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 :  Some traditions in southern Italy are distinguished by their use of an alternative thrust mechanic and refused guard in sword and dagger. Commonly nicknamed “the starfish thrust” today, this movement allows for particularly fast and powerful counterattacks. In this class we’ll learn and practise the four basic guards and the accompanying starfish thrust, as attacks, counterattacks, and defence.

    Equipment requirements: single-handed thrusting weapon (preferably a rapier), dagger, Fencing mask, jacket, glove, gorget

  • Description : The 18th century was a period of great political and cultural changes in Italy and this heavily influenced the fencing arts. While northerners adopted the smallsword synonymous with the French, the southerners remained patriotic to their rapier roots. We see the use of comparatively long yet narrow bladed weapons with cup or bell guards, and quillons, allowing for the speed and nimbleness of the smallsword without sacrificing the deadly grace and measure advantage of the rapier.

    This class will introduce the fencing system as described by General Rosaroll-Scorza and Captain Grisetti – a complete southern Italian martial experience of the late 18th century. We will study this late period and largely unexplored rapier system by working on a variety of basic offensive and defensive actions, and contraries.

    Required equipment : Fencing mask, jacket, gorget. A smarra or light rapier is preferred but a rapier, epee, or foil will work. A thin scarf or wrist strap is optional if you'd like to tie a lighter weapon to your hand.

Christina Beaulieu

  • Christina has been practicing HEMA since 2017, where she started at Boston Armizare. A Fiorist at heart, Christina has 6 gold medals in Women’s/URG Longsword categories. She is currently an instructor at both Boston Armizare and Moose Historical Fencing in Maine, and has competed and coached all over the US and internationally. Outside of HEMA, she is a massive nerd who loves dragons and singing.

  • Description : In this class we’ll be introducing and refining the technique of wrapping the arms or sword of your opponent from the left bind. The when, where, why, and how to get in safely and score with control. No previous knowledge of Fiore is required, and there will be plenty to learn at all levels of skill.

    Minimum Equipment Required: Sword, Mask, Gloves, Gorget, Jacket and Plastron strongly recommended.

    Preferred Equipment: Full steel longsword kit from waist up.

    Level : Beginner, no previous knowledge of Fiore is required, and there will be plenty to learn at all levels of skill.

Dan Niznik

  • Dan is an instructor hailing from Kingston, Ontario. Since 2018, he has been training with both Ironwood Sword School and Broadsword Academy Kingston. He’s also a key organizer for community events such as Cutting & Combat, Warriors of Wisdom, Frostfecht, and The Krieg.

    He is a common sight at tournaments, and sometimes even on podiums. He also has an interest in the less common arms of history, such as sickles, canes, montantes, and soft weapons. And if you ask him to do some ringen in the dojo over the weekend, you’ll probably get a resounding yes.

  • Description : Let's explore some core German techniques that will have your opponents shouting "ach du lieber!"

    This workshop will teach you the 'plays of the zorn' (a suite of longsword handworks from the bind), while developing your 'fühlen' (feeling) for a more responsive approach to combat. We'll also play with the use of dagger from the belt, a staple of the German duelist.

    The lesson is perfect for those who have yet to train in the German system, or are looking to round out their German skills in the 'krieg' and close plays.

    Equipment Required: Longsword, rondel, and belt. Sparring kit preferred; mask, gorget, and gloves at minimum.

    Level : Intermediate

Christian Cameron

  • Christian started fencing at age 11 with his father, and later at a salle d’armes in Boston. He fenced classical foil, epee and sabre through University, as well as Kendo and armoured combat in the SCA. Starting in 1979 he taught French foil. Since 2008 he’s been a passionate practitioner of various HEMA weapons and styles, specializing in Fiore’s sword in two hands. Currently he’s exploring the later Bolognese corpus.

  • Description : The class will examine five ‘tempos of attack’ as defined by Giovanni dall'Agocchie with drills for direct application to modern tournament fighting. In addition, we’ll discuss the evolution of fencing ‘theories’.

