Tag: HEMA

Interview with Longtime HEMA Instructor Steaphen Fick: Sword Fighting and Teaching, Part I

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Steaphen Fick was always interested in sword fighting, fighting at any chance he could get when he was a child. As he grew up, he found a touring fighting company in 1989, proceeding to participate in almost 2,000 duels and battles. It was not until the 1990s, where he found himself traveling all around Europe, … Continue reading Interview with Longtime HEMA Instructor Steaphen Fick: Sword Fighting and Teaching, Part I

Interview with Ninja Historian Antony Cummins: The Ninja, Samurai, and Japanese Swordsmanship

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The ninja struck a chord with many Western admirers and Antony Cummins was no exception. When he got his chance, he enrolled in the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noda, Japan, but some things were not adding up correctly. This skepticism ultimately led him to finding his research team and researching deeply into the historical ninja, … Continue reading Interview with Ninja Historian Antony Cummins: The Ninja, Samurai, and Japanese Swordsmanship

Interview with Tri-State Historical Fencing founder Alex Meloi: Mounted Combat Within Fiore dei Librei’s Manuscript

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Alex Meloi first started aikido after getting the wind knocked out of him by a karate friend. After that, it opened him up to the world of martial arts, eventually coming the Historical European Martial Arts in 2015. Over the years, he has honed and refined his knowledge of Fiore dei Librei’s manuscript, later establishing … Continue reading Interview with Tri-State Historical Fencing founder Alex Meloi: Mounted Combat Within Fiore dei Librei’s Manuscript

Interview with Berk Fencing Club Member Zachary Sturgis: The Excitement of the Sport

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Beginning to fence was like a dream come true for Zachary Sturgis. Starting at the young age of twelve, Sturgis has taken to the sport and its history, constantly honing his craft. At the time of the interview, he lives in Italy, training under Marco Vannini and Dario Finetti. Today, Sturgis took some time to … Continue reading Interview with Berk Fencing Club Member Zachary Sturgis: The Excitement of the Sport

Interview with Berks Fencing Club Founder Jon Weaver: The Beginning

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Jon Weaver first began fencing in 2000 but had a spark to join back in 1964. After publishing an article in his local newspaper and recruiting Adam Feldman, they established the Berks Fencing Club in 2001. Since then, Weaver has consistently taught beginners at the club, giving them a firm foundation to grow from. Today, … Continue reading Interview with Berks Fencing Club Founder Jon Weaver: The Beginning

Interview with Berks Fencing Club President Dan Bonfitto: Fencing in Berks County

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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

Interview with HEMA Instructor Thor Tyrsman: Historical Fencing in College

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He says it was fate that brought him to Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Thor Tyrsman of the Knight’s Blade HEMA Association oversees one of the few college/university-based HEMA clubs and has produced many students that have gone on to assist other schools and even founded their own once they graduated. Tyrsman took some time … Continue reading Interview with HEMA Instructor Thor Tyrsman: Historical Fencing in College

Interview with Mordhau Historical Combat Cofounder Brittany Reeves: Her HEMA Journey and the Revival Movement

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Brittany Reeves began her Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) journey in 2011 while in Vancouver, Canada. With a degree in Ancient and Medieval History, she cofounded Mordhau Historical Combat with her husband, Kyle Griswold, in the beginning of 2018. There, she is committed in helping guide the new generations of HEMA practitioners. Today, Reeves joins … Continue reading Interview with Mordhau Historical Combat Cofounder Brittany Reeves: Her HEMA Journey and the Revival Movement

Interview with Fencing Coach Tony Alvarez: Fencing in Middle Pennsylvania

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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