Intro - Sacramento, CA

[Anthony Pendleton]

Hi all,

My name is Anthony Pendleton, just getting into WMA and thought I'd drop by to both introduce myself and see if anyone is near the Sacramento, CA area. Most of my study so far has been solo work, going through Lindholm's Ringeck books and will be pacing through Tobler's Longsword book when it comes in next week. I've heard Tobler's is good for beginners without experienced fighters to train with, while I'm finding that Lindholm's books are great for source material and walkthroughs. Drilling for a few hours a day, trying to focus on footwork, keeping form at speed, and learning the basics - any additional suggestions on solo study would be appreciated.

I've also submitted my request for ARMA membership (crossing of fingers) and hope that I will be able to attend the Las Vegas NTP to really get the basics down - better to learn the right way early instead of having to break down bad habits later! Either way, definitely having a lot of fun so far, even working alone, and the ARMA community as a whole seems to be very open and welcoming (thanks to Gene in Houston for all his help via email so far).

If there are any members in the Sacramento, CA area, I would love to get together and have a partner to work with - PM for my cell, my schedule after work hours is fairly open.

Thanks again,
Anthony

[Seth Halsell]

Hi Anthony and welcome. Glade to see there is a growing interest up there in Northern California. I know a few guys a few months back were asking if anyone was around the Frisco area but I don't remember their names. Hopefully they will chime in soon. If you are ever down in the L.A area do let us know and perhaps we can train a bit together. Welcome again and good luck in your studies.

[Anthony Pendleton]

Seth,

I used to attend Cal Poly Pomona, nice little area around there. As for LA, I visit family in the San Diego area from time to time, wouldn't be a huge detour to swing by! Thanks again for the welcome, I'll keep an eye out for the Frisco guys.

Anthony

[Audra Grapes]

Welcome, Anthony! It sounds like you are starting out well. There are several great books written by ARMA members, too. Check out the Research&Reading area for more info. Be sure to use the articles and manuals on the ARMA website to help guide your studies and practice as well.

I have experience both with a study group and as a solo practitioner so I wanted to let you know that while you are training alone, be sure to do floryshes and pell work along with your drills.

Really, though, there is no substitute for a good training partner! I really hope things work out for you and you are able to make the Las Vegas event, because you are right, it will help keep you on the right track so you don't have to unlearn bad habits. Make sure they know you are interested and I also recommend you send an email to John Clements and let him know you have an application pending and would like to attend this event.

[Anthony Pendleton]

Audra,

The information on the website has helped a ton so far. I've been going over quite a few of the articles and am looking forward to incorporating the ARMA drills as well. As for the solo suggestions, I've been doing pell work and thrusting at hanging tennis balls - the floryshes I'll have to read up on some more, sounds like they help bring the movements together and tie things in.

Also really looking forward to the Las Vegas event - I went ahead and emailed John a little while ago, also spoke with one of the event people on PM's. You're completely right on the partner though, makes a huge difference. For now I'm having a friend of mine assist with walking through the steps - I have a feeling he'll join me soon enough, though!

Anthony