The advice given here is all sound, and there's no one "correct way" of approaching Amtgard. My advice would be to keep it simple, at least to start with. Information overload is something that is likely to confuse you until you see practical applications of what you already know. One simple path you could take is:

1. Come down to Crimson Circle. Let us know when you'll be coming, and we'll make sure not only that you can find us, but also that we plan a variety of activities that you can take back to Sturgeon Bay with you and will be appropriate to your experience level.

2. Familiarize yourselves with the rulebook, but don't get too hung up on the details you don't yet understand until you're able to come down to Green Bay one of these days. Have a list ready at that point, and we can explain and demonstrate the answers.

3. While you're here, have a couple different people show you how they made their weapons. You'll be glad you did.

Anything else you need to learn can be learned through participating in discussions on here, searching E-Sam, or, most importantly, coming out to the park.

Baronet Orkin
Sheriff of Crimson Circle

I too get annoyed with ESam, so you will probably want to join eventually but give it some time (a couple months). Crimson Circle is a great park, and perfect for someone to start out with. They are all friendly helpful and got a good grasp of what Amtgard should be about.

Dart and Ristil are correct about Traveling too. Once you feel comfortable explore the outside world of Amtgard. There is alot to be learned (and unfortunatly some of it is bad) by traveling. If you travel you will meet some of the very best that Amtgard has to offer, both fighters and A&S.

Duke of the Frostlands.

First off if you have questions etc one of the best places to go would be electricsamurai.com

The best of the best in all of amtgard are there...as well as the worst sometimes but all in all they are great for info. ;o)

I would make sure and read the rules several times each (the more you know about a game the better you will be in said game). Also the rules of amtgard are just weird at times and it takes several readings to get them down...

Also traveling is a great way to get you and your friends hooked, CC is a great park for you guys to get your feet wet in (nice and close etc) there is also another park in Oshkosh called the Frostlands that meets on Sundays if that might work for you to come on down and meet with us from time to time. The more people you fight with the faster you learn and the more you grow! ;o)

Squire to Sir Gregor
Regent of the Rising Winds
House of the Mask