effective training

[nathan featherstone]

hello all,
i just wanted to see what people feel is the most effective training. and enjoyable? sparring routines learning from manuals?
training in one weapon against itself or various ones?
any feedback would be good.
also does any know of any effective solo routines they can do or teach?
i noticed a few on that video a little while back any comments?
i know this topic has a HUGE amount in it but all feedback is good.
cheers
nathan

[JeremyDillon]

hello all,
i just wanted to see what people feel is the most effective training. and enjoyable? sparring routines learning from manuals?
training in one weapon against itself or various ones?
any feedback would be good.
also does any know of any effective solo routines they can do or teach?
i noticed a few on that video a little while back any comments?
i know this topic has a HUGE amount in it but all feedback is good.
cheers
nathan

I think the response you're going to get here will be a resounding (and correct) "Yes. Do those things. All of them. And more."
The key to good training (be it academic training, physical training or any other kind) is to study your subject at a basic level as comprehensively as possible before specializing in any way. Read and train. Train and read. Be prepared to make mistakes and don't get discouraged.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

EDIT: Also, if you have an opportunity to train with others, take it. Especially if they have more experience than you. There's a study group listing on the site somewhere (follow the Where to Start link, I believe).

[Jaron Bernstein]

hello all,
i just wanted to see what people feel is the most effective training. and enjoyable? sparring routines learning from manuals?
training in one weapon against itself or various ones?
any feedback would be good.
also does any know of any effective solo routines they can do or teach?
i noticed a few on that video a little while back any comments?
i know this topic has a HUGE amount in it but all feedback is good.
cheers
nathan

Where do you live at? There may be an ARMA study group or other good historical fencers in your area. I would caution that just as with any other martial arts training, historical fencing today ranges from good to dismal. Make sure you pick either ARMAteers or folks on the better end of the spectrum for your regular training.

Can you travel? If you can travel, the best option would be to visit your nearest ARMA study group and get set up. Ideally,if you have the budget, make a trip to IDS in Atlanta and train with John C.. It is the best training I have had so far and I have had the good fortune to learn from some very good historical fencers. Otherwise, get to an ARMA event, bring a notebook, and soak up all you can so you can have a base of things to work on at home alone.

[nathan featherstone]

hi jaron i live in wicklow i can travel a bit and often do to Dublin for training etc.

[Jaron Bernstein]

hi jaron i live in wicklow i can travel a bit and often do to Dublin for training etc.

Dublin Ireland? There is quite a lively RMA scene in the UK. Have you been in touch with anyone there yet? That might be your best bet. I would love to have the Royal Armory at Leeds in such proximity!

[nathan featherstone]

i would say i have been in touch with nearly every group in England in all truth. i have a hopeful link in the European historical combat guild this summer which will be goo although my real main focus is on learning and preserving and then hopefully teaching Irish martial arts. but due to the turbulent nature and history of them can be very difficult so i plan to work on the classic European arts.
if i had money i would have been to some events at the armoury already the wma scene is rapidly growing in England due to some great people and hard work on their parts. but slowly its getting noticed in Ireland which is great needs endless work on it though.
but im a poorly student right now so getting to events and even getting kit is easier said than done.

[Jaron Bernstein]

i would say i have been in touch with nearly every group in England in all truth. i have a hopeful link in the European historical combat guild this summer which will be goo although my real main focus is on learning and preserving and then hopefully teaching Irish martial arts. but due to the turbulent nature and history of them can be very difficult so i plan to work on the classic European arts.
if i had money i would have been to some events at the armoury already the wma scene is rapidly growing in England due to some great people and hard work on their parts. but slowly its getting noticed in Ireland which is great needs endless work on it though.
but im a poorly student right now so getting to events and even getting kit is easier said than done.

It has to start somewhere. My suggestion is to make arrangements with a good UK RMA group (there are many to choose from) and to one of the big events (or make private arrangements for a day or two of intensive training) with a video camera and a notebook. The goal is to get sufficient material in your head and recorded to allow you a good base to work on by yourself when you return home. There is also a ton of useful material on the ARMA site itself here you can run with. It is ironic that the internet has facilitated the revival of a long dead art.

[nathan featherstone]

yes well this summer in hope to get to a few english events and there is one irish rma group who are a branch of a larger english organisation i hope to join. im currently using the excellent sword and buckler material on here with ringecks one and his wrestling which is going well. and im currently distance learing irish stick arts as well as portugese ones on line the internet has been invaluable in my studies so far so this summer i hope to get some stuff coiming to fruition. just need some money for kit and travel now

[Jaron Bernstein]

yes well this summer in hope to get to a few english events and there is one irish rma group who are a branch of a larger english organisation i hope to join. im currently using the excellent sword and buckler material on here with ringecks one and his wrestling which is going well. and im currently distance learing irish stick arts as well as portugese ones on line the internet has been invaluable in my studies so far so this summer i hope to get some stuff coiming to fruition. just need some money for kit and travel now

Sounds good. Let us know how it goes.

[nathan featherstone]

i will i plan on getting up some videos for critique and so forth too.