasters, but how good are they compared to others?

Also, any general advice or hints for a beginner that anyone might want to drop would be welcome and appreciated.

Thanks any help,
Jonathan.

[Jaron Bernstein]

Welcome,

John C. has recently relocated to Atlanta, so you should have a most excellent teacher nearby.

There is a sword and buckler manual (the I-33). Dr. Jeffrey Forgeng has translated the text and associated illustrations. You can buy it on line. You should also look at John C.'s Medieval Swordsmanship for a base and Svard and Lindholm's Ringeck for more detailed instruction on the Lichtenaur tradition techniques. Finally, read Dobringer (which available on this site) for what is IMO the best thing I have seen yet on the theoretical underpinnings of this art. That should be enough to keep you busy. And then there is far, far more out there. Look on the research and reading section.

In terms of wasters, I suggest New Stirling Arms (for a wonderful balance and handling) or Raven Studios (for a more solid construction, but somewhat heavier). Or you can make your own.

Good luck.

[Mike Chidester]

I've a Purpleheart waster which I dearly love, but will freely admit that it's garbage compared to the NSA stuff. Don't bother with purpleheart.

As to the other matters, Jaron covered it quite nicely. John Clements is one of the best swordsmen in the world, and he now lives right there in Atlanta.

[Joey Marmorato]

Hello! We have a relatively small group here in atlanta (currently) that meets weekly (ideally) with, well, at least two of us. John does come out sometimes as well, and that is very very valuable, so you are luck to be near him, as are we. I'll send you a private message with some more specific information, it would be great if you would come join us one week.

Joey

[Joey Marmorato]

Oh and as far as wasters, purpleheart is definitely discouraged around here, but I own a Raven studios longsword and have a New Stirling Arms arming sword on the way that should be here soon, and some people make their own, so you can get a decent first-hand look and feel for what the different providers offer. Overall though, if you're looking to buy, raven studios and NSA are highly recommended by many of our members (and in many different threads on the forum).

Joey

[Ryan Ricks]

Hi Jonathan,

i believe we talked on the yahoo group already. our schedule is pretty topsy-turvy regarding practice times. We've got about 4 others waiting in the wings for a time when their schedules will allow.

As stated before, feel free to get a hold of me and we can get together

[John_Clements]

We'll hold an Atlanta wide practice sometime here next month, after a very special upcoming announcment.
JC

[JeffreyXavierLam]

Hi, I am also in Atlanta and am interested in learning more about WMA. Can anyone please tell me when and where y'all practice?

[Joey Marmorato]

Hey Jeffrey, I PMed you my email and some info, so just send me an email and we'll hopefully get you out to workout with us. Welcome.

[John_Clements]

As per my earlier post in June, I opened a private historical fencing studio (the first of its kind) here in Dallas, GA, built specifically and exclusively to teach Renaissance martial arts. So far I've focused only on instruction for select senior ARMA members. In the future this will change, and I will offer privat elessons as well as general workshops.

Meanwhile, the Marrietta ARMA Study Group usually holds a Saturday afternoon practice that anyone is welcome to arrange a visit to come cross weapons. I try to make that practice when I can. We are planning in January to get everyone from GA to this so we can all meet up at last and get all the new people up to speed on fundamentals. When Joey & Ryan set that up they will remind me, I'm sure. I hope to see everyone then.

JC

[Jonathan Scott]

Hey, I'm in Calhoun, GA at the moment with my folks for the holidays. Any chance I could come down some time and practice with ya'll? (is a newbie, so would appreciate some more basic training to work on, and I don't have a waster yet, I think I'll have to wait for the 25th) Can someone pm me directions to the Marietta place (from I75south)? I might actually be able to go down there one of these weekends. I'd also love to meet John C some time if that's possible <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Joey Marmorato]

Cool, I sent you an email as well (to the address in your profile for this forum, i.e. the @juno one). Hope we can work something out.

[Jonathan Scott]

Sweet! (sent one back)