TRAINING STEPS

_____ 2. Decide on a style to learn. By default this is usually WEAPON & SHIELD. In some kindgoms it is required to be your first style. This is because it is potentially safest to learn defense with. Other kingdoms don't have such requirements, but urge people to start with a shield.

_____ 3. Begin practicing! Your instructor should have access to loaner armour to get you started. The benefits of borrowing at the beginning are that you not only start learning right away, but more importantly, this allows you the chance to find your likes and dislikes in a one style of armour. This helps prevent reworking your armour early on.

_____ 4. Gather your own armour. This is the most important step you will ever take. Your armour is the heart of your ability to fight. Your Helmet is the most important - get this first, then work on the rest of your armour. Be certain that every thing is legal in your area, and that you cover the areas you need most - based on experience. Your instructor should be able to relay the rules & regs of your area to you, and also advise you on the best way to build/buy your armour.

_____ 5. Develop your style of fighting. Your style will be based on the style of your armour, the weapons you use, and your instructors influence. The best way to Authorize is be safe in your style of fighting. You'll be more comfortable, and confident, which will help prevent you from making unsafe mistakes.

_____ 6. Get better. If you wait a little while, and get comfortable in your fighting syle before you authorize, you'll get off to a better start. I know from experience that getting your authorization is such an immediate preoccupation that you want to get it over with as soon as possible. But, there are benefits to waiting a little while. The largest one is that you start your fighting career wiht enough knowledge to avoid simple mistakes - such as closing your eyes during a bout. Another thing to consider is your image. You want to make a good show at your first tournament, then people will be less likely to offer abstrat advise. The other benefit is that it also makes your instuctor look good. You may think that this is irrelevant, however, it does apply directly to you. If you look good, then your instructor looks good, and if your instructor looks good, then people will have more respect for your fighting style. It sounds trivial, but if you consider your instructor to be a university, you know that a university is judged by the students that it trains. How would people react to you if you graduated from Johns-Hopkins or Oxford, and how would they react if you came from a community college? That is the relationship you have with your instructor.

_____ 7. Get Authorized! Finally. If your instructor says, it's time to go - then go! You will have to authorize according to the laws of your kingdom. They vary from kingdom to kingdom, but your instructor will make sure you are ready - that's their job. The main goal here is to prove that you know the rules, and are safe. Don't let someone with control problems give you any trouble. Make sure your instructor is with you, and that your instructor knows the laws enough to avoid an embarassing moment for anyone.

Lord Robin of the Whip