Introduction from an aspiring student

[Irsan_Olii]

Greetings, fellow brethren of the sword! As indicated by my login, my name is Irsan and I too am interested in learning the art of the European sword. Although I'm not a high graded martial artist, I've done some Indonesian Pencak Silat, Aikido and am currently studying the Japanese fencing art of Kendo.

I stumbled upon your organization by chance while looking up the different organizations that also study European martial fencing. Two things that attracted me to ARMA is that one doesn't have to join an existing group to start learning (although, I can understand, is highly recommended) and the fact that as far as I understand, your group actually ENCOURAGES sparring, which in my point of view is essential to better study any martial art, Western or Eastern. Your Annual Progress Review system also interested me because I'm currently studying in Marseille, France hundreds of kilometers from the nearest Study Groups in Sweden and Greece.

Studying the use of a sword and various other medieval and renaissance weapons interested me since I was a child. Ever since I've been studying Too bad that Europen martial arts aren't as widely known so most people, like myself take up Kendo or Chinese Wushu to learn how to use a sword (although they are also quite interesting).

I have a few questions to ask before I begin to study this interesting art:

1) As I have stated, I think I'll be forced to study by myself for sometime before I am able to join any workshops or seminars here in Europe or abroad. How can I start out and how much (roughly in US$) would it cost to purchase the necessary equipment to begin? Where can I purchase them online? Do you know any good European retailers?

2) Being a lone practitioner, what precautions should I take, medically and legally?

3) How can I introduce and interest my friends in European martial arts?

[Brandon Paul Heslop]

Greetings, fellow brethren of the sword! As indicated by my login, my name is Irsan and I too am interested in learning the art of the European sword. Although I'm not a high graded martial artist, I've done some Indonesian Pencak Silat, Aikido and am currently studying the Japanese fencing art of Kendo.

I stumbled upon your organization by chance while looking up the different organizations that also study European martial fencing. Two things that attracted me to ARMA is that one doesn't have to join an existing group to start learning (although, I can understand, is highly recommended) and the fact that as far as I understand, your group actually ENCOURAGES sparring, which in my point of view is essential to better study any martial art, Western or Eastern. Your Annual Progress Review system also interested me because I'm currently studying in Marseille, France hundreds of kilometers from the nearest Study Groups in Sweden and Greece.

Studying the use of a sword and various other medieval and renaissance weapons interested me since I was a child. Ever since I've been studying Too bad that Europen martial arts aren't as widely known so most people, like myself take up Kendo or Chinese Wushu to learn how to use a sword (although they are also quite interesting).

I have a few questions to ask before I begin to study this interesting art:

1) As I have stated, I think I'll be forced to study by myself for sometime before I am able to join any workshops or seminars here in Europe or abroad. How can I start out and how much (roughly in US$) would it cost to purchase the necessary equipment to begin? Where can I purchase them online? Do you know any good European retailers?

2) Being a lone practitioner, what precautions should I take, medically and legally?

3) How can I introduce and interest my friends in European martial arts?

Sounds like you're off to a good start, mon ami.

I'm not an ARMA member (used to be, but let my dues slip), but I think I can answer your questions.

Pour commencer:

1: Well, all you need to start would be a waster, I suppose. You seem to have knowledge (as evidenced in your quote) of the manuals themselves.
I would recommend flouryshing, to start. Practice the different strikes (high right, high left, low left, low right, and the thrusts), the deflections, and work in footwork.

Another useful item would be a pell, thus giving you something with which you can practice basic striking range upon, and something you can make contact with. A pole is all you'd need there. There are links on this site to vendors from which you may purchase a waster (wooden practise sword). The pole wouldn't cost much. The waster will run you around $65-$80 US of A. Not too bad.

2: I don't think there should be any of these. Unless engaging in martial arts endeavours is illegal in France? It shouldn't be a problem. Medically, as long as you're fit enough to withstand exertion, you should be fine.

3: Point out one of those castles you have in abundance over there to them. Then, say: "Look at that. Ever wonder how the guys that lived there fought?" Follow this up with: "I just so happen to know of these manuals produced by European masters. They show us how they fought. Want to give it it a try?"

LOL.

-B.

[Stewart Sackett]

I really can’t think of any substitute for Longsword training. Sport fencing, Japanese sword arts…Chinese sword arts, etc. they just aren’t the same. On the other hand (if you can’t find a good HEMA group) Greco-roman wrestling, Freestyle wrestling & Judo all provide a good skill base in grappling that will translate well into Ringen. As I understand it, Judo is hugely popular in France so that might be worth looking into.

[Benjamin Smith]

Also get yourself a book. The whole premise ARMA builds its claim to historical accuracy on lays its foundation on the books written by ancient masters. I would reccomend Joachim Meyer or Fiore de Liberi as good places to start. Also, though its informaiton is dated, John Clements book Medieval Swordsmanship provides a decent review of useful guards, attacks, stance, and footwork.

There are several other books by ARMA members that are excellent, and the Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe by Sydney Anglo is a fine source for historical background on European Martial Arts.

If you're interested in specifically French swordsmanship contact Robert Hyatt (he should be in ARMA-Provo, on the Practice partners list, or the guys in Provo will know how to contact him), he's been working on the manual by Andre d'Saint Didier (I may have the spelling wrong). However, this isn't a good manual to start with. I'd reccomend having some background in longsword before moving into this one.

Your previous experience in Eastern Swordplay should be helpful.

The best way to interest your friends is to get a good copy of a waiver that will hold up in French law (you probably signed one for your classes on Japanese swordsmanship and will likely be able to use that as a template). Have them sign it and have some fun with them in a nice open area. Don't spar till you've got some experience in the basics, but feel free to share with them what you've learned, particularly as it relates to your own history. It makes most people of European descent proud to learn that their ancestors practiced advanced martial arts, and excited that they can learn them.

The biggest problem with forming a group is getting dedicated people. Most persons will be interested to show up once or twice, but having someone who will practice with you once or twice a week long term is an absolute necessity to develop strong skill with a sword. Be patient, people will come and go.

I should also mention that becoming an ARMA member will probably open up some more direct communication about some specifics you have quesitons about.

Anyway, welcome.

[Jaron Bernstein]

As has been said, start reading the manuals. Get thee a waster and use it. I don't know how able to travel you are, but there are ARMA study groups in Greece, Poland and Sweden. Maybe arrange to take a trip and train with them.

[Will Adamson]

Too bad the TGV can't get you to a study group.