We welcome anyone to come out and see what we do; if you have any interest in swords or weapons from the period, you’ll surely be in awe. If you’re skeptical about the existence or efficacy of European Martial Arts, please come out and we’d be happy to show you the depth of its history and application.

     Beginners are welcome to any class to observe. To come out and participate, please contact one of the officers in advance so we can expect you and best accommodate you. First-timers and beginners should wear a white t-shirt and black exercise pants, if possible. After a certain amount of time, we will ask you to join the club officially, and we hope you’ll continue to come back. Equipment of various kinds will be available for loan at first, but anyone seriously interested will need to purchase some things.

     To become a member of the club and receive full instruction and participation, you must officially join the ARMA. This involves a $4o first-time fee, with a $35 per year renewal after that. Because we are a study group on a university campus, we get a $5 discount on membership, but the figures quoted in the previous sentence already reflect that discount. The benefits are astounding, however, for such a small fee; once you see the huge amount of information available on the internet and other venues, you will see that it is worth it.

     Once a member of the club, attire will be mandatory red and black, as these are the official colors of the ARMA (convenient… huh?). A plain red t-shirt of any kind (avoid logos, graphics, etc.) will do, preferably the official ARMA t-shirt. Bottoms should be all-black sweatpants or any other type of athletic pant (again, avoid logos, stripes, etc.).

     Necessary equipment includes a longsword waster and a fencing mask. These may be expensive, but also need not be. As we understand the sometimes tight budgets for college students, we will have loaner gear, though it may have to be shared at times, especially as we’re just getting started. Optional equipment thereafter will include wasters of other sword types, rapier simulators, padded weapons, gloves, steel blunts, steel sharps, etc. We also recommend a cup for males and potentially equivalent protection for females, if planning on doing any free-play (see link listed under the “important note” at the bottom). Though safety precautions will prevent striking to this area intentionally, it’s always just a good backup.

Important Note: Are you a female wondering whether or not this is right for you? Don’t be concerned; if you have a genuine interest, you will fit right in with everyone else. Everyone is welcome regardless of gender! However, our fencing females can and should check out this helpful article by our director John Clements concerning the subject.

Sincerity of Effort

Integrity of Scholarship

Appreciation of Martial Spirit

Cultivation
of Self-Discipline