Gallowglass Academy, Inc.February 28
Introduction to The Arte of Defence (one day, two instructors: Allen Reed and Michael Pennock)
Students in this class will be introduced to the fast paced and exciting
martial art of European swordplay of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Students will learn fencing as it was practiced throughout western Europe based
on the instructors' study of both historic treatises and modern texts, and work
with other scholars in the use of the rapier.
Those interested in
taking this class will be actors and re-enactors who want to learn more about
the historic fighting style they are recreating, martial artists who want to
learn more about their European heritage and, of course, anyone who has grown up
watching the great swashbuckling movies from Hollywood!
Equipment: Rapier simulator, mask, gloves, doublet or equivalent heavy long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt. Some equipment will be available for loan (please do ask, ahead of time!). Groin protection required for men, recommended for women.
April 18-19 CANCELLED
Cossacks on the Rock River
or
An Introduction to ROSS- Russian Martial Arts from a Biomechanical
Perspective
This two-day seminar will present an overview of the ROSS system of Russian martial arts developed by Alexander Retuinskih from traditional methods and modern sport science, then taught to various units in the Russian Special Forces. The seminar will present the core concepts of the system, as well as a selection of exercises designed to teach students of all backgrounds to begin to move effectively.
Day 1 will focus primarily on empty-hand material, and will cover an
introduction to:
Range of motion exercises to improve movement, balance,
and coordination
A selection of specialized combat acrobatics for supple
strength and agility
Basic striking exercises from Russian fisticuffs
and hand-to-hand combat
Defensive exercises emphasizing fluid motion
and avoidance of force
Methods of controlling your opponent’s joint
structure and balance
Fluid response exercises to begin applying the
motions and concepts in a controlled
but realistic
environment
Day 2 will focus primarily on knife defense, and will include:
Basic exercises to develop dexterity, coordination, and comfort with a
knife
Additional defensive movements and drills
Foundational
movements of the ROSS sport knife fighting system
Yet more fluid
response exercises for safe practice
The ROSS system builds sophisticated actions out of simple movement concepts.
So, while either day’s class can stand alone, the most satisfying results will
be obtained through attendance on both days.
ROSS
The ROSS training system, or Russian Style of Hand-to-Hand
Combat was developed by Mr. Alexander Retuinskih from the Spiridonovian System
(SAMOZ- a Russian martial style that came in to use during World War I) combined
with his extensive background in SAMBO.
Additionally, in creating ROSS,
Mr. Retuinskih drew heavily from other traditional Russian martial styles,
including: Buza, Skobar, the fighting systems of the Cossacks, and other
lineages which had been preserved through the centuries.
Often confused
with the Systema of Mr. Vladimir Vasiliev and Mr. Mikhail Ryabko, ROSS is a
distinct style with its own teaching methods and theories. However, as is true
with almost all Russian martial styles, there are definite similarities in
approach- such as the absence of "techniques" and the use of free, unrestricted
movement.
ROSS is an acronym for the Russian words meaning: The Native
Russian System of Self Defense.
(Primary source: Retuinskih, A. I.
Russian Style of Hand-to-Hand Combat: The "ROSS" Training System.
American Academy for Russian Martial Art and Combat Skill, 1997.)
Randal Gustitis has been training in the
martial arts for 24 years. His early training was in Karate, Taijiquan, and
Western fencing, although he has branched out over the years to also include a
variety of Eastern and Western martial arts. An amateur hoplologist, he has
traveled to New Zealand, where he was the first mainland American to be ranked
in the Maori martial arts, as well as to Portugal to research and study Jogo do
Pau.
In the Western arts, Randal is a ROSS instructor, and an avid
practitioner of Jogo do Pau do Ilha Terceira. He is actively involved in the
interpretation of Joachim Meyer’s quarterstaff, and of the rapier manual of
Girard Thibault, which is derived from the Spanish school of
swordsmanship.
In the Eastern arts, Randal is an instructor of Yang
style Taijiquan, with 22 years experience, and holds a Sandan ranking in Meishin
Muso Ryu Iaido. He is currently a silat student in the Sutrisno Family System
under Guru Tristan Sutrisno.
Additionally, Randal runs a ROSS/Jogo do
Pau club at Bryn Mawr College, and occasionally teaches wushu for Physical
Education credit at the college.
July 25 CANCELLED!
