Go To & Get Slaying!
So you wanna be a fighter? Be it Heavy Fighting, Cut & Thrust, or Rapier, there's a hard way and an easier way to prepare yourself.
THE HARD WAY: do not seek help or advice from anywhere. Try to process a thousand years of collective human knowledge on the art of medieval warfare all on your own, then alter it slightly to fit the Rules of Engagement in the Current Middle Ages (SCA).
THE EASIER WAY: Go to Armoring Classes. Find them at (unofficial) Fighter Sundays, Where Armoring is a Pleasure. Almost every Sunday, you will find tools and materials you can borrow, knowledge and skill to partake of, and good company & camaraderie.
And eat. Most times (there are occasional shop-only) a potluck type thing occurs. If you plan to be there a while, it's nice to bring something to share (snack, side dish, etc.) Bring whatever you want to drink. Let the hosts know you are coming so they will be ready, as they often cook something, too. HINT: Always Check before stopping by the shop to make sure the Fighters are not afield and thus at War or Tournament, especially in the Summer and Fall.
The knowledgeable fighters there can guide you as you build/acquire your first kit of armor or improve your last They can help with weaponry and shields as well.
Join Fighter Sundays on Book of Faces (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/364327937033071/
Or Email me (HELVI) for more contact information. My Good Man, Ronan (John Paul), who goes there many a Sunday, would be pleased to introduce you to your host and Venerated Armoring Guy, Chingis.
Chingis is amazing at getting fighters up and ready for practices (On Tuesdays - see Fighter Practice on Book of Faces (https://www.facebook.com/groups/256143011097207/). Fighter Practice is where you'll learn the Art of Combat and more. Best way to get up to speed is to go there, and learn from the best among the Order of Knighthood.
INSPIRING Links and INSTRUCTIONAL videos below:
Did you know there is even a way to make orthopedic knee cops with cuisses to protect better (useful in the case of an old war wound or football injury, freak accident, etc.) ? Did you know armor can (and frequently is) adapted to protect the female fighter, too? Did you know that An Tir has a household of skilled Roman fighters who roam about from time to time?