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 I
Peter Haas began training historical fencing in 2015 at Sword Class NYC in the middle of some life changes. Additionally, he studies Toyama-ryu, which has expanded his understanding of swordsmanship. In the year that followed 2015, Haas created Kollektiv des Messerfechtens and Squinting Rabbit Productions, and teaches at Gotham Swords, striving to be a mentor … Continue reading Interview with Historical Fencing Mentor Peter Haas: Involvement in the HEMA Community
One could say that the martial arts called out to Paul Manogue, as he experienced everything from fencing, kendo, aikido, judo, and kenjutsu. He first found aikido when he was going to university in Japan and began training under Gozo Shioda. When he returned home, Manogue began studying under Yukio Utada in Philadelphia. Soon, he … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Raritan Valley Founder Paul Manogue: From Japan and Back Again
Cohen, Richard. By the Sword: Gladiators, Musketeers, Samurai Warriors, Swashbucklers, and Olympians. London: Pocket, 2003. I recall starting this book when I was much younger, driven by my desire to take and ingest all things sword and samurai. I remember my younger self being disappointed that though in the subtitle mentioned samurai, the book wasn’t … Continue reading Reflecting on By the Sword
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
Tony Alvarez began intensively training in fencing in 1999 and soon became certified in saber, epee, and foil. In 2010, Alvarez founded his Carlisle Fencing Club, where he currently teaches. Today, Alvarez joins us in discussing Olympic-style fencing. All images provided by Tony Alvarez. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Hello and welcome Mr. … Continue reading Interview with Fencing Coach Tony Alvarez: Fencing in Middle Pennsylvania
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 