Fighting with the Highland Dirk
July 25 @River Valley Complex
605 S. Main St., Leaf River IL
Allen Reed, Instructor
Site Opens at 9 AM, Seminar runs from 10 AM to 5 PM
$50 registration fee until July 15; $75 at the door
Learn the close in fighting
style of the Highland Scots using the dirk. Class will involve
learning the background of the use of the dirk, guards, attacks,
grappling and throws.
Participants should wear comfortable workout clothes with soft
soled shoes. Also, must have a heavy duty sweatshirt, light jean jacket
or equivalent and a pair of protective glasses (sport goggles, shooting
glasses or equivalent.) Men must wear an athletic cup.
2010 classes and seminars
CANCELLED
February 2-March 9, 2010 -- Tuesdays 8-9pm
Highland Community College
Freeport, IL
Allen Reed, Instructor
Learn techniques for protecting and defending yourself in a variety of situations. Men and women can benefit from the physical and mental aspects of this training, offered by our experienced instructor
Book: Self-Defense: Steps to Survival, by Katy Mattingly; published 2007 by Human Kinetics
Participants should wear comfortable clothing. Men must wear an athletic cup. Also suggest note pad and pen.
March 6, 2010 -- Saturday, 10am-4pm
James Bowie and His Knife
Highland Community College WEST CAMPUS
Elizabeth, IL
Allen Reed, Instructor
Bowie survived major wounds during the famous Vidalia Sandbar fight in 1827 and went on to join the Texas Revolution against Mexico where he died with David Crockett and William Travis at the Alamo in 1836.
This class will examine the life and times of Bowie, and students will learn how to use the big fighting knife given Bowie’s name by knife makers and those who used it throughout the 19th century.
Comfortable workout clothing including long sleeved sweatshirt, safety glasses, men must wear an athletic cup. Also suggest forearm pads (soccer shin pads) and light leather gloves, such as work/gardening gloves.
Students may also want to bring a fencing mask or other full face protective device. Some loaner gear will be available.
Bartitsu! The Martial Art of Sherlock Holmes
with Allen Reed
$50 until April 10; $75 thereafter and at the door
Lunch included
River Valley Complex, 605 S. Main St., Leaf River IL
In 1898, the New Art of Self Defence called Bartitsu was introduced to
England by Edward William Barton-Wright. Bartitsu was a combination
of savate, jiujitsu, pugilism, and walking stick fighting.
Barton-Wright developed Bartitsu to defeat the fearsome street gangs of
Edwardian London.
By combining Asian and European fighting styles, Bartitsu may well
have been the first Mixed Martial Art. Conan Doyle had Sherlock Holmes
use Bartitsu against Professor Moriarty, his mortal enemy, to throw him
from the top of Reichenbach waterfall.
This class will provide a practical beginning in this historical system, as well as how to use it for modern self defense.
REQUIREMENTS: Participants should wear comfortable workout clothes, and
should bring a sturdy walking stick, cane or 3/4"-1" diameter dowel rod
of about 36" long. Gallowglass Academy requires groin protection for
men, and recommends it for women.
with Allen Reed
May 1, 2010 9am - 5pm
$50 until April 26 $75 thereafter and at the door
Lunch at Country Leaf Cafe
class at River Valley Complex, 605 S. Main St.,
Leaf River IL
A close combat weapon favored by both Indian warriors and White
settlers of the 18th and 19th centuries, the Tomahawk represents the
melding of European technology and weapon systems with the Native use
of the war club.
REQUIREMENTS: Participants should wear comfortable workout clothes, and
should bring a belt or heavy sash and a Tomahawk with sheath or a 1-lb
ball-peen hammer with a 16-18" wooden handle.
Gallowglass Academy requires groin protection for men, and recommends
it for women. Reenactors of all stripes are encouraged to wear
historical kit, and all participants should bring clothing appropriate
for portions of the class to be held outside, weather permitting.
Unrecognized Guid format.Women's Self Defense
Saturday, July 10, 2010 1-5 PM
River Valley Complex (room #108)
605 Main St., Leaf River, IL 61047
You have the absolute right to defend yourself
Gallowglass Academy offers a 4-hour self defense class led by
Association for Women’s Self Defense Advancement (AWSDA) members and
Certified Instructors Andrea Dubnick & Allen Reed.
