Hello world and questions

[Bryce Johns]

Hello, I'm Bryce Johns, Ive always been facinated by the Middle ages, reinissance, and swords, and am exited to learn that there are others out there . So, I plan on joining ARMA (youth? i turn 16 in June) soon. But first I have some questions;

Equipment, i have a very limited budget, what do i need?

Drills and routines, does ARMA provide detailed (for lack of a better word) moves? or do we figure it out from the texts ourselves?

Practice partners, I live in Northeastern Vancouver, Washington, any groups or other people out here?

[CalebChow]

For a limited budget, the first thing you will want to get is a waster. New Sterling Arms seems the major recommendation around here; I've used them and they're quite good.

Naturally, if there's one item you need to practice swordsmanship, it would be the sword

The "Where to Start" page, if you haven't checked already, outlines some of the things you should check out.
I for one spent most of my free time last year reading the articles on the ARMA website and watching the videos accessible via the Index section.
Once I got into my study group I basically caught up to the other members in about 2 months due to my intense prior study, so it definitely helps in my experience. You'll be able to pick up a lot of moves just from watching the videos, I think.

Some manuals are translated online; the main site I use is:
schielhau.org

[Keith Culbertson]

Welcome Bryce, be sure to search here for threads about the folks in Washington state to pm them right away. The best thing to do is be with others in ARMA at least for a day to get the feel for this, then meet as often as possible---meanwhile, because we emphasize intent and explosive energy, get to training your body to solid, flexible, endurable, and quick condition as much as possible. Feel free to start off with a 4ft x 1" or so dowel from a hardware store, and see if anyone can make a waster with/for you. Watch all the videos you can find here and on youtube, then compare with the essays and of course all the manuscript texts and illustrations. That should keep you busy

never hesitate to ask specific questions, but please avoid general ones by doing a search here to see previous discussions

[Sal Bertucci]

There's a good ARMA group in Portland, OR which isn't too terribly far away. (I've made the drive myself) They meet up on Saturdays, and have a nice routine and a very knowlegable. Look them up here and on the practice partners page.

[Jonathan Newhall]

I'm fairly certain you have to be 18 (for legal reasons, likely) to be eligable to join ARMA, but that doesn't mean you can't go practice with them while you wait for father time to take its course! Some events are ARMA only, but I'm sure a lot of study groups don't mind outsiders who are interested in ARMA practicing with them occasionally.

As for what to get? Focus all of your budget, initially, on getting a waster followed by a book (like Clement's medieval swordsmanship book or another reading recommended by ARMA, they're all fairly comprehensive).

Sword + instructional book = ability to practice. Make sure to start with foot work and practice it to a tee, being able to maneuver around is very important, only then should you start learning the stances, various swings, et c, and only after a lot of that do you REALLY need to start worrying about finding a partner to train with/against.

[Sal Bertucci]

There is a youth program in ARMA that he could join. I've never looked into it b/c I'm over 18, but I know it's there.

[Jonathan Newhall]

Ran across this

At this time, affiliated membership is restricted to persons at least 18 years of age

I dunno about any youth stuff, the page doesn't say anything about that, and if there is such a thing I think it ought to be more clearly visible on the website.

[Stacy Clifford]

The old ARMA Youth program has been discontinued, but members younger than 18 may be eligible for membership if a Study Group or senior member is willing to sponsor them. You need to contact John Clements for specific details, but I second the recommendation to get to know the Portland Study Group by visiting a few times a year if you can.