Houston 1.0

[Eric Chisler]

Hey guys, I had a few quick questions. I plan on attempting to save for the trip to the Houston NTP 1.0 in June, but I have a few speed bumps to overcome:

1. Though I've been active on the forums, my application for membership has not been approved yet. I understand that John has 342308 bazillion things on his plate, so I don't begrudge him; however I don't wish this to inhibit my attempts to gain proficiency in the art.

2. I do not own a waster yet, though I will be getting one with my stimulus package. I'll be spending most of my time at the gym getting in shape so that I don't get winded too much to actually get use from the training

3. My actual experience is limited to staring at Meyer's texts on the computer screen while taking guards and cuts with a wooden "bokken" that I've had for a few years.

4. My funding is nearly non-existent and I'm unsure of the costs associated with attending the event.

So the questions that I must ask:

1. Am I allowed to attend, considering the specifics of my membership status.

2. How in shape do I need to be to gain as much as possible from the seminars.

3. What should I look at until then? I don't wish to overtrain myself incorrectly, but I don't want to be a deer in the headlights, either.

4. How much is the event itself and what additional expenses does everyone consider necessary for the NTP? (padding, fencing masks, shoes, training clothes, group dinners, etc.)

Any help that someone can provide would be much appreciated. Thank you all for your input.

-Eric

[Aaron Pynenberg]

hello Eric, 1.0's are as a rule open to the public, and by showing yourself, making yourself available and attending such events you may speed your application process up-remember that we are an Organization, so we want to know about you as well as your abilities. We are a group of like-minded individuals coming together for a cause, so sometimes we are not a good fit for you, that's just the way it goes.

As far as getting shape, until then-run, do crossfit training if you are familiar, and then read the texts, the other stuff will come in time- 1.0's are an introduction to the craft and give you some building blocks to use in the future. Try not to teach yourself too much at all til you've been to one, like you said that way you will not have to unlearn anything.

Traveling costs money, no way around that. You will not need anything other than a waster, but if you want to engage in sparring, free-play etc..you may want the gear you mentioned. If you are going to be a fighter it's a good idea to start building up your "kit", like gloves, mouthguard, pads, helmets, etc, etc..but that stuff is not required, just a waster.

See if you can contact another new person to share costs, like rooms, and gas etc...that really helps- good luck man!- AP

[Stacy Clifford]

Eric,

We're still determining the final details on the 1.0 here, including the cost, but we'll put up a post here when we've got everything decided so you'll know. We'll be glad to have you join us. Also, the Houston Northsiders have enough extra gear here that we can loan you some for the day if need be.

[Gene Tausk]

Eric,

We're still determining the final details on the 1.0 here, including the cost, but we'll put up a post here when we've got everything decided so you'll know. We'll be glad to have you join us. Also, the Houston Northsiders have enough extra gear here that we can loan you some for the day if need be.

Yeah, don't worry about gear for the 1.0 We have plenty that can be lent out for the day, although I do reccomend bringing a waster.

[Stacy Clifford]

Alright, here are the details:

Gene and I will be holding an NTP 1.0 based on the new & improved format on Saturday, June 21st at Kyle Cook's place in Magnolia, TX, just north of Houston. The cost will be $60 and drinks and lunch will be provided. Send checks to:

Kyle Cook - ARMA Houston Northsiders
31619 Bryan Street
Magnolia, Texas 77355

Bring your wasters and sparring gear if you can, but we have equipment you can borrow if you need it. For those of you who haven't been there before, Kyle has a complete sparring ring built in his backyard, you'll want to take advantage of it. We'll have a rainy day backup location if we need it. Contact me, Gene or Kyle if you have any questions. We'll look forward to seeing you all there!

[Cooper Braun]

Hey, a few quick questions to someone in the Houston area.

So I am finally getting my crap together and getting out to a 1.0. I am planning on coming down, along with my girlfriend as she has been after me to start teaching her the longsword (and I figure there is no better place start her off at than at a 1.0). We are coming down from Colorado, and as it turns out (due to gas prices) it is actually going to be cheaper to fly than to drive. So . . .

1) Which of the Houston airports s closer to Magnolia, TX?
2) Does anyone know of a bus or shuttle that runs from the airport into Magnolia? Or would it simply be easier to rent a car?
3) Can anybody recommend a decent and fair priced hotel or motel in the area?

I will be bringing down my two wasters and some sparring gear. Is there any other gear that people recommend for the 1.0, as I have not yet attended one (been wanting to for ages)?

[Stacy Clifford]

Magnolia is north of Houston, so you'll want to fly into Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). I don't know of any buses or shuttles between IAH and Magnolia, so you're better off renting a car. Houston isn't known for its public transportation. For accommodations email Kyle at kylecook(at)armanorthhouston.org, he knows what's in his area better than I do.

As for equipment, if you've already got longsword wasters and sparring gear then you shouldn't need anything else, just come in uniform. We'll have other stuff there to play with when we're not busy teaching, everybody's pretty easygoing about loaning equipment (as long as you're good about returning it), and there will be time to ask questions.

[Gene Tausk]

Alright, here are the details:

Gene and I will be holding an NTP 1.0 based on the new & improved format on Saturday, June 21st at Kyle Cook's place in Magnolia, TX, just north of Houston. The cost will be $60 and drinks and lunch will be provided. Send checks to:

Kyle Cook - ARMA Houston Northsiders
31619 Bryan Street
Magnolia, Texas 77355

Bring your wasters and sparring gear if you can, but we have equipment you can borrow if you need it. For those of you who haven't been there before, Kyle has a complete sparring ring built in his backyard, you'll want to take advantage of it. We'll have a rainy day backup location if we need it. Contact me, Gene or Kyle if you have any questions. We'll look forward to seeing you all there!

Please register no later than July 4, 2008, so we have an accurate headcount. Post any questions here.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

[Cooper Braun]

Please register no later than July 4, 2008, so we have an accurate headcount.

I assume that this should actually be June 4, not July 4. Or have the dates changed?

[Gene Tausk]

Please register no later than July 4, 2008, so we have an accurate headcount.

I assume that this should actually be June 4, not July 4. Or have the dates changed?

Whoops, yes, June 4. My mistake.

[Sal Bertucci]

Is there anyone from the College Station area going that would like to carpool?

[kyle cook]

For Members coming in for the 1.0 and will need a motel room, here is the info.

Executive Inn & Suites
17707 FM 1488 RD
Magnolia, Texas 77354
281-259-8200

Room rates are as follows: $69.00 + Tax for 1 Queen Size Bed
$79.00 + Tax For 2 Queen Size Beds

On the 2 Bed room, up to 4 per room is OK. Please tell them you are with the ARMA group when you reserve your room. On another note, i have seen the rooms and they are very nice.
Could all who are planning on attending please email me a kylecook@armanorthhouston.org by June 9th. This will help me plan for lunch and drinks for the day.

Kyle Cook
ARMA North Houston
Study Group Leader

[Matt Bryant]

See ya'll there!

[kyle cook]

Here is more info on the 1.0 . We will be starting at 8am sharp, the first session will go to noon. Lunch will be from noon to 1pm. The afternoon session will be from 1pm to 5 pm, if we finish early and we still have day light. We will have free play also. For dinner that night for all who want to, we will be going out to dinner as a group after the days events.
Any questions or need directions to the house please e-mail me at kylecook@armanorthhouston.org . See Ya'll on the 21st.


Kyle Cook
ARMA North Siders
Study Group Leader

[Eric Chisler]

Definitely can't make it this time, just can't afford trips across country. One day...

-Eric