Congratulations to Jon Lockwood, Maxim Trushin, and Doug Clark who all passed their red shirt exam today. Completing the red shirt exam marks the graduation from novice status and signifies the scholar has demonstrated the basic knowledge, ability, and attitude necessary to represent our craft and our organization. Photos coming soon. Well done guys!
On Jan 31, Andrew, Jon, and Ken attended the ARMA Member Training Program (MTP) 1.0 class in Houston, taught by ARMA director John Clements. Over twenty ARMA members from all over the region braved the cold for an amazing day full of new insights and camaraderie. Thanks to the Houston guys for hosting, and to all who participated. It was a great experience and we learned a lot.
Last Saturday Andrew and Jon traveled to Rockdale to meet up with some members of the ARMA College Station study group for a fun day of training and mayhem. We're hoping to set up another meet in a few months.
We're planning to take some photos and videos this Sunday, so we'll be meeting at the Elementary school to take advantage of the uncluttered background there.
Copperfield Elementary School
12135 Thompkins Dr
Austin, TX 78753
It's near our normal North location. For directions, check the local mailing list, or contact Ken or Keith.
Regular practices are on Sundays from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
| June 7 | Copperfield Elementary School |
| June 14 | Stacy Park |
| June 21 | Walnut Creek Park |
| June 28 | Stacy Park |
| July 5 | Walnut Creek Park |
| July 12 | Stacy Park |
| July 19 | ARMA International Gathering in Houston (no practice) |
| July 26 | Stacy Park |
We'll be trying out a new location this Sunday:
Copperfield Elementary School
12135 Thompkins Dr
Austin, TX 78753
It's near our normal North location. For directions, check the local mailing list, or contact Ken or Keith.
Welcome to our newest member, Jonathan Lockwood. Congratulations, Jonathan!
Regular practices are on Sundays from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
| April 26 | Walnut Creek Park |
| May 3 | Stacy Park |
| May 10 | Copperfield Elementary School |
| May 17 | Stacy Park |
| May 24 | Walnut Creek Park |
| May 31 | Stacy Park |
The NTP 1.0 date is set. It will be Saturday, June 21 and will be held at Kyle's place in Magnolia Texas. Instructors will be Gene Tausk and Stacy Clifford. Contact Ken for more details, or if you need a ride.
The Tactical Longsword class in Houston that was planned for Feb 23, has been postponed. A new date will be posted here as soon as it is announced.
The Houston Northsiders study group will be hosting a special class on Saturday, February 23.
Aaron Pynenberg, Senior Free Scholar from Appleton, Wisconsin will be flying in to teach a new class called
"Tactical Longsword". Aaron is a longtime ARMA member and current leader of the Appleton study group. Several of us will be leaving before the break of dawn to drive over for the day. We'll be returning that night. The cost for the day is $25, which includes lunch. Any members who need a ride, please contact Ken.
We are in the process of scheduling an NTP 1.0 class for members in Austin and the surrounding area to be held sometime this Spring - tentative date is Saturday May 4.
NTP 1.0 is the Foundational Longsword class and is the first class in the standard curriculum of our ARMA National Training Program. This class is a prerequisite for General Free Scholar ranking. The class is open only to those who have been ARMA members in good standing for 6 months or more.
A couple of the Senior Free Scholars from the Houston area have indicated a willingness to teach the class. We may host the class here in Austin, or we may decide to co-host it in Houston with one of the study groups there. We're currently working out the details. Watch this space for more info.
On Monday January 28, 2008 the History Channel will be rebroadcasting "Modern Marvels: Axes, Swords, and Knives", which includes interview footage with ARMA Director John Clements, as well as some demo footage of flouryshes and counters with one of the senior students (not sure who it is - if anyone knows please tell me and I'll update this item). In the Austin area, Time-Warner cable will broadcast the show at Noon and again at 6:00pm.
Some of the footage of John can also be viewed at the History Channel website at
http://www.history.com/media.do?action=clip&id=mm_ask_sword_combat_broadband