The Gathering....

[Guest]

Shane, I'm sure it would have been wonderful to be there *but*
I have to remark the sad case that happened, which is that the two WMA I respect the most had an important event in the same two days <img src="/forum/images/icons/mad.gif" alt="" /> . There was even a third one which did it.
So I really hope I will not have to take a choice that leaves me with the sensation to have turned my back to friends next time <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> , choice in which many considerations, lenght and cost of journey, the possibility to join at the last moment and the presence of people who practice later fencing styles like me, among others, had weight.
Carlo
BTW: and you might have fun seeing some spadrooning or backswording as well <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

Truely an amazing weekend! It was truely inspiring to see how ARMA members and guests could come together from all over the world and train and spar together and learn so much from each other, even having never met before. I think it's a testament to the validity of the ARMA method that we are all sort of on the same wavelength although we are persuing different goals and specialties in different local groups. I especially enjoyed the informal sparring with various members who I had never trained with before. We were all able to fight each other at a very high level of intensity without anyone's ego getting in the way.

The prize playing was amazing! It really confirmed how hard Tim and Jacob have worked and how solid their skills are. They each faced a huge number of opponents of different skill levels, with different weapons and styles, and performed with confidence and grace. Nice job guys!

Of course all the classes were outstanding. I especially enjoyed the langen messser material presented by Hans and Alex. It was my first experience with messer fighting, but won't be my last for sure, what a wicked little weapon!

I'm glad everyone seemed to enjoy our little armoured demo, I was afraid folks would think it a waste of time. I'm inspired to continue working on it and perhaps we will do more of a hands on class at future events.

I could go on and on gushing like this, but I'll just close with a big thank you to all who attended and Todd "Sully" Sullivan for hosting the best WMA event ever!

[John_Clements]

The event was exhausting, but a great success and highly educational. It was great to have over 60 ARMA members from 6 countries together and see the diveristy of our efforts.
We'll have a full report with dozens of pics next week of the classes, sparring, Prize Playing, test-cutting, blade forging, weapons, and lectures.
Thanks to everyone who attended and who helped make it happen.

JC

[John_Clements]

You guys moved great and looked really good, Shane. Truly the best armored combat demo I have ever witnessed before.

JC

[Guest]

That's an awesome shot of Shane pommel-hooking me. Look at the expression on his face! Even though we were holding back a little so as not to cripple each other, to be on the receivng end of a technique like that, performed with speed and intent, is quite impressive.

[John_Clements]

Here's a shot of one of the Senior Free Scholar Prize Playing for longsword....in all my years I have never seen better bouting than these matches....the skill, the intensity, the technqiues. Very impressive fights.

[John_Clements]

Jacob Norwood and I going at it (controlled) unhelmed with steel blunts.

[John_Clements]

Tim Sheetz test cuttin on a helm.

[Shane Smith]

I have to tell you frankly,both Tim and Jakes performance blew me away.Those guys are definitely an inspiration for us all. I count it an honor and a privilege to have been taught a lesson at the point of these mens swords .

[Derek Wassom]

The Gathering was SWEET. I had a wonderfull time guys. If there was one thing I would would want to change, I would have made it longer. 3 days just isn't enough time to spend with you people (my body might disagree).
Hans and Alex's messer demo was realy eye opening. I have never done any messer before, but I have fallen in love.
I also enjoyed Milan's rapier, this is another thing I have not done before ( <img src="/forum/images/icons/blush.gif" alt="" /> ), and it was great to finnaly do it.
I want to congradulate Tim and Jake for getting there SFS ranking. Good job fellas.

[Guest]

I said it before and I say it again, This was the best event I have ever been to, the camaraderie, the training, the hospitality of the event made it a pleasure and great learning experience. Joining ARMA early this year has been one of the best decisions I have made. Thanks

[Lance Chan]

Tim, you kept telling me how old you've gotten and how slow you've become. GAWD! You won the prize! What were you talking about then? <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Congratulations. I'm very proud of you! <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" /> (since I've been telling people around about you for years already) Keep up the good work in Korea base!

[Hans Heim]

Hello all,

I have to say thank you to all of you. It was a pleasure to learn with you. It was a great time and I can say that I have now many new friends over there.

A big "THANK YOU" to Todd Sullivan and his family for the good organisation and the great hospitality.

I hope that we see us again very soon.

Hans

[Guest]

Hi everybody!

It has been a really great event and I enjoyed being with you guys. It was really good meeting you face to face and not in the internet. I met nothing but friends which made this event very enjoyable.

Thank you for your kind comments on our lessons. We are very proud of your statements.

I also would like to thank Todd and his family. They really did a great work and helped us very much.

Hope to see you again soon.


Alex