Hello ARMA!

[Shane Smith]

Say, is that latin in your signature for "our studies are repeated"?

Also, what I generally do when practicing alone is to practice footwork for about ten minutes just to make sure my lower body remains in form, then I practice my guards for five minutes, and "florysh" some varied strikes for another ten minutes or so. Then I take a break (usually my "break" consists of work ) until I have more free time and repeat as needed. Without a partner, does that seem like the correct kind of time break down?

Pratice all of your guards in coordination with your footwork as you move to face all directions in turn as if you were fencing. Move about from guard to guard as if you were taking counter-postures against an imaginary opponent who is himself on the move randomly.

[Shane Smith]

Shane,
Not going to try and convert you to liking your WI more (I am feeling more agreeable today). But the machining that was on some of the earlier works of WI did remove the stiffness. Later models dealt with that problem. I find that Brian's tend to be slipperier (is that a word?). But a fine waster just the same.

I have only an older model of each so I will have to look into the newer model. If there is no edge-flex, I'd be all over one. I will agree to disagree for now

[Jeremiah Backhaus]

Jon,

Repetition is the mother of learning. Gotta do it a bunch of times before you get it right.

Sounds like you are trying to do that in your training. But a very key point is trying to get the upper and the lower body functioning together. So even in your stance work, get the hands going into guards. Listen to what Shane said, he is a wise man.

Shane, we can disagree for now...

-Jeremiah

[Jason Taylor]

I am, given my username, Jonathan Newhall. (Feel free to call me Jon if you want). I am not yet a member of ARMA, though I do intend to apply in the upcoming years, and I have been interested in swordsmanship for years, but only in the past six months have I really been into studying theoretical and practical applications. I've read more or less all of the public information on this website, a lot of the forum posts et c. and visited many links. Thus far I have Christian Tobler's instructional book, and am looking into purchasing Mr Clements' book on the Medieval Longsword as well. I am also a big fan of ARMA's technique with proper intent et al.

If you don't mind terribly, I'd like to get answers to a few questions from the board members! I currently live in Mercer County, New Jersey, and oddly enough steel blunts are considered weapons that require a permit! Unfortunately, I am not 21 and thus cannot register myself for a weapon permit, and as I have no desire to do anything illegal (I have consulted both a lawyer and a local judge on the legality of steel blunts, no dice ) I was wondering what you guys would recommend as the most realistic (i.e. close to a steel blade in handling, if not look) waster out there? The only requirement is it cannot have a metal blade, sharpened or not, as that is the stipulation of the "knife" law in this local county.

Furthermore, what do you guys think would be the best book or video purchase in terms of instruction in the various sword forms for the longsword? I'd prefer the German system, but the Italian system isn't that different besides being classified in a different language. I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes by, and I'll do my best to help anyone with questions I can answer - I look forward to being a part of the ARMA forum, even if I am not yet part of the organization.

Sounds like some lobbying to change the unfair and draconian policies of your state are in order....

[Jonathan Newhall]

Specifically my county. I personally am aware that a steel blunt is of little more danger than a crowbar or any number of legal carpentry and metalworking tools when wielded offensively and with intent to harm, yet they are legal, so I see no reason why steel blunts should not be. If they're worried about people sharpening them that can result in easily broken blades, and again, you could just sharpen up something else and use it just as easily... I am looking into this matter presently, but any assistance would be appreciated greatly.

[Steven Blakely]

"ARM THE PEOPLE!" (as soon as i figure out how to say that in latin im going to have that as a slogan)

for changing the laws all i can give is moral support and a letter if need be. the lawmakers think that if they make something a law that it will always protect the people. but how does that law effect the lawless. It is well known by most children if you break the law you go to jail. yet time and time agian the lawless gather illegal arms to commit there crimes. And who suffer? the lawful, those who obeyd the laws in the first place.
So i say "Arm the people!" give us a chance to defend our selfs in whatever manner we choose. Remeber the constitution says "We the People." not we the government. (sorry for the rant )