ARMA~ The BS meter for the HES arts?

[Shane Smith]

In light of the rampant mis-information and foolishness that permeates the Western Swordsmanship community,I have come to conclude that among it's other virtues, above all else, ARMA is most neccessary in it's dual functions as dispeller of myths and purveyor of martial truth.If not for ARMA and it's scholarly and practical approach to the European sword,the charlatans at large would still be passing off the imaginitive notions of reenactors and role-players as martial truth.The methods of ARMA are the standard by which all other organizations are judged . Many have taken the template and run in their own direction with it...Thats fine with me,it simply demonstrates the validity of ARMA's methods.Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
I would like to take the time to thank John and Hank for saving us all from those men who would make us unknowing "slaves" to mediocrity.In my sight ,ARMA remains the 300+ member BS meter for the rest of the Historical European Arts world and thats as it should be.It is after all the leader in the field in terms of innovation AND application. What say you scholars?

[Guest]

I agree 100%, well said Shawn!

Todd

[Randall Pleasant]

I also agree 100%. The reason I joined and stay in ARMA is because it is Historically valid and purely martial! ARMA provides the edge to cut through even the thickest BS. The only place BS belongs is on the the bottom of boots and the far end of the sword. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[GaryGrzybek]

Wow, talk about words of conviction <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

I have to agree and add that what I love most about ARMA is the no bull, combat effective approach. On the other hand we should be carefull not come off as the "know it all's" in WMA's. After all there are others out there doing very good work and they should also be commended.

Anyway, I'm sure happy to call this home <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Mike Cartier]

well said

[Guest]

Gary hit it right on the head! "combat effective approach" We are western martial artists and put the M in WMA. Some forget what "Martial" means. Hmmm lets see, here are some definations of martial:

mar·tial Pronunciation Key (märshl)
adj.
Of, relating to, or suggestive of war.
Relating to or connected with the armed forces or the profession of arms.
Characteristic of or befitting a warrior.

[Middle English, from Latin Mrtilis, from Mrs, Mrt-, Mars.]
martial·ism n.
martial·ist n.
martial·ly adv.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

martial

Mar"tial, a. [F., fr. L. martialis of or belonging to Mars, the god of war. Cf. March the month.] 1. Of, pertaining to, or suited for, war; military; as, martial music; a martial appearance. ``Martial equipage.'' --Milton.

2. Practiced in, or inclined to, war; warlike; brave.

But peaceful kings, o'er martial people set, Each other's poise and counterbalance are. --Dryden.

3. Belonging to war, or to an army and navy; -- opposed to civil; as, martial law; a court-martial.

4. Pertaining to, or resembling, the god, or the planet, Mars. --Sir T. Browne.

5. (Old Chem. &amp; Old Med.) Pertaining to, or containing, iron; chalybeate; as, martial preparations. [Archaic]

Martial flowers (Med.), a reddish crystalline salt of iron; the ammonio-chloride of iron. [Obs.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

martial

adj 1: (of persons) befitting a warrior; "a military bearing" [syn: soldierly, soldierlike, warriorlike] 2: suggesting war or military life [syn: warlike] 3: or or relating to the armed forces; "martial law" [syn: martial(a)]

Hmmmm: Martial flowers (Med.), a reddish crystalline salt of iron; the ammonio-chloride of iron. [Obs.]

I wonder if thats why are Colors are "RED" <img src="/forum/images/icons/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Todd

[Guest]

That sums it up pretty nicely Shane.

I can only speak from my own experience, so here goes. When I first joined HACA, I really wasn't aware of any other WMA groups, so had nothing to compare to. I could see right off the bat however, that HACA was about learning a martial art for real. Not role-playing, not adopting personas, not portraying some misguided Victorian ideal of knightly chivalry. It was about fighting effectively with historical techniques and weapons, period. As I've continued with ARMA, and checked out some of the other groups that are studying and practicing various aspects of WMA, I'm still convinced that the ARMA approach is valid, functional, and realistic. There seems to be a lot of folks popping up over the past couple of years, writing books, giving seminars, claiming to have worked out the "secrets" of some historical school or master. While I welcome this explosion of new information and insight, one must realize that while some of it is very good, there is also some [censored] out there. I say read all the books, go to all the seminars, learn all you can from whoever is willing to teach you. But always evaluate the material and the pesenter/instructor with an ARMA point of view. Question everything, test everything, accept nothing simply because someone claims to be a "master" or "expert" or because they have written a book.

[Derek Wassom]

Well put Matt. My exact feelings.

[John_Clements]

Yes, well said. That has been what we have always advised ...that and making sure people claiming skill show you they can actually perform at full speed and power and fight or spar hard. That's where the "BS detector" is put into action.

JC