Tag: Olympic Fencing

Interview with Futabakai Founder Nobukazu Miura: Teaching Kendo and Iaido

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Nobukazu Miura first studied kendo as part of a physical education program in high school. After moving to North Carolina to open a Japanese restaurant, Miura restarted training kendo in 2000. He then relocated to Washington, DC, began teaching there, then moved to Pennsylvania and opened another Japanese restaurant. There, he met aikidoka Todd Kupper, … Continue reading Interview with Futabakai Founder Nobukazu Miura: Teaching Kendo and Iaido

The “Do” in the Martial Arts

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The reasons why we take a martial art (or many) varies from person to person. One person may want to learn the inner workings of themselves, another may want to find a decent form of exercise, and someone else may want to learn to fight and compete. Each person uses an art for their own … Continue reading The “Do” in the Martial Arts

A Layman’s Observation: Weapons, Distance, and Application

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What is the point of doing weapons work, especially what some may perceive as outdated weapons work? Not many people carry swords, sticks, staves, clubs, shields, bucklers, polearms, or even daggers. Not in 2024. Not in the developed world. While the practical applications of such weapons are not the most socially acceptable (or the easiest … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Weapons, Distance, and Application

Interview with SoCal Swords Founder RJ McKeehan: Training and Supplying HEMA Part I

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Swords were always enticing to RJ McKeehan, especially after a friend from Europe told him about the historical fencing events being held in the continent. He finally got the chance to try his hand at historical fencing in 2010 when he attended California State University. There, he learned from Jonathan Mashar and Jason Taylor who … Continue reading Interview with SoCal Swords Founder RJ McKeehan: Training and Supplying HEMA Part I

Interview with Lightspeed Saber League Founder Cang Snow: The Uniqueness of Light-Based Fencing

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After spending some time in Olympic Epee, Cang Snow wanted to find a sport that was both fun for the participant and the spectator. He set out to establish Lightspeed Saber League for just that. In the aftermath of the recent Covid pandemic, the League has grown, something which Snow is planning on continuing. Today, … Continue reading Interview with Lightspeed Saber League Founder Cang Snow: The Uniqueness of Light-Based Fencing

Interview with Macdonald Academy of Arms Founder Paul Macdonald: Finding and Exploring Historical Fencing

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Zorro first inspired Paul Macdonald to pick up a sword and fence. He did not start officially fencing until he reached university level, learning Modern Olympic Fencing. Something was missing from this type of fencing for Macdonald. That something was found in Domenico Angelo’s late seventeenth century treatise and the rest for him was history. … Continue reading Interview with Macdonald Academy of Arms Founder Paul Macdonald: Finding and Exploring Historical Fencing

Interview with Shin Sou Fu Kan Founder Michael Lindsay: Koki Abe and Oklahoma Kendo, Part I

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Kendo interested Michael Lindsay, even after training in karate and Olympic Fencing in his younger years. When he arrived at college in 2004, he found Senshikan Dojo under the direction of Koki Abe and Lindsay quickly took to Japanese swordsmanship and fostering a friendship with Abe. When Abe left to return to Japan in 2006, … Continue reading Interview with Shin Sou Fu Kan Founder Michael Lindsay: Koki Abe and Oklahoma Kendo, Part I

Interview Rockville Squadron Founder Chris Stadther: Finding Fencing During the Pandemic

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After spending fifteen years of Olympic Fencing, Chris Stadther was looking for another form of fencing that complemented his previous training. He found Lightspeed Saber League but continued to look for a group to train with. When he did during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, he quickly took to it. Within a year, Stadther founded his … Continue reading Interview Rockville Squadron Founder Chris Stadther: Finding Fencing During the Pandemic

Interview with Star Temple Lead Instructor Dakota Eggert: Culture in a Fast Fencing League

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Lightspeed Saber appealed to Dakota Eggert differently than other sports like boxing and karate. He cites that the culture of Lightspeed Saber keeps him coming back to continue training and teaching. In 2019, Eggert founded his Star Temple school and has seen the Lightspeed Saber League grow since he joined. Today, Eggert discusses the culture … Continue reading Interview with Star Temple Lead Instructor Dakota Eggert: Culture in a Fast Fencing League

Interview with 417 HEMA Founder José Ortiz-Inchausty: Fencing From Puerto Rico to Missouri

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Like many historical fencers before the explosion of the internet, YouTube, and other platforms, José Ortiz-Inchausty early training was composed of pieces of information coupled with his background in previous martial arts. His interest in historical fencing became more apparent while he was in college and a few of his friends helped him and each … Continue reading Interview with 417 HEMA Founder José Ortiz-Inchausty: Fencing From Puerto Rico to Missouri