Hello again, ARMA

[David Kirksey]

Greetings all,

I have been on he forums before, but it has been a long time since I have logged in. I am a loner out near Kalamazoo, MI and currently have joined an unaligned HEMA group based out of Western Michigan University that has been around for a year at most and we are seeking any input on how to start up a group. We have quite a bit of material to go from, and have access to around eight or so different sources from Silver to Vadi. The only groups around here seem to be the Chicago Swordplay Guild and AEMMA way up north, and I have spoken to someone from the CSG. Our views, though, seem to follow more in line with Arma in that we would prefer to learn from them all and not just from one tradition, since we are likely to find something useful in them all and both AEMMA and CSG focus on the Italian traditions. So, if any of you out there are able and willing to drop some pointers our way we would be most interested and ecstatic! I am not sure yet if the current head of the group wants to join up with a specific group or what, but I did apply to ARMA a few years back to no avail. I know there are reasons and am not at all holding a grudge or anything, I just know that as a new group, we could use some guidance from those who are experienced. Best regards and I look forward to any help provided.

Thanks for your time,
Dave Kirksey

[Andrew F Ulrich]

Hey David, welcome back to the forum, and congratulations on starting a group.

[J. Scott Steflik]

David,

There's supposed to be a group in Kalamazoo, Scuola d'Arte d'Armizare, focusing on Fiore. The group's contact is Keith Nelson, though I sent an email to his address a week ago and haven't heard back. I'll PM you the website address.

I'll be in KZoo for a few days for work and was hoping to continue my quest to visit as many HEMA groups as possible. When/where do you guys meet and are you up for a visitor?

There are more groups in your general area than you might think - none real close, but close enough for the occasional guest instructor or road trip.
Training Partner Finder

[David Kirksey]

We meet on Sundays from 6pm to 8pm at Seville Manor on Drake Road. I can get the addy to you by Tuesday. It is extremely easy to find. We are currently waiting on some legal paper work from Western (It's a WMU based group) and will then move to an indoor site. We are also trying to figure out if non-students can join since there are many friends who are interested.

I feel I do need to clarify. I didn't actually start the group, they started around a year ago. I just signed on actually, having started school at WMU in January. The President is a guy named Evan Jones. I just have a lot more free time than he does, and sort of took it upon myself to ask around to help the group figuring since none of us have any experience aside from working trough a couple books. I actually did bring to the group a lot of works, none of which they had any previous knowledge.

Now onto the group led by Keith Nelson. I contacted him when I first tried to locate contact info for the Western Group. He responded fairly quickly and said he hasn't really had time to work on stuff lately, but he would gladly show up and give us some pointers too. At the time he was out of town and said he would contact me again when he got back in town, and has yet to do so. I just figure he is really busy and I understand that completely. Thanks for all the congrats and cheery welcome-backs!! I look forward to finally being part of something I have wanted for a long time.

Thanks for your time,
Dave Kirksey

[David Kirksey]

While we are on the topic of groups, why does there seem to be so many groups focused on Fiore and the Italian traditions (at least in my area)? Is it just easier to access or a more complete tradition?

[Sal Bertucci]

Going out on a limb here.

Maybe b/c there is less material, but it is all by a few authors.

Can't say for sure.

[JeremyDillon]

Hey, David. I don't really have anything constructive to say, I just wanted to pop on and express my enthusiasm for the level of activity your group seems to be sustaining. I'm going to be starting at WMU in August, and I've been in touch with Mr. Jones. I'm really looking forward to fencing with you guys. It'll be nice to have a dedicated group in the neighborhood again.

[David Kirksey]

Well I am sure you will be welcomed Jeremy!! I have been a bit busy so I haven't been around much, but I will be coming back soon. I actually just started reading some stuff on English longsword and am excited to due some new research for the group. See you soon!