Not sure how this works

[Russ Pearce]

Howdy, this is my first post. I'd like to join ARMA and get started training, I just have a question first. I don't know anyone that I could train with at this point, so I would be doing the solo thing for a while. At the risk of sounding stupid, exactly how do you guys go about this? As far as practicing goes, what does a new person do who has no one to train with? Is there a particular training program (home study course/video?) that you purchase and use as a training guide at home? Or do you just read the translations of the old training manuals and attempt to figure out what you're supposed to do as best you can? Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, I'm just not sure how a new person starts their solo training. I've had brief experience with Japanese martial arts over the years, so I'm used to going into the dojo and doing whatever I'm told by the sensei. This is quite a bit different and I'm just trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do. Thanks.

[Brian Hunt]

Hey Russ,

After Joining ARMA there are some good articles availible to members only that can help you with the solo training. I recommend practicing your stances and moving from one to the other, then your 8 cuts as a good place to start solo.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Vincent Michels]

See now you have made the post so I don't have too We have to start somewhere, there has to be someway for us to to get started by ourselves until we can get more people interested. I think the hard part is going to be getting started and dedicating the time to it. I actualy have sent off my payment to join ARMA and have also purchased one of John Clements books to start with. I do have someone to spar with occasionally. But will still be doing the solo thing, since he is not very reliable. I am hoping to maybe attend a seminar when they come to Portland ,OR if I can. I think that is the closest place they come to where I live and I have family down there. I wish you luck in your your start I hope to start in the next couple of weeks.

[Tony_Indurante]

One of the best things to do when you make a post like this is to mention where exactly you are located (or have it in your profile). You might be suprised and find someone else in your area asking themselves the same question. The next best thing to do, and this will definitely jump start your training, is to attend a seminar- do whatever it takes to get to one. You will not be sorry, I promise you that.

[Ryan Ricks]

i started out with john clement's book medieval swordsmanship.

if you supplement that with newer, more up to date material from the site, you'll be in good shape

ryan

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Ryan, Tony, and Brian are right on, learn some basics then get yourselves to a seminar, (after joining of course), I was in the same position you guys were, here in Appleton, WI.

I was very pumped about ARMA, and was instantly attracted by the professionalism and serious martial training mentality that this Organization is built on, as well as the factual research and quality instructors.

I just decided to jump in with both feet and start my own group, I must admit it was not easy and I had a hard time getting it going but the ball is begining to roll now- incidentally you bring up the subject of our seminar and 1.0 coming to Appleton, WI in October of 2005.

We are going to host a 1.0 with John, then the following day hold a seminar and collective group meeting to discuss these very issues. My hope is that we can get the group leaders and thier Staff to hold a round table discussion on recruiting methods, training principles, group agendas, etc, etc.

This would be very valuable in my mind especially with John there to listen and give feedback and guidance where necessary.

So-long answer I know, but this is a great topic- I can tell you that if you start with eh basics, like they suggested ie stances, guards, 8-cut-Physical fitness and flexibility, then get yourself to a 1.0 you will be well on your way- Good luck and maybe we'll see you in Appleton October-2005! Aaron

[Doug Marnick]

Although the members' area has great information, you can find plenty of valuable things on this public site.
From the home page, check out the ARMA FAQ, Practice page, or just the link on Where to Start. Also, under Articles and Essays, there is plenty to sift through but I recommend "A Brief Look at Stances & Guards of Medieval Longsword". Hope this helps.

[Russ Pearce]

I didn't mention where I live because I'm moving next week and we don't have our exact new location yet (could be one of a few possibilities). I'm moving to Washington, south of Seattle, somewhere in the Renton/Auburn area. Thanks for all the advice. I'll get started as soon as we're settled into our new home.

[David Craig]

Along with all the other good suggestions, I'd recommend two books that are aimed at beginners: Guy Windsor's, Swordsman's Companion and Christian Tobler's, Fighting with the German Longsword. Along with covering the basics, both include solo drills.

In addition, you can search this forum for information on topics which you are interested in or that are giving you difficulties. Reading discussions by more experienced people can be a great learning aid.

David Craig

[Tony_Indurante]

I would recommend David Lindholm's & Peter Svard's Knightly Art of the Longsword also. I actually find the drawing easier to follow than photos, but YMMV.

[Tim Merritt]

I’m new and recently moved to a location that didn’t have any other members. No previous martial arts. My experience/items in no hard order:
· Books mentioned, read site, and compared with other sites, membership, purchased waster.
· Stances, basic cutting exercises, some select articles, all mentioned above.
· Built pell. This is one of the most useful items for me when practicing alone. Mine is a human form made from PVC wrapped in carpet padding and duct tape, with some clothes to keep tape from ripping. Can use wood waster and steel blunt (although steel blunt thrust will still go through it).
· Blunt and sharp swords. Some sharp practice hones what you do on the pell. A bit costly to start though. I’d get padded weapons after waster, then sharp.
· Padded weapons, purchase or make (many threads on this forum about them). Added hockey helmet, padded assault gloves, kneepads, cup, flat-soled wresting shoes.
· Can’t say enough good things about sparring. All books, cutting exercises, hitting pell don’t compare to putting it to the test. And it doesn’t take an opponent with particular skill to illustrate to you what you thought you knew about swordsmanship, and didn’t. Jump in and give it a try. And don’t forget, it’s fun!
· Which leads to finding someone to do this with. I’ve attempted to start a study group, but MY experience is that of all the people who positively say they are interested, only about 25% will appear. Here, the problem’s part geography and part local culture. That’s the down side; up side—only takes one to spar with, and you gotta’ start somewhere.
· The 1.0 mentioned. I haven’t done it (and no, Tony, I’m not going to be able to make it this weekend) but with they few months “experience” I have, I can definitely see, from what I’m doing compared to the hints in the form of video clips from this sight, that more specific instruction would greatly benefit.
The above is a bit cryptic, but I’m traveling down your same new path just a few steps ahead. Hope it helps!

[JeanryChandler]

I would David Lindholm's & Peter Svard's Knightly Art of the Longsword also. I actually find the drawing easier to follow than photos

I agree 100%, I have found this to be by far the most helpful of the 10 other manuals that I have. Meyer is very useful as well.

J

[Jaron Bernstein]

Well, ARMA Columbus was me and Jeff the Elder for a very long time. Then it was 4 for a long time. It is only now by dumb luck that we have more people now. If you can just get 1 committed training partner to work with you every week on a set training schedule, then you can start to puzzle out those, "what the hell does this manual mean?" moments.

[JeffGentry]

Hey all

And you will spend many hour's stairing at a text or picture going huh i don't get it, that is part of the fun when you do finaly get it.

I would say read and try thing's and read some more and try thing's and ask question's then read some more, you see a pattern devolping here, lol.

Jeff

[Russ Pearce]

Thanks for all the help, much appreciated. Where can I find that book by Lindholm & Svard, and the other two by
Windsor and Tobler?