Hi folks, I've been training a fair few years in JMA now and I feel like looking a little closer to home for a bit. So I was wondering if anyone here knew of any western sword schools near the stoke on trent area. Specifically close to kidsgrove. Also what kind of training is involved in western sword schools? What kind of equipment can I expect to buy and what kind of other costs can I expect to pay? Any and all info would be much appreciated. Craige.
Do you have any interest in modern fencing, or strictly traditional WMAs? Because if you do, there's this club focusing on competitive foil and epee: http://www.fourofclubs.co.uk/mainsite/fenton.htm Expect group classes at first to learn the basics, transitioning to an emphasis on one-on-one instruction with an instructor and lots and lots of free-sparring with other students. (Edit: looking at their page, there's not a separate beginner's class; you just work on the side with someone to learn the basics and then you jump right in). As for equipment, they'll have loaner stuff at first except for athletic shoes. Eventually you'll probably want your own mask, jacket, knickers (not sure what the British term is), glove, a couple of weapons, a couple of body-cords, and if you're doing foil, a lame (a metallic vest that's part of the scoring mechanism in foil). An instructor will help you find cost-effective or pre-owned gear until you're very competitive and want higher-end stuff. Besides that, as to costs, I'd check with the club. Normally there's just some monthly dues and, when you start competing, some token organizational dues. When you want to start working regularly with an instructor one-on-one, there might be some extra cost there, but it all depends on the club.
Depends on what you end up studying. Longsword is different from Classical Dueling Saber and both are different from German Messer. Whatever route you go, you'll end up needing 2-3 training weapons, usually wooden waster, steel or aluminum blunts, and, eventually, steel sharps. What kind and how much body armour will be dictated by the weapons being studied and the requisites of the club. Expect at a minimum gauntlets/gloves, a jacket, and a helmet or mask. As Mitlov states, most of this will be available as "loaners" to new students. You'll see a lot of training methods and gear requirements similarities to what you're probably familiar with in JSA. The specific drills and techniques will, obviously, be based around the weapon and it's historic use. Peace favor your sword, Kirk
Stock is in the UK HEMA dead zone I am afriad. If you contact the British Federation for Historical Swordplay they might know of individuals from that area who would be willing to form a training group with you. Training varies dramatically depending on school and sword style. To get started you should attend an event weekend like fight camp and you will be able to get taster sessions on almost every style of western martial arts. The Bear.
Ok sound. Cheers for all the info guys. I'm gonna get looking around and I'll let you know what I come across. Craige.
There is a group that meet in Manchester which might be do-able from Stoke. They are part of Schola Gladiatoria and you can find them at http://fioredeiliberi.org/phpBB3 If you do go along say hi to Paul from me. He's a good guy and a good teacher.
