Workshop In Virginia Beach

[Guest]

Just a shameless plug for our workshop here in Virginia Beach on 27 April. We still have some room left, if you're interested, register soon! Info is here: http://www.armanortheast.com/VirginiaBeachFencingSeminar.htm

Please email me if you have any questions or need assistance with directions, travel, lodging, etc. I also have extra wasters to loan if that's a problem for anyone.

[Guest]

Well the event has come and gone and overall, went very well. Although the turnout was a little small it was an enthusiatic and attentive group and I think everyone got a lot out of it. No matter how many times I am exposed to this material I always learn something new. Thanks and a big "Sierra Hotel" to ARMA Director John Clements, who did a great job presenting the basics of longsword so that the very new people could get it, but still holding the interest of the more experienced folks. Thanks also to all the folks who came from out of town to participate and help make it a successful event. And a big shout out to fellow ARMA scholars Jared Cass, who came in from Wisconsin, and David Kite, who traveled from Indiana, it was great meeting you both.

[Shane Smith]

I would also like to voice my satisfaction at seeing all of the new faces that attended the event.It's good to see non-ARMA(for now <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) members take advantage of an opportunity to cross swords with other martially-minded individuals and see what real swordsmanship is all about...Not to mention training under the watchful eye of the man who is arguably the finest Swordsman in the world.

If you have been thinking of attending one of these regional events and have sat them out 'til now,I urge you to attend the next time John is instructing anywhere within driving distance.I assure you that no-one else conducts such a thoroughly informative seminar and outlines such a rational approach to attaining competency in the art of the longsword as he does.Thanks to all who attended ,and thanks to John for providing a day of instruction that was both mentally and physically engaging for all.
<img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[John_Clements]

Thanks, Matt &amp; SHane.
It was a good weekend (I don't think 18 attendees is a small event though? More than that and it's ahrd to give any close attention).

I am also happy to announce that Matt, Shane, and Joel each obtained their ARMA General Free Scholar rank certification. Congrats.

JC

[David Kite]

Absolutely. Even with Keith Myers not being able to make it to give his session on staff (which I'm sorry couldn't happen) we still managed to fill the entire day! There was enough information presented that you could attend 1.0 at least twice, and still learn something new or deepen your understanding of even the basic basics each time!
So as a suggestion, would the workshops perhaps be better presented overe two days, instead of trying to fit it all into one? The only thing I was sorry for was that it didn't last longer, and I felt some of the materials were rushed somewhat. Otherwise, full marks! As Shane said, I drove from Indiana (850 miles), and it was well worth every mile.

David Kite

ps: A question for the guys who were there. John said there were four things a cut could accomplish: striking your opponent; displacing your opponent's strike; and feinting/falsing. But I can't remember what the fourth was. <img src="/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Can someone please fill me in?

[Jake_Norwood]

Ha...I've been 4 times, and I still get stuff out of it.

Jake

[Shane Smith]

Hello David,

In all fairness,the reason the event seemed like an awful lot of information for 1.0 was because the last several hours were very much 1.1 material. John basically delivered two seminars in a single day in my opinion(He may disagree). You see,it does pay to stay around late! <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" /> Anytime you see signifigant half-swording instruction,you are not in 1.0 territory anymore <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> . I think that also explains the "rushed" feeling you describe.There was simply SO much ground to be covered for our collective benefit.

It was great to meet you and finally put a face to the name.I'm thrilled that you were able to make it out and I look forward to training with you at the next seminar.I regret that you and I never got to cross swords with one-another during the days events but perhaps we will remedy that next go-round. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> Will you be in NY in june perhaps? Best regards and thanks for supporting ARMA VAB with your attendance.We look forward to reciprocating when you get a group together there in Indiana(hint,hint <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> ).

[Guest]

David,

The fourth possibility is that your strike will just miss. Usually not a good thing :^)

[Guest]

Actually there were only 15, but let's not bicker and argue about who killed who. This should be a happy occasion!

[David Kite]

So we kind of got a freebie on 1.1, huh? Huh, you learn something new every day.

I'm going to the New York Event if I have to walk.

See you there if not sooner somewhere
David Kite

[Jared L. Cass]

Yep, the event rocked! Especially the drills we did after lunch. It was great to meet John and all others who were attending (Shane and Gerald, we'll get to spar yet). I'd like to say "thank you" to Matt (thanks for the tour), Joel (Joel-jutsu is deadly), and David (just think of the oppertunity we passed on with those chicks, if we'd only known where a Walmart was) for transporting me to/from the event and to/from the resteraunt after the event <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> A great time overall and I sure did learn alot!

A very special "thank you" is also in order for Dwight McLemore. Thank you very much for the fine hospitality of your home and dinner table. I had a great time and really enjoyed the conversation <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

Jared L. Cass, Wisconsin

[Guest]

Oh Yeah, I almost forgot, another big shout to ARMA member Gerald Boggs, who also came in from out of town. We really need to get up your way for a "regional get-together" soon. Thanks for coming.

[Jamie Fellrath]

Congratulations to Matt, Shane, and Joel! Great work!

[Shane Smith]

Jared,I'm with you;I can't wait to cross swords. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> I look forward to any opportunity to test my skill with the help of my fellow Swordsmen.

Since sunday I have been haunted by visions of those beautiful gauntlets you made and let me try out...Man those things are NICE in fit and finish. I wish the commercial makers would turn out such a fine product.We sure seem to have alot of very talented folks in our organization,both at the hilt and at various other endevours. See you in NY!

[Jared L. Cass]

Thanks, Shane. But like I said, leather is easy to work with and anybody can learn to create things with it <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm sure that we'll have plenty of chances in New York to "cross swords," have show and tell, and tip a few cold ones back. I want to see (feel?) first hand these lightning quick kicks that Joel mentioned. We'll see how many times I cut your foot off <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

Later,

Jared L. Cass, Wisconsin