Dear Arma members,
I have always been interested in the Medieval and Rennaisance periods ever since I was a small child. A number of years ago I happened across a copy of Mr. Clements book "Medieval Swordsmanship" Previous to having encountered this book, I had no idea that it was even possilbe to pursue Western Swordsmanship from the perspective of a true martial art. My eyes having been opened to the idea of persuing such an art, I became very passionate about the subject and strove to seek out competent instruction. This resulted in a hopeful trial with the local Missoula branch of S.C..A.. To my chagrin, I discovered that the members I encountered while affiliated with this group had little or no historically accurate knowledge about the medival period, practiced most if not all of the flawed training techniques addressed in Clements book (No leg targets, too large of shields, kneeling down etc.), and for the most part had probably never even picked up a real weapon and cut with it. I quit practicing with them shortly thereafter. Besides the S.C.A, one of the more popular Medieval "fighting" organizations here in Missoula is an entity which calls itself "Balogarth". A name which means "Battle" or something similar, in one of Tolkiens languages. It is a typical Boffer fighting organisation. Ultralight weapons, with gigantic ultralight shields, silly rules, and ignorant members. As far as I am aware organizations like the S.C.A and Balogarth are the only groups which exist in Missoula. A friend of mine who happens to be a member of Balogarth has asked me on several occasions to attend one of their practices. I have declined insofar, attempting to explain that I'm not really interested in that type of organization. However, as a result I've been called "elitist" and a "snob". I feel frustrated that there are no accurate organizations available to me, and don't know what to do. I find groups like Balogarth to be not only silly, but also aggravating in their ineptitude. I don't want to be "snobby and elitist" But I really don't want much to do with Balogarth either. Sometimes, I feel that even if I joined ARMA I'd have no one to spar or train with and wouldn't achieve much anyway. due to lack of sparring partners and support. Now, after my initial burst of expectant excitment at the prospect of learning something real I feel dejected and deflated that it all seems out of my reach.
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