Training Schedule for Fall Semester

[Michael Chidester]

There will be several changes this semester which all of you should be aware of.

First, Thursday nights will no longer be open training. Eli and I have decided to devote one session a week to instructor development, in order to refine our technique and develop training plans for the rest of the group. Let me be clear: attendance on Thursday is by invitation only. You are free to come and watch as members of the public or to train on your own, but if you show up you will not be invited to train with us, we will not be available to explain things or answer questions, and you can generally expect to be ignored. Thursday is going to be a fundamentally different practice than Tuesday or Saturday. If you have not been invited to attend already and you think that you should have been, contact me and we'll talk about it.

Second, we plan to be moving into a far more structured and intense training rhythm than in the past. This change will be happening somewhat gradually over the next few weeks as we experiment and iron out exactly what structure works best, but practice will begin promptly at 6 PM and end promptly at 8 PM. Arrive somewhat before 6 so you'll be ready to go at that time. If my instructors are not also there on time, I'll be getting on them about that. By the end of September, practice will be a different beast than what you've seen in the past.

Third, everyone at practice should be in uniform. We are currently finalizing a specific uniform that new and existing scholars will be able to purchase, but for now it's simple: black pants, dark green shirt, outdoor shoes, wear a cup (if you're male). Pants should be flexible and stretchy enough to move aggressively in (sweat pants are best), shirt should be unadorned if you're going to go buy one. There will come a point in the near future when individuals who do not come in uniform will be turned away (barring a good excuse, obviously).

Fourth, we're planning to transition to a steel-based curriculum this fall. Wasters, whether of wood or nylon, will be largely phased out in favor of steel blunts (nylon will be retained for some types of sparring). This transition will happen gradually over the course of the next few months, so continue bringing whatever you have to practice for the moment. If you've had your eye on a blunt but have been putting it off, now is the time. If you have not, look for an announcement of our officially endorsed (and affordable!) beginner blunt soon.

Fifth, there is a strong likelihood that dues will begin being collected this fall, in order to cover operating costs, purchase loaner equipment, and ideally pay for an indoor facility off-campus. If not this fall, expect them to begin this winter.

Finally, all of these changes are in aid of our biggest announcement: we will be reforming as the new organization True Edge Academy (a future Historical European Martial Arts Alliance affiliate) at some point this fall. True Edge Academy will be a different sort of entity from ARMA, though day to day affairs will continue normally, except as noted above.

I look forward to training with all of you. As always, questions and suggestions can be directed to me.


Michael Chidester
Senior Instructor
True Edge Academy - Provo


STRENGTH AND HONOR

[Eli Combs]

Two changes:

For now, you may wear a gray or green shirt as uniform.  If you need to buy a shirt, get a green (dark/forest) one.

Also, instructor practice will begin next week, so feel free to come tonight.

Eli Combs

[Usable Weapons .]

Michael,

I would like to discuss a few things with you regarding weapons, practices, & business in general regarding this group.

Please email me sup...@usableweapons.com as I cannot find your email address.

Andrew

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Andrek & Jennowynne LLC
Director
www.usableweapons.com