While at fencing, I opted to work with the epee after training primarily with foil for several months. I was looking for something different – a spur of the moment choice. Throughout the practice, I was surprised at how effective my advances were, especially for a weapon I have not trained in some time. To … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: The Importance of Kamae
By the invitation of a high school friend, Lyon MacKeegan found himself being geared up for a Society for Creative Anachronism heavy combat bout. Shortly after, MacKeegan joined the rapier side of the SCA and continued has not looked back since. Throughout his thirty-plus years of active membership, he rose to the position of Rapier … Continue reading Interview with Rapier Marshal Lyon MacKeegan: Fighting in the Past and Recreating the Past, Part II
For several years now, I have taken up Olympic Fencing, learning the three weapons: foil, epee, and sabre. Coming from a martial arts background where the training revolves around the concepts of avoidance and proper position, I have found that the sporting culture of fencing does not yet synthesize all that well. For me, in … Continue reading Martial Mindset Versus a Sports Mindset
Christopher Curtis first encountered aikido through a meeting with Yoshimitsu Yamada as part of a theatre group. Later, when participating in a three-year meditation retreat, he found his lifelong instructor Shinichi Suzuki and quickly joined the Maui Aikido Dojo. Staying with Suzuki, Curtis had the opportunity to train in Japan at the Ki-Aikido/Ki Society Hombu … Continue reading Interview with Hawaiian Ki-Aikidoka Christopher Curtis: Ki and Shinichi Suzuki in Hawaii
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a local fencing tournament. The participants were beginners of the sport who had just finished their ten-week introductory course. Being beginners, the fencers competed with the foil, where only the torso was the valid scoring area. Throughout the experience, being new to the sport, both the newly inducted … Continue reading Fencing and Kendo: A Layman’s Observation
Dan Bonfitto began French foil fencing while in college, then turned to stage fighting. He soon found Berks Fencing Club and was hooked after the first practice. By 2019, the club elected him as president. Today, Bonfitto took some time to talk with us about Olympic Fencing in Pennsylvania. All images provided by Dan Bonfitto. … Continue reading Interview with Berks Fencing Club President Dan Bonfitto: Fencing in Berks County
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 