Class is open to women only, 14 and older. Parent or legal guardian must accompany women under 18.
Tuition for the class will be $15 each, $10 each additional family
member. No martial arts experience or athletic ability necessary.
Wear comfortable workout clothes or street-wear. Need-based
scholarship assistance may be available – please ASK!
Preregister by June 30, 2010 by mail (PO Box 201, Leaf River, IL 61047)
phone (815-973-1064) or email (GallowglassAcad@aol.com)
Unrecognized Guid format.More Bowie Knife History and Combat
Saturday July 31, 2010
Site Opens at 9AM, Seminar runs 10AM to 5PM
River Valley Complex, 605 Main St, Leaf River, IL 61047
$50 registration until July 15
$75 thereafter or at the door
The Bowie knife in the hands of a well
trained fighter is one of the most devastating weapons ever developed.
This seminar introduces a practical and efficient system of using a
Bowie knife.
Named for James Bowie, who killed his mortal enemy Norris Wright
with a large knife at the Vidalia Sandbar Fight in 1827, the Bowie
knife came to be carried by soldiers, mountain men and settlers
throughout the United States.
Students should wear comfortable work out clothes including a heavy
duty sweatshirt, light leather gloves, rigid eye protection, and a
belt. Men must wear an athletic cup.
Other suggested gear includes fencing mask or closed face martial
arts head protection; padded gloves, such as hockey gloves or
equivalent; martial arts chest protection; forearm protection, such as
soccer shin pads; rigid elbow protection, such as for street hockey.
Some loaner gear will be available.
Please download this PDF flyer and post at your gym, grocery, laundromat, church, and/or local pub
Unrecognized Guid format."Warrior Spirit" Exercise Class
Sep 7 - Nov 23
Every country and cultre has stories of famous warriors who underwent physical training to find their warrior spirit. Both men and women are invited to work together in the class to find that spirit themselves. The class will involve learning martial arts moves both with empty hands and with a weapon, as well as physical conditioning exercises. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a 3-ft dowel rod, -3/4 to 1-inch in diameter.
Unrecognized Guid format. Advanced Tomahawk
October 23 10am-5pm
(site opens at 9am; class limited to 10)
The tomahawk is a
classic American weapon. Used historically by both white settlers and
Native American warriors, it is a fearsome close combat weapon. In the
modern age the tomahawk is once again being used by the American
military.
The Advanced Tomahawk seminar will focus on the use of the
combination of the tomahawk and knife. It will include using these
weapons against single and multiple foes as well as foes using other
weapons. Also included will be fighting on the run and using combat
throws.
Participants should wear comfortable workout clothing including a
long sleeved sweat shirt or equivalent. Historic garb is not required
but is encouraged. Men must wear an athletic cup.
Required gear: Tomahawk with sheath or ball peen hammer, belt or sash and rigid eye protection.
Other suggested equipment: Full martial arts head protection with a
closed face or fencing mask, gorget or other rigid throat protection,
padded torso protection, hard shell elbow and knee protection (e.g.
roller blade gear or equivalent), padded gloves.
Instructor will have some loaner equipment.
Prerequisites: Attendance at previous Gallowglass Academy seminar,
study with other tomahawk instructor, or permission of the instructor.
$50 until October 9 $75 thereafter, and at the door.River Valley Complex (room #108)
605 Main St., Leaf River, IL 61047
You have the absolute right to defend yourself
Gallowglass Academy offers a 4-hour self defense class led by
Association for Women’s Self Defense Advancement (AWSDA) members and
Certified Instructors Andrea Dubnick & Allen Reed.
Class is open to women only, 14 and older. Parent or legal guardian must accompany women under 18.
Some real-life, easy-to-learn techniques to avoid a bad situation, defuse an escalating situation, and escapte grabs, holds, and strikes. No martial arts experience or athletic ability required. We will work with any age woman over 14. Wear comfortable workout clothes or street-wear. Need-based scholarship assistance may be available – please ASK!
Tuition for the class will be $15 each, $10 each additional family
member.
Utah Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Permit Training
River Valley Complex, 605 S. Main St,
Leaf River, IL 61047, Room 108
with Mark Philpot, Carry Safe Training, Inc.
The class will be taught by Mark Philpot of Carry Safe Training, Inc. Cost will be $125 per person. Registration is limited to ten students, so