new forum member

[Jeremy_Williams]

Hi, I just filled out the online application for ARMA and then signed up on here. I am fairly new to all this; I heard about ARMA about a year ago. I live in Mississippi, don't know anyone who even knows about Western martial arts, and am very interested in learning. I have a flexible schedule and time to dedicate to learning, but don't know where to begin really. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

-Jeremy

[Sal Bertucci]

Be prepared to train alone for a long time. That being said, there are many things in the member's area that will help you with that training. I would also recommend traveling to an event where you can meet other members and get some training. Especially in the beginning.

Apart from that, get a manual and go at it!

Welcome to the forum.

[Jeremy_Williams]

thanks for the reply. How does one decide on which manual to begin with, or does it really matter? The only thing I am worried about training alone is learning bad form only to have to unlearn it, but it seems this is the only approach available right now. Again, thanks.

-Jeremy

[Sal Bertucci]

That's one of those things that doesn't really matter. I started with Ringeck b/c that was the first book I bought (And it was cheap). But there are lots of online translations available.

I'd recommend starting with a longsword text, but I also believe in diversifying your portfolio.

[Andrew F Ulrich]

As for your concern about developing bad habits, I think one thing that's going to help, of which you've already started the process, is becoming a member, as there's lots of members-only videos to help with that, as well as a mailing-list community which are always willing to help you with any questions or critique you if you ever want to post a video of yourself training.

Another thing that you might want to try to manage someday is making a trip over to either the Birmingham or Montgomery AL study groups, and training with them for a day.

[Jeremy_Williams]

application was approved earlier today. I am now officially an ARMA member. I was also informed that someone about a half-hours drive from me was approved today; hopefully I can get in touch with them. Only problem so far is that none of the videos in the members area will play on my PC; not sure what to do here.

[Greg Coffman]

Try playing the videos in QuickTime and download the latest player. That's usually worked for me.