    Equipment Required: To be determine

    Level : Intermediate or above. Beginners may participate but will probably struggle with terminology 

François Perreault

  • François has been practicing historical fencing since 2017, begining with longsword at La Compagnie Médiévale, where in 2019 he became an assistant instructor and then a full instructor, teaching this weapon to beginners. At the same time, he finds some 19th French fencing treatise while and quickly discovers a passion for this method. He gives himself the project of learning it during the pandemic and begins teaching it in 2021.

    François joined the Historical Fencing Guild at the end of 2024, shortly before its official foundation the following month of January. There he teaches fencing according to the French method with all its weapons (foil/épée, sabre, bayonet). He puts just as much emphasis in his instruction on the technical quality of actions as on the body mechanics that permit them. Moreover, he is engaged in translating French fencing manuals and treatises for an anglophone audience in his free time. François also occupies the role of Dean at the Guild’s administrative council.

  • Description : This workshop is an introduction to the French school of fencing and the theory of fencing it proposes. In particular, it is focused at highlighting how deeply smallsword theory interrelates with sabre in French fencing and other traditions who pull from the French school, such as British sabre methods for example. It will begin with a short crash course of French smallsword as a primer leading into sabre to demonstrate how the French approach synthesises thrust fencing mechanics with cut fencing to form contre-pointe and espadon. By the end of this workshop you will be fully equipped and capable of understanding and approaching French sources to pursue their study on your own.

    Equipment Required: To be determine

    Level : Beginner-Intermediate level

Jordi Creus Arnau

  • My name is Jordi Creus Arnau, I am 39 and I am from Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. I like to present myself as a microbiologist, hatter and historical fencer.

    I started HEMA in 2018 as a student in the club I practice in Barcelona Duo Bellum, where I started learning La Verdadera Destreza with rapier, rapier and dagger and sabre.

    Later in 2022 I moved to Montreal, Canada and I joined La Compagnie Médiévale and I started teaching as an instructor of la Verdadera Destreza with rapier. In Montreal I also started practising Irish stick fighting.

    In 2025 I moved back to Barcelona and I continued teaching La Verdadera Destreza in my first club, Duo Bellum.

    At the moment I keep working and learning with both clubs, the goal is to improve the knowledge of destreza on both sides of the ocean.
    I consider myself a very technical fencer, prioritizing the control of the fight and not being touched more than touching the opponent as much as I can.

  • Description : This workshop follows the teachings of the manual "Tratado Completo de la esgrima del sable español" by Don Jaime Merelo y Casademunt, 1862.

    The goal of this workshop is to teach the basic theory and mechanics that Don Jaime Merelo y Casadamunt put together as a military sabre style for the Spanish army in the XIX century based on the spanish fencing system, La Verdadera Destreza, from the XVI century.

    We will learn how La Verdadera Destreza system from the XVI century was adapted to sabre to create a safe and efficient sabre style keeping the same destreza basis.

    Also we will learn the particularities of the style like the footwork, the parries, the thrusts, atajo and disarm.

    At the end of the workshop the student should be able to see the difference between the spanish sabre and other european styles.

    I recommend this workshop for people interested in sabre or la verdadera destreza to add more tools in their fencing knowledge.

    Equipment Required: Sabre (curve or straight blade), any gloves (preferible light or medium), mask and forearm protector. 

    Level : Intermediate level.

Jaimie-Lynn Leblanc-Ykema

  • Coming from a farming town in Godmanchester Quebec, my first art was nothing of martial but rather equestrian gymkhana racing. Following my years of being an equestrian, I sought to do mounted combat, and in doing so, realized a passion for the blade.

    Started SCA heavy combat in 2019 right before the pandemic and was off fighting for the following years until in 2024 when I got introduced to rapier combat. Joined the HEMA club Destreza Nova Laval under the teaching of André Hajjar in 2024 and competed in several tournaments in both SCA and HEMA, with respectable results. To this day, I continue my study of HEMA and focus on my improvement in many weapon forms, with my preference being in sidesword and rapier.

  • Description : This workshop focuses primarily upon the psychological and physical considerations when one is to face a left-handed fighter within a bout between swords.

    Psychologically, the big question to pose and address: why do left-handed fencers have a statistically higher rate of success than their right-handed counterparts?

    Our goal is to learn what to expect when facing a left-handed fighter within a bout. I’ll be going over the common misconceptions within the sport, logic, basic statistics as well as techniques to approach a “lefty”. Extrapolating insights from Fabris, Thibault and Capo Ferro; we will go over positioning of sword and body in order to maximize advantage and control. There are many weapon forms that can covered within this topic but I will be mainly covering with rapier.

    Equipment Required: Coming soon

    Level : This is a class that touches upon concepts that I would consider more important to beginner and intermediate fencers.

Evan Macdonald

  • Coming soon

  • Description : This workshop explores close-range Messer fighting, Overrunning to give pressure and gain control using some practical and some more flashy techniques. Using plays and counters from Leckuchners Kunst des Messer Fechten, we’ll work on entering bravely into the fight and wrestling at the sword arm. We’ll also examine disarms and how to apply them through mechanics, not strength. This workshop treats the Messer not just as a cutting weapon, but as a tool for decisive close combat.

    Equipment Required: Messe, mask, gorget. gloves, elbows and forearms recommended

    Level : Suitable for any level of pracitioner

David Mène

  • David has been practicing HEMA since 2012. His multidisciplinary approach has allowed him to develop in-depth expertise in several systems, with a specialization in the Bolognese tradition of the sidesword according to Achille Marozzo and Giovanni Dall’Agocchie, and the sword and buckler system of Antonio Manciolino, which he teaches regularly. His instruction emphasizes technical rigor, biomechanics, and tactical awareness, while making the techniques and historical sources accessible and easy to understand.

    A seasoned fighter, he has competed in numerous tournaments and won several international medals in sidesword and sword and buckler. An instructor at the Compagnie Médiévale since 2015, he frequently leads workshops, organizes events, and in 2024 co-founded the Montreal tournament Warrior’s Edge.

    A passionate teacher deeply involved in the community, David enjoys sharing his knowledge and strives to guide each student in their progression by creating an environment where beginners and more experienced fencers enjoy practicing together.

  • Description : This workshop explores strategies of provocation, transitions, and control of the fight according to several Bolognese sources, including the Opera Nova by Antonio Manciolino and the Bolognese Anonimo. Participants will discover how to trigger an opponent’s reaction, create openings, and transition efficiently between positions and guards in order to quickly seize the initiative and impose their tempo.

    During the workshop, we will place particular emphasis on three essential aspects of fighting: how to provoke and invite effectively while remaining safe, how to move from one guard to another while maintaining safety, and most importantly, how to control the exchange by combining structure, tempo, and distance in order to impose your tempo and your strategy.

    The workshop will begin with several parry/riposte maneuvers in both high and low guards, while learning to transition smoothly between different guards during movement. Participants will also work on mastering entry into and exit from the danger zone in order to gain both safety and efficiency.

    Once these foundations are established, we will focus on the approach game and invitations, on tempo breaks using both the false and true edge, as well as on the different options for counterattacks and retreats.

    Equipment Required: Full upper-body protective equipment, a sidesword or arming sword + a buckler.

    Level : Intermediate / Advanced

  • Description : Based on the teachings of Captain Péloquin, a French fencing master active at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries and a rare figure of the French martial tradition preserved in surviving sources, this treatise composed of fifty plates stands out notably for its diagrams that superimpose several dimensions. It allows the exploration of a dueling style that combines concepts of the sidesword and the emerging rapier. The manuscript focuses primarily on the technique of fighting with sword and dagger, weapons frequently worn together in duels and civilian confrontations in France at the time. It thus offers a specifically French perspective on swordsmanship during a period when most surviving methods originate from Italy or Germany.

    This workshop offers a living immersion into this transitional fencing system, where both weapons constantly interact and work together to gain control of the line and dominate the center. Emphasis is placed on bilateral coordination, the simultaneous threat of both points, and economy of movement in service of tactical efficiency. Participants will study tirades as drawing actions intended to provoke the opponent’s reaction, cavements as subtle disengagements under blade pressure, batteries as a means of disrupting the opponent’s structure, as well as estramaçons used to break rhythm and create disorganization. Particular attention will be given to the dagger’s deceptive actions, revealing the strategic subtlety of a secondary weapon that remains fully active within the logic of the duel.

    Equipement : Full upper-body protective equipment, a sidesword or rapier + a dagger

    Level : Beginner / Intermediate

More workshops and instructors to come !