Newbie in NYC area

[Mihai_Pruna]

Hi everyone.

I have been interested in learning realistic swordsplay ever since I watched Highlander (the TV series) years ago. Sounds like an oximoron, alright.
Recently I have became more and more fascinated about medieval warfare, and thus I decided it was time to learn how to handle a real sword European style.

As someone of European descent, I can only applaud the initiative of restoring our martial arts heritage. I researched fencing a little bit and was put off by its sporty nature. I am not at that much into sports, though I exercise regularly and have a Tae-kwon-do blue belt.

But I still find myself drawn to medieval and to a certain extent renaissance swordsmanship as a martial art, and until recently I thought there was no avenue for people like me, until I found out about ARMA that is

I have just received JCs book on Medieval Swordsmanship and am setting myself up for learning the basic footwork and moves. I plan to start practicing on my own, but later on I would like to join up ARMA and find practice partners in the area. I think the contacts page is outdated, as my email to Louis, the listed contact for NYC, went unanswered.

From other posts, I got some idea as to what the basic equipment required is. I'm thinking a blunt and a waster for solo practice is a good start.
I've seen a lot of wasters in the shape of longswords on Ebay at prices much lower than the vendors listed here offer. Has anyone had any experience with those weapons, in the context of solo 'air fighting' or against a pell?

Thanks for your answers

[ChristineChurches]

While I realize that the extremely low prices of wooden wasters on eBay are attractive, you definitely get what you pay for - if you look at each listing, they do not print the weight of the item or type of hardwood.

If you truly want a realistic tool with which to learn longsword techniques, I recommend sticking with the vendors recommended on our links page. I personally own training tools from New Stirling Arms, Raven Studios, With Intent, and The Dwarven Smithy, so I can highly recommend all of them.

Good luck with your training!

[Jeremiah.Phipps]

Hi and welcome,

I've looked at the wasters available on eBay and have the following comments. These comments are based on what I have seen and read on eBay. I have not purchased any of the available wasters.

* They tend to on the light side (when advertised). Typically stated as 1.5 pounds.
* No distal taper most likely results in poor balance and lower overall strength (potentially) of the blade (particularly the strong).
* No idea what type of wood is used. This does make a difference, especially with hard impacts that may occur in sparring or pell work.
* Most advertise a "blood groove" which serves no purpose on a wooden waster (except for looks). The Fuller was added to steel swords to reduce weight (not a problem with wooden swords AFAIK) without reducing strength.

It's my opinion that the swords available on eBay would not make a good learning tool and are geared more towards LARPers and the like. However, at the price, it might be interesting to see what you get.

- Jeremiah

[Ken Dietiker]

I actually know someone who bought one of those wasters from Ebay and I've handled it. It is VERY light, and made from poplar. The hilt and pommel are of the same wood, poplar. The hilt is designed to fit like a sleeve so not blocked in any way, the pommel is not weighted, and both are simply glued on (sloppily, I might add). Even at the advertised low price, they are useless for training.

These wasters are pieces of crap. Don't bother!!