Membership Questions

[Jon Hinman]

I've read over your website and a lot of the posts on this forum but I still have a few questions about joining ARMA. I have never had any formal martial arts training but I'm very interested in medieval swordsmanship.

Do you need to become a member before going to a training/sparring session? If you become an ARMA member do you have to get 3 people and start up a new study group or can you join up with an existing group? Can someone with little or no martial arts training "try out" with a local ARMA group for some type of introductory training before actually applying for membership? What equipment would I need to have in order to participate in a training session? I'm sure I could come up with a lot more questions but I'd hate to wear out my welcome before I even get started....

Thanks in advance for your help; I look forward to your answers!

[Brian Hunt]

I have never had any formal martial arts training but I'm very interested in medieval swordsmanship.

No Problem, this way you shouldn't have any former habits to get in the way of learning.

Do you need to become a member before going to a training/sparring session?

Depends on what you are trying to attend, some things require you to be a member to attend them. General group practices are not required to have memebership to attend at first. Some groups have a time limit on how long you may practice with them before you get a membership.

If you become an ARMA member do you have to get 3 people and start up a new study group or can you join up with an existing group?

This is a good goal to strive for if there isn't a existing group in your area. 1st get your membership, then work on recruitment afterwords, your going to want sparring partners anyway.

What equipment would I need to have in order to participate in a training session?

You will want a wooden waster. Some groups have loner gear for new people, and some don't.

hope this helps.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Matthew_Anderson]

Your best bet is to hook up with one of the study groups and try it out for yourself. I'm not sure how far you are from our South Florida members, maybe they can help you out. Of course, lots of peole start training on their own, but eventually, you will want at least one partner to drill and spar with. A seminar is also a good way to get started, there is an event listing here on the home page.

[Brian Hunt]

Also,

since you are in Florida, you might want to contact these guys and they may be able to tell you who is close to you.

http://arma-sfl.com/

laters.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Jon Hinman]

Thanks for the quick responses. I checked out the info provided on the South Florida group. Hopefully I'll be able to meet up with them at the park this Sunday (weather permitting).

[Jay Vail]

Mike Carter and his guys are a good group. They will help you learn and grow. Can't recommend them enough.