I discussed this a few months ago, on the Fighting Skills forum, but now that everything is official it merits a bigger plug here.
The first (I hope annual) Fighter Academy will be held the weekend of May 29th at Spring Valley campground, otherwise known as the home of Ragnarok.
Full details found here:
http://www.dagorhir.com/forums/index.php?topic=12848The webpage and pre-reg is here:
http://taurendor.bravehost.com/fightacademy.htmlHere is what you need to know:
-it is a weekend of intense fighting and skill development
-as such, it will be fighters-only, so everyone there will be either a good fighter who wants to get better, a great fighter who wants to teach others, or an ambitious new fighter who wants to become good
-in addition to having fighting classes and running scenarios and battles intended to allow fighters to put those skills into use, we will also be having a weapons making workshop, including a.) high-performance swords with thrusting tips and b.) graphite-core javelins that can be aimed accurately up to maybe 60 feet (and self-stabilize) among others
-the point of this event is to provide a place for new fighters, especially those who really don't know how to fight well yet, to be surrounded by veterans who have a serious approach to fighting, and to get to know them. It is also a place to come to further develop and solidify the community of serious fighters in Dagorhir (and also Belegarth) in a technical, training-oriented atmosphere that has heretofore been largely lacking, at least in the East.
-the cost of the event is 20 bucks; we need about 50 people to show up if we are to break even, and any additional funds will go towards the next year's event.
Obviously, this takes its inspiration from Amtgard's Sword Knight boot camp, as well as from the fact that there are a lot of new fighters in Dagorhir (and I expect Belegarth, but perhaps to a lesser degree) who come in, start fighting nowhere near an established realm, and then show up at a national event having no real ability with foam fighting. This was my experienced--I came to Ragnarok, I had no idea how to fight, I got my **** wrecked repeatedly and left that event feeling kind of down on myself. But now we have the resources and the will to get new fighters on board with the techniques they will need to build a solid foundation, as well as to provide experienced fighters with more insight into what they already know, and new goals towards which they can work.
If you are within driving distance of this event, I strongly urge you to come. It will be a weekend of hard fighting and serious training. The event site is kickass and the hosts are very cooperative and familiar with our organization, moreover, the campground is right near all the comforts of home (Mmmm...USA Steak Buffet) and also the interstate.