Workshops and Instructors

Federico Malagutti

  • Federico Malagutti is an Italian martial artist, Historical European Martial Arts instructor, competitive swordsman, and content creator known for his deep engagement with medieval and Renaissance swordsmanship. He lives and trains in Valsesia, a small valley in northern Piedmont, Italy, and has been practicing swordsmanship since 2011, with a primary focus on the techniques and combat systems of the 14th- to early 15th-century European martial tradition.

    Malagutti’s journey into HEMA began with historical reenactment and evolved into a dedicated study of European martial arts, leading him to become a teacher. He has regularly taught and held seminars throughout Italy, Austria, France, Spain, Switzerland, Slovakia, Poland, and the United States, with a primary focus on his interpretation of Fiore dei Liberi.

    In addition to his instructional work, Malagutti regularly competes in tournaments and studies other martial arts. He has practiced Jōdō, traditional jujutsu, aikido, and kickboxing for several years each.

    He is perhaps best known online for his YouTube channel, where he produces educational videos on historical fencing techniques, martial principles, and the broader culture of HEMA practice. His digital presence extends to Instagram, Facebook, and Patreon, through which he engages with a global audience of practitioners and enthusiasts.

    Malagutti’s work aims to bridge the gap between historical research and practical application, emphasizing both the intellectual understanding of martial sources and their embodied realization in modern practice.

  • Description : The first play described by Maestro Fiore, the “Crossing at the tip of the sword”, in his book, is one of the most relevant of his system while, at the same time, one of the most misunderstood.
    This seminar will go through its interpretation and application, exploding this principle into several technical applications.

    Requirements: Full gear for the upper body and longsword/feder

    Level : Intermediate

  • Description : One of the most common problems in longsword fencing is related to the defense of the outside line.
    This seminar will explore the various defensive possibilities to parry on the outside, connecting them together into a coherent defensive scheme, using Fiore’s poste as a framework.

    Requirements: Full gear for the upper body and longsword/feder

    Level : Beginner / Intermediate

  • Description : The I.33 manual starts with a technique named “Falling under Sword and Shield”. This technique doesn’t only open up the manual, but it also opens up the various plays of the system.
    This seminar will go through its interpretation and will connect the play with the most important options presented in the manual itself.

    Requirements: Full gear for the upper body, arming sword and buckler

    Level : Intermediate

  • Coming soon

Jonathan Paulino

  • Jonathan began his journey into Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) in 2017, when he discovered the Philadelphia Common Fencers Guild under the guidance of Connor Kemp-Cowell. His initial studies focused on the Italian tradition, beginning with Fiore dei Liberi's Fior di Battaglia. Soon after, he incorporated the teachings of Filippo Vadi's De Art Gladitoria Dimicandi to supplement and deepen his understanding of Italian longsword. After testing his skills in several tournaments, Jonathan expanded his studies to include some aspects of the German fencing systems. He immersed himself in Joachim Meyer’s works and explored the glosses of the Ringeck-Döbringer-Liechtenauer (RDL) lineage. 

    Today, Jonathan continues to broaden his martial knowledge by delving into the Italian Bolognese sources and the Spanish art of Destreza. His fencing style is an eclectic blend of systems, emphasizing creative application of techniques and tactics drawn from multiple traditions. He’s known for using unexpected angles, unorthodox binds, and adaptive strategies that challenge opponents and showcase the versatility of historical fencing. A passionate educator and sparring partner, Jonathan strives to make complex concepts in HEMA feel intuitive and accessible to both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful conversation about martial theory or a friendly bout, Jonathan is always open to connect. Outside of fencing, Jonathan has a passion for Latin dancing and exploring a wide range of other hobbies. Feel free to say hello—and happy fencing!

  • Description : All of Destreza, all at once. The guards, fencing theory, specific techniques, and adaptability to other styles of fencing, specifically with the use of the Longsword. This class will be broken up into a few stages as we work through the system of Destreza and breakdown the vague poetic and very verbos teachings. The class is designed for intermediate and advance fencers, but will touch upon fundamental that every beginner may benefit from. 

    Requirements: Mask, gloves and swords for most of the class. Full kit if fencer would like to practice techniques under pressure. Water! 

    Minimal level : Intermediate, begginers welcome if you like the challenge !.

  • Description : All Vadi, all at once. The guards, fencing theory, specific Vadi techniques, and adaptability to other styles of fencing. This class will be broken up into a few stages as we work through the system of Vadi and breakdown the vague poetic teachings of this little known fencing master. The class is designed to be open to all levels of fencers, but will touch upon topics tailored to everyone from a beginner to veteran fencer. 

    Requirements: Mask, gloves and swords for most of the class. Full kit if fencer would like to practice techniques under pressure. Water! 

Patrick Bratton

  • Patrick Bratton is the head instructor of Sala della Spada Historical Fencing. He is a certified fencing instructor from Unione Sportiva Acli (Italy), United States Fencing Coaches Association, and the Sonoma State University Fencing Masters Program.  He is a student of Chris Holzman and Andrew Bullock, both from the Santelli lineage of fencing.  He has also trained with leading European instructors and competitors - Maestro Francesco Lodà, and Maestro Ton Puey.  Patrick specializes in Northern Italian military sabre and Southern/Neapolitan rapier and dueling sword.  He is one of the organizers and instructors at the annual American Smallsword Symposium.  He has earned several medals in tournaments in sabre, smallsword, and other events.  He has taught at the Cambridge Assault of Arms, SERFO, Brassfrog Assault of Arms, Funfecht, Athena School of Arms, Winston-Selem Fencing Academy, Academia Romana d'Armi (Italy), and in 2022 was the lead instructor at Sabre Slash in Prague, the Czech Republic.  

  • Description : Often called “Italian dueling sabre” this system’s origins are actually in a military system based off Radelli’s military experience in the Italian Wars of Unification. The class will cover the guard position, foot work, the six basic circular cuts (moulinets), simple attacks, actions on the blade, and simple parries. necessary).

    Minimum equipment : asic hema/historical fencing kit (mask, jacket, glove, hard forearm/elbow, etc.) and a sabre/broadsword..

    Minimal level : Beginner/Intermediate

Niles Cerro

  • Coming soon

  • Description :   Learn to swing a greatsword without hurting yourself or anyone else. I’ll be teaching the basics of Diogo Gomes de Figueyredo, translated by Eric Myers. We will go over body mechanics and how to move with a sword of roughly your height or larger.  After the basics of how to move, we will look at plays for how to monopolize space, guard a person/package, fight another

    Requirement : No gear necessary except for a Montante.  I will do what I can to supply as many as I can but you will be fine using a long Feder and I will pass my loaners around throughout the lesson.  They will also be available for most of the weekend to try out.  Just ask and I’m happy to help or let you play around. Puffy pants optional, not for practical reasons but to get the full Landsknecht experience.  In fact, it will probably make it more difficult, but you will have a +3 in Charisma.

    Level : Beginner

  • Description : We will be taking a look at Paulus Hector Mair’s Poleaxe treatise.  Come learn about the versatility of the Swiss-army- knife of medieval weapons and learn why “Pole-arms” are “Best-arms”.  This will include both armored, partially armored and unarmored combat. 

    Requirement : For this class, you will need no gear other than a Feder and mask.  We will explore some partnered drills at low speeds but you can bring your full gear to try out my poleaxes afterwards or over the weekend. Again, puffy pants optional, not for practical reasons but to get the full Landsknecht experience.

    Level : Beginner

Marli Vlok

  • Coming soon

  • Description :  Coming soon

  • Description : Coming soon

More workshops and instructors to come !