[F. Carl Holz]

hi,

I've been interested in sword play for a while, gone to a seminar, have the basic practice equipment and a few references. However, I recently decided that the time has come for me join a group. Some one to get guidance from for further advancement. Unfortunately there are none where I am. On top of that I'm in the navy and know that in the next four months I'll be moving anyways, where to they haven't told me yet. Which leads me into my question.

Does anyone have any suggestions on historical fencing groups that I might join?

I practice Liechtenauer's longsword
I'm looking for one with a wide base that might have groups all over, or at lest a good amount of easy to access/understand references

the important thing is that I be able to benefit from them even if I am not near a group, practicing on your own will only ever go so far. But I'm sure that others out there can help me stretch it at lest a little farther.

[Greg Coffman]

I highly reccomend ARMA, the Association for Renaissance Marial Arts. http://www.thearma.org/
Here is a list of many of the locations of ARMA study groups: http://www.thearma.org/Practice/partners.htm
Unfortunately there is not yet a group in Abilene, TX, but if the Navy sends you here for whatever reason I would be glad to start one with you.

[Eric Myers]

I recommend you post on the SFI practice partner finder, once you know where you will be for awhile.

[Stephen Hand]

Hi Carl,

It would help to know where you are. There's a reasonably comprehensive list of groups on the links page of my group's site at www.stoccata.org

I recommend that you contact the big name Liechtenauer practitioners, like Christian Tobler in Connecticut, USA and the Ochs guys in Germany. You might also like to ask this question over at the Historical European Swordsmanship (HES) board at Swordforum as it has a slightly different clientele than here and you're more likely to get the sort of response you're after.

Oh, and try to attend some of the large intergroup events that are held every year around the world (hopefully with at least one close enough for you to attend).

I hope this helps.

Cheers
Stephen

[Sam Barris]

Wow. You're four months out and your detailer hasn't cut you any orders yet? That's unsat.

What you've already been told is about the best advice there is. I haven't been able to find so much as a practice partner, let alone a group of them, anywhere I've been. And if you're going to a ship you may as well resign yourself to solitary training. I wish you much better luck than I've had.

[F. Carl Holz]

thanks, for all the replys

the reason I haven't been issued orders is because I'm still at a training command, however I do expect be on a ship, oh well.

thanks again, I'll start looking into those.

[George Hill]

[F. Carl Holz]

actually thats one of the books I have. I do have one person here who is interested in learning, but has no experience up to date. Given, he picks it up fast and somebody is better than nobody.