New to The Arma, from Chicagoland, IL

[Patrick Krook]

Hello All,

I am Patrick Krook of Grayslake, IL and am excited to discover an organization dedicated to the study of western martial arts, particularly the sword. A few men and I are interested in forming a study group here in northern Illinois.

Begining my childhood, i've been facinated by the sword, making "wasters" out of gas company survey stakes; rapiers out of coat hangers. Zoro was my favorite hero growing up. Sadly, there was no place for formal training growing up.

Fencing as a club sport in college was fun, did not yeild the satisfaction or the physical challenge I am looking for. Of all the swords, I wish most to learn hand and a half or two handed broadsword. Recently, I purchased Scottish Claymore.

I look forward to meeting each of you. The obvious question is this, how do we get started?

~Patrick Krook

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Hello and welcome. The nearest group to you is probobly us here in Appleton WI. We train sundays at 11:00 to about 2:30. I know it's still a drive but you might consider joining us for a time or two and checking us out. It will get you started in the right direction at least, then you could use the expirence as a springboard to start up. Give me a PM if interested at iceman9108@yahoo.com-

[Dak Wade]

Hi,
I am not "in" a study group yet and still rather new to ARMA myself, but I am just a little closer although no where near as good as Aaron and his group.
PM me, for I am also looking to start a study group, maybe we can work something out. I would HIGHLY recommend going and checking out Appleton study group if you want to "see" ARMA in action I did and was hooked. Long drive but worth it, they have some great people up there IMHO!

[Dexter Miksch]

Just joined and i am looking for a study group as well. If you're interested PM me and we can talk more later.

[Brian Hunt]

I am going to add the advice that you try to attend a 1.0 seminar as soon as you are able to. This will greatly expand your understanding and give you a good solid base to found your study group's practice and curriculum on.

Dexter, it might help folks if they knew what area you are in so they know if they are close to you for the creation purposes of a study group.

Also, a good place to start reading here on the webpage would be the "Where to Start" link at the top of this page.

hope this helps, and welcome to ARMA.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Allen Johnson]

Read as much of this site as you possibly can! Welcome

[Jeremiah.Phipps]

Are any of you northern IL or sothern WI members active? I'd like to meet up, if possible.

Thanks,
Jeremiah

[Jeremiah Backhaus]

I'm not far from a lot of Southern WI areas. Where are you thinking?

Thanks,
Jeremiah (GFS)

[Jeremiah.Phipps]

I live in Woodstock, IL. Mapquest says I'm 3 hours away from you (Wenowoc). I know Dak and Patrick (posted in this thread) would be much closer if they are active. However, if they are not active I may have to make a trip out to Appleton.

Thanks for the reply.

- PhyrPhly

[Dak Wade]

Oh I am still around pm me and we can talk
But going to Appleton would give you a big boost in training...I highly recommend it!

[Adam Bruesewitz]

Hello everyone,

While I am not an "official" ARMA member as I type this, I'd be very interested in joining if I could get some people to work with. To the OP, I live in Antioch, so not that far away at all.

I've been looking for fencing classes or anything to get started, but there isn't much out this way until you get closer to Chicago. I'm interested in learning everything I can, from the ground up. And also, joining would give me an excuse to actually buy a sword, since I'll learn how to use it, instead of buying it just to have it.

[Jeremiah.Phipps]

I hope to see you guys at the WI NTP1.0 this weekend. I believe there is still room if you haven't made plans to go.

- Jeremiah

[Jeremiah Backhaus]

Still plenty of room at the 1.0 this weekend. Anyone interested just send me a note @ Sulan_Firegaard@yahoo.com I will get the information to you. The more in attendance, the fiercer the fighting!

-Jeremiah (GFS)