ARMA thoughts sought (considering membership)

[Mike Habib]

Greetings to all.

I am considering seeking associate membership with ARMA, but I am still trying to determine whether I am a good fit for the organization. In particular, while I have pursued the study of weapon history and historical armed combat for several years (in a manner that seems similar to the ARMA methodology I have been reading), my focus tends not to be on the armored/longsword methods that appear to be the main push of the ARMA studies (see my Profile), and much of my weapon study outside the realm of the European martial arts.

Any thoughts regarding how this might affect my contribution to the ARMA would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
--Mike Habib

[Ryan Ricks]

that's kind of a hard question, since we focus exclusively on western martial arts during the renaissance.

my advice to you would be to contact hugh long, an arma member near washington DC. maybe you two could get together some weekend, since it's not too far from baltimore

ryan

[Matthew_Anderson]

Hi Mike,

It sounds like what you have been doing is a little outside our focus, as you said, but we have members from all kinds of backgrounds. Many of us started with Asian arts, sport fencing, etc. but now focus primarily on Western Renn arts. Although longsword is a big core of our training, we have folks studying just about every medieval and renaissance weapon, including all types of swords, staffs, dagger, polearms, and unarmed stuff as well. As Ryan said, you should probably try to hook up with a few members and see what's up for yourself. You are certainly welcome to come down and train with us in Virginia Beach, contact us after the holidays and maybe we can work something out. Our contact info is listed in the "practice Partners" section of the website under study groups.

[John_Clements]

Longsword is simply the more popular weapon among our members. It's just a matter of there being more source material on the weapon and more interest in it. But it's far from the only one we pursue.

Also, it's not about members' "contribution" so much as their overall interaction and involvement, as well as mutual support.

JC

[Mike Habib]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. Those are all very helpful comments. Getting to DC is actually very easy for me, I will have to try to get in contact with Hugh.

I really appreciate the offer to come visit the Virginia Beach group. I will certainly try to make it down at some point, though it will be several months at the earlierst before I have the opportunity. I will use the group's posted contact information to get in touch closer to when I expect to have time for the trip.

John, the emphasis on involvement and mutual support gives me even more confidence in the organization; I definitely like what I am hearing so far. Thanks so much for the response.
Oh, and as an aside, I very much enjoyed the new article on two-handers.