Fiore Seminar, Denver

[Shane Smith]

Training with intent is the way to go.Check out a few of these reviews of the VAB regional event from non-ARMA members whom attended,including well-respected author Dwight McLemore. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[John Jordan]

The Rocky Mountain Historical Combat Guild (the Guild) is an umbrella group. We welcome anyone who wants to study Historical Western Martial Arts. Within that umbrella we currently have two study groups: a Fiore study group and a Ringeck/Lichtenauer study group. Instructors are brought out based entirely on personal preference. One of our guys is bringing Christian Tobler out here in July, another is talking about having Bob Charron out for a dagger and grappling focus class sometime this Fall. If someone wants to have John come out and teach then we will do everything we can to help (and I personally will attend the class).

Right now, though, we look like we are booked solid for this year and I, for one, am not running any more seminars in 2003. My second child is due at the end of August, I'm committed to three large projects in the SCA, I have a house that's begging for major work, I need to finish my degree, and I'm so far behind at work that I may never see the light of day.

Maybe in 2004. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

Another consideration is safety. We are still developing in the Front Range area and most of our folks probably won't have all the safety equipment necessary for executing at speed until late 2003.

[Guest]

Hi John,

IRT training at speed with intent, safety equipment shouldn't be a big problem. Control is the most important safety device. Senior ARMA students train at a very high level of intensity with only minimal protection, a fencing mask and gloves are generally enough. The key is to learn to take it easy on your partner when you manage to slip through an opening. IMO, If you cover yourself with padding or armour you will feel and fight like you are invinceable, very unlike real blossfechten.

[Guest]

You don't need safety equipment when training with intent. It's about attitude, mindset, range, and timing. And it was the way THEY trained historically --you know, the guys learning how to really do it? Plus this is standard in Japanese kenjutsu, taijutsu and kubudo where they also use nothing but a wooden weapon.

[Shane Smith]

John, congratulations on the baby on the way. <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I hope all is well...Sounds like you're gonna be a busy guy for the rest of the year! <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />