Where to begin?

[Guest]

Hi all,
Did anyone begin training alone? I'm wondering if it is possible, and whether anyone has any hints?

Are there any "set routines" or chorographies to start with? The reason I ask is that I'd like to get the feel for basic moves before meeting with others.

I have a 48 x 1.25" round handrail from Home Depot to practice with and am reading John's book currently.

Thanks in-advance!

[Derek Wassom]

You are starting exactly where I did. I recomend getting a waster, making a simple pell, and asking lots of questions!
Also, practice transitioning from guard to guard untill you want to quit, then do if some more. This will make your movements smoother and more natural (remember to pivot at the hilt).

[John_Clements]

Hi

Well, a large part of our Member material is structured to assist a person very much like yourself.

JC

[Ray Brunk]

The 10 basic cutting excercises & 8cut excercise Over & over & over..........and over again!
Make a segno diagram and cut like crazy!
Welcome aboard
Ray

Almost forgot...........with INTENT!

[Guest]

Thanks Ray,

My forearms are sore from pulling my cuts before they hit the ground from high guard- intent achieved.

Is the diagram you mentioned from the sword and shield chapter of Medieval Swordsmanship?

Is it a diagram that I should make life-size for practice custting?

[Guest]

Dear Derek,

I'll give it a try. Do you think hay bales are a good enough pell?

I'm working on the long sword guard transitions, but with high, middle, low and back guards now. Big probs with the hanging guard- it just doesn't feel natural.

[Guest]

Thanks John,

I'll be submitting my letter of intent soon- I'd love to join. I think what you're doing is great.

[Randall Pleasant]

Howard wrote:
Do you think hay bales are a good enough pell?

Howard

I think hay bales would work fine, depending upon how they are positioned of course. A hay bale standing about head high would be just about the size of a man. I used an old tire hanging on a chain until the kids made me put their swrings back up. Having suffered from a bad case of tennis elbow in the past, I personally like a pell with some give to it.

[Shane Smith]

Hi Howard,

Sorry I took so long to reply.I didn't realize you were in Virginia 'til this morning.Just where is Chantilly VA.? I can't seem to locate it on a map.If it's anywhere near VA. Beach(and even if it isn't), you are welcome to come train with ARMA VAB anytime you'd like.We train on sundays at 10am but we're flexible on that if you can make it to Chesapeake.We'd be happy to answer your questions and actually SHOW you the drills and techniques(It's much easier to learn that way) <img src="http://www.thearma.org/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Derek Wassom]

Howard,
I'm sure hay bales are fine, but like Ran said, they should be man-hight. I use a fence-post I got for cheap and stuck it in the ground. Anything that you can use to concentrate your "power and focus" that you don't mind beating up will work.
About hangen...hmmm...I'm not sure I can describe it very well... If you put your sword in ochs (i think it's "inside" in JC's book <img src="http://www.thearma.org/forum/images/icons/confused.gif" alt="" /> ) and then move the point (keep the hilt where it is) away from your opponents face/neck so it is pointing down and to your side. This will protect you from some over-head strikes. Remember this is transtitional.
I hope that helps somewhat.<img src="http://www.thearma.org/forum/images/icons/crazy.gif" alt="" />
You realy should meet up with the VA Beach guys. They will help you loads.