You Asked For It

Thanks to everyone who has sent in a question via e-mail about Urban Ronin. We have posted the most common questions (and answers) here.

1. When does training start?

   
   

   Answer: Every Sunday at 2:00 PM at Miami's Tropical Park. We'll be just inside the SW 40th Street (Bird Road) entrance to the park.

   
   

   Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. Bare feet are not allowed! I highly recommend you wear a hat and bring sun screen since it will be hot. Come to practice ready to work out. You will get dirty.

   
   

   Parental units/guardians are welcome to attend any of our practices and we will be happy to answer all questions. If you have any questions about practice, just email me.

2. How much does training cost?

   
   

   Answer: Training costs $5 per month. If you want to pay the full year in advance then it costs $50 (we give you a two month discount). For this price you get access to everything we teach, only limited by your physical capabilities. Considering everything we offer, that is damn cheap.

3. Do we need to be in top athletic shape?

   
   

   Answer: No. While this is a physical sport, you don't need to be in top physical condition to learn the basics. Some of our more advanced techniques, like parkour, require you to be in good shape. Obviously if you have a handicap, you need to be realistic about your physical capabilities.

4. My parents want to come and see a practice. Is that alright?

   
   

   Answer: Sure. I think it's real nice of you to let your parents outside. We encourage your family to see what we do. Any of our trainers will be happy to answer their questions and discuss safety issues with them.

5. What are those stretchy bracelets some of the people are wearing?

   
   

   Answer: Those simple chain maille bracelets are part of our ranking system, similar to the belt system in most Martial Arts. The way to move up is by earning points, whether by learning new weapons, creating props and costumes, helping with shows, teaching others, and so forth. Here's a quick run-down of the way the ranks and points are broken down:

   • White (5 points)
   • Orange (10 points)
   • Green (25 points)
   • Blue (50 points)
   • Brown (100 points)
   • Black (250 points)
   • Red: This is reserved for Trainers.
   • Gold: When a member goes above an beyond the call of duty, they are given a special award. This gold band is reserved for those who achieve Knighthood with the Urban Ronin.

6. What weapons can I study?

   Answer: We teach unarmed, basic blades, staff, spear, club, katana, grappling, rapier, broadsword, cutlass, mace, dagger, axe, machete, saber, war hammer, jo staff, khopesh, cestus, a whole host of wicked looking pole arms and pretty much everything that isn't a whip, flail or projectile weapon. For safety reasons we don't teach anything thats not 100% controllable.

   
   

   We also offer Parkour training, cosplay seminars, costume workshops, acting classes, public speaking, leatherworking, maille classes and the occasional prop making session with our Master Artificers.