ARMA Romania? -- Getting Started

[Octav Teodorescu]

Hello everyone,

It's my first post so before I start I just want to say I look forward to plenty of enlightening conversations here on the forums ^^

I'm looking to join up with the ARMA and I have a few questions before (if) I apply:

1.1) I know it's a longshot but, does anyone here know if there are ARMA members in Romania? From what I've seen on the internet, the answer is no. Then again ARMA members don't really go brandishing their logo around on forums that much, unlike a lot of other groups, that's why I'm asking here.


1.2) If there really isn't anyone around, should I still apply? This doesn't mean I consider abandoning my passion of swordsmanship, but it might save me from a bit of disappointment.

I didn't consider this on a whim, I really want to join ARMA because from what I've seen it's the only group who shares all of the values I'm looking for.

But being completely isolated is a major drawback, and ( I think ) could ruin all my chances of joning.

2) Whether I apply or not, I'll still pursue swordsmanship. That said, I'll also still be alone. Will training alone form bad habits that will hamper me a lot in the future, or should I go for it?

I could focus on research (i.e. reading about it... ) and keeping myself fit if that's the case, and hope I'll get a chance for real training later.

Thanks.

[Stacy Clifford]

1.1) As far as I know, we do not currently have any members in Romania, but changing that has to start with someone, so 1.2) yes, you should still consider applying. We can help you recruit study group members and provide long-distance training support to get you started. I believe we still have a few members in Greece who would be closest to you.

2) Training alone will inevitably form some bad habits that need to be corrected later, but that's life and it shouldn't stop you from getting a sword in your hands and doing something. Research is important and you should be doing it, but moving is better than not moving, so get up and practice anyway. ARMA is good at providing training resources for solo members, so you will be able to start developing some good habits as well.

[David Kite]

Welcome, Octav!

When I first heard about ARMA, I was in the same position as you: there were no other members near me, so my training would be alone. However, I did not let that stop me. I have been a member of ARMA for a long time, and most of that time I have been a lone practitioner. If you practice where people can see you, and advertise in your community that you exist, you may be able to attract other people you can train with. We have had lots of successful members who practiced alone. The most important thing to remember is to keep the proper martial mindset, and to practice with energy and intent. If you do that, and study the sources, you should be able to do fairly well on your own.

Stacy is correct that we have lots of material to help you along the way, and other ARMA members have always been very helpful and supportive of people in your position.

Good luck!
David Kite
ARMA in IN

[Octav Teodorescu]

Thank you for your answers! I've sent my application and will continue as planned. Initially I wanted to post this after I recieved an answer but then I figured it might take a while ( even more so if my email landed in the spam folder ) so I did it now.