What about Hattiesburg, MS?

[Craig D. Case]

The string of "anyone here?" topics has finally pushed me into making one of my own; sorry if I'm being redundant.

I'm a student studying (primarily) medieval literature and history at USM. I've been interested in WMA for a good while now but haven't had the good fortune of meeting anyone else as interested (let alone someone who would actually know more about the art than me, which is not a lot).

My desire to really pursue this interest has been building for some time, but I seem to be the only one at the college (let alone the city) who is "in the know." I've actually actively been trying to fight all the misconceptios in every class and group I find my way into, which generally provokes some discussion about 10 pound swords and the like. All the while I've been hoping to run into someone who responds "You too?!", but nope. Somewhat amazing sidenote: One of my professors, who is very big on medieval literature, had absolutely no idea any of the material we study even existed; I showed him the light and he was astounded.

There's an apparently very active SCA chapter near me, but everytime I inquire about historical techniques and the like I get something like "oh, you must mean the period fencers" (and then they clarify they're talking about rapier and not "big clumsy" swords). The situation seems bleak indeed.

So, anyone in the area or remotely close to it? At this point I would not be at all adverse to a few hours' drive on the weekend just to meet up with someone.

Thank you for your time in any case.

[David Kite]

Sorry to have to ask this, but where exactly is USM? I've found that school initials can refer to more than one university.

Also, there's nothing wrong with pursuing this on your own. I know that there are many people in ARMA who are, or at least have been, on their own for quite some time, and have done quite well from being on their own. (I was a solo practitioner for about four years before I finally got a practice partner early last summer)

Though obviously having a study partner is infinitely more valuable than being alone, don't let that stop you from self study. There's plenty of material here on the site to get you well on your way until you can make it to a seminar.

Another option is to stop trying to join someone else, and start your own ARMA group there by doing your own recruiting. I've heard from others that "converting" others is usually less valuable than finding people from scratch. Sure, progress will be significantly slower in a group of all newbies, but you will progress, and there's no reason you shouldn't do just fine with the proper martial attitude.

hope this helps
David Kite
GFS, ARMA in IN

[Jaron Bernstein]

Welcome to the art

First, as one who has sparred with (and been beaten by) David can attest, you can learn on your own.

Secondly, universities are quite fertile ground for recruiting people to train with. Take advantage of that.

Thirdly, get yourself to a 1.0 seminar (there are many coming up on the calender) so you have a good base to start from, can avoid common mistakes, and don't have to reinvent the zornhau (er, proverbial wheel).

Happy training!

[Corey Roberts]

Just join and get to a 1.0 as quickly as you can. I'm brand new and the first thing I did was go to a 1.0 so I have base of to work from. I currently practice alone. It's better than not doing anything at all or complaining about there being no one to learn from; which I did for quite a long time and decided i'd had enough of that decided to get off my behind and do something about it. So get going and good luck you you!

[Jeff Hansen]

John Bentley was in Mobile, AL. I haven't heard from him in a while so I don't know if he's still active. I live near Birmingham, AL. and Ray McCullough Lives down around Montgomery. If you're interested, PM me for more info.