looking for training partner in washington state

[Ken Dietiker]

Sure, The Seattle/Issaqua group meets on Saturdays at 11:00.

I don't really have a group yet down here in Tacoma, still trying to get something regular. I have two new guys I'm working with, both meet (or will meet) with me at/near my place in Parkland near PLU. One guy drives down from Port Orchard on Tuesday evenings around 6:00 pm, and the other is a youth I'm still working a schedule out with; might be either Friday afternoon or sometime Saturday. My own schedule just changes so I'll be able to get off work during the week earlier than in the past, so we'll see how that goes.

What are good days and times for you?

Ken

[Joel Norman]

Ken, my schedule is pretty open on weekdays in the afternoons and evenings. If you get together on Tuesdays or Fridays, that will work just fine.
Kevin, I went to Sammamish Park on Saturday but didn't really see anyone (we Armateers do kind of stand out). Where exactly in the park do you get together? I realized it's kinda large and so could have missed you guys somewhere. And what exact time? Maybe I came too early or late.

[Benjamin Smith]

I'm in Whitman County at WSU-Pullman.

I've been doing this for going on 6 years and have never had a serious injury. Lots of bumps and bruises, and a few cuts, but nothing serious. It's a risk of doing this or any serious martial art.

[Ken Dietiker]

Joel, I PMed you with more details on how to get a hold of me (email and phone number).

[Jonathan Kuehn]

hello
I'm in Samammish, WA and I turned 13 on the 22

I just joined the forum, and i'm really confused about how to get started in ARMA so I'm hoping to get some answers.
Thanks guys

[Ken Dietiker]

Hello Jonathan,

Nice to meet you and welcome.

First of all, you're in luck as we have a Youth program that you may wish to take advantage of. Go to this link if you haven't already taken a look at it;

http://www.thearma.org/Youth/Youth.htm

Secondly, I'm sure we can arrange to have you meet the guys up in Seattle area, one of whom lives in Issaquah.

And thirdly, read. Read everything and anything you can get your hands on that is related to the subject, but my recommendation is just to start here, right on this site. There is a wealth of information and basic material to get you started. From the ARMA Method to the Practice tips section and the videos and... well, so much more.

If you can buy some books, I'd recommend the some of those written by our members which I've linked below. There are many other fine reading materials, however these three cover some of the fundamentals that are so important when beginning, and continuing afterwards, in this endeavor.

SIGMUND RINGECK'S KNIGHTLY ART OF THE LONGSWORD
by David Lindholm and Peter Svärd
http://www.paladin-press.com/product/220/47

SIGMUND RINGECK'S KNIGHTLY ARTS OF COMBAT
by David Lindholm and Peter Svärd
http://www.paladin-press.com/product/776/47

...and for a nice overview of the subject, you can't go wrong with this one;

MASTERS OF MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE MARTIAL ARTS
Rediscovering The Western Combat Heritage, by John Clements
http://www.paladin-press.com/product/964/47

Hope that helps get you started, and maybe we'll see you soon. Oh, and by all means get yourself a decent waster, if you don't have one already. It is an essential piece of the puzzle and you really can't do much without one.

Cheers!

Ken

[Jonathan Kuehn]

Awesome thanks for the info
I dont know how much time I will have to read things (with school starting)
but i will
and where would you suggest getting a waster? i've seen some on ebay for about 10$
Ty

jonathan

[Ken Dietiker]

Glad to help, Jonathan. By the way, I also sent you a private message with some more info.

As for wasters, I do not recommend those you find for only $10 on Ebay. It's tempting, I know, but they are not "true" wasters. They are too light, very flimsy and brittle, and will most likely break immediately upon contact. A good longsword waster is going to cost you around $100, plus or minus. There are a few sources that you can find, but the two I recommend most for speed of delivery and quality of product are;

1. New Sterling Arms: $90 plus S&H
Long; http://www.newstirlingarms.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=8
and
Short; http://www.newstirlingarms.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=9

2. Raven Studios: $88 plus S&H
http://www.little-raven.com/RS/MA/weste ... chor239390

Most people I know have the New Sterling due to superior balance, but Raven allows for more options on blade, handle and cross length. With new Sterling you only get two choices and the only real difference to consider is how long you need the blade to be; 36" or 41" (depends on hight, arm length and/or general preference). the same goes for things like what type of pommel you want. So, as there are a few things to think on when selecting a waster, there's no reason to make a hasty choice.

Get with me off line and I'd be happy to discuss it with you, and at some point we'll have you meet up with some of the group, or even myself, and we'll show you some of the wasters we have so you can get a better idea of what you're looking for. I've sent you my regular email address, where you can contact me directly, in the PM.

Cheers!

Ken

[Gary Duke jr]

Hi, I also am new and found this to be the only place WA state is mentioned. I too am looking for a training partner but live in Wenatchee, if you dont know where thats at its just about dead center of the state. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I look forward to learning as much as possible from any who are willing to teach, after a few years in orient based arts I found it just wasnt for me....to much Irish in the blood I guess lol.

[Connor Wood]

Hail and Well Met. While this is a bit of an old topic, I feel that it is the most appropriate place. My name is Connor Wood, and I live in the Spokane region of NE Washington, and am curious if there are any active or interested members in the area to either start or meet in a study group. Something closer than Pullman WA would be nice, but I'm looking for any interest.

[Andrew F Ulrich]

Hi Connor,

As far as I know, there aren't any active members in the Spokane area. I was living in Pullman/Moscow a couple of years ago; it's too bad we didn't get connected at that time. I hope your search for training partners goes well, and just fyi there's a lot of material for solo members in the ARMA member's area of the site if you ever become a member.

[Shelby Bennett]

Hi, complete newbie here in western Washington (Mountlake Terrace) and looking to get into the art of sword fighting but not really sure where to go. I've rumors that there are quite a few people doing classes around Seattle but I'm not sure how to contact anyone. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Brian Hahn]

I am interested in joining and finding a group to train with. I live in the Federal Way/Tacoma WA area. any existing groups or individuals interested in the area? thanks! ~Brian H

[Webmaster]

I am interested in joining and finding a group to train with. I live in the Federal Way/Tacoma WA area. any existing groups or individuals interested in the area? thanks! ~Brian H

Please change your username in your profile settings to your real first and last name as required by our forum rules.

[Ian Mac Pharlaine]

I have a few friends in Washington and they are interested in ARMA as well. i'll refer them ot you

IMP

EDIT- Bingo! Both Elly and Amber are in the Spokane area. So Connor, thats enough to start a study group if you guys get equipment and meet up