Hello all-
I'm based in Dublin, Ireland, and have had no previous experience with DBMA or indeed much in the way of FMA. My background is mainly in BJJ (blue belt), and some muay thai and boxing for stand-up. Lately I have decided to make a concerted effort to learn more about stickfighting. I am ASP certified and have done the odd single day of training at FMA seminars / classes when the opportunity arose, but that is essentially it.
I have a particular training partner that I meet once a week with who I spar with (outside of other training). He has given the thumbs up to the idea of exploring some stickfighting and learning as we go, since it is something he has wanted to try also.
I don't think either of us are overly afraid of contact, but what is the appropriate / recommended progression in terms of training gear for guys like us so that we do not ruin this for ourselves?
If we begin with action flex or another padded stick what hand, head or eye protection is suggested, if any? Down the line I would ideally like to see us using sticks, gloves and appropriate headgear but I don't want to count our chickens before they hatch, either.
I have the 'original series' volume 1 and 2 and hope to make it over to a DBMA seminar somewhere in the new year. Narrowly missed Guro Lonely in Glasgow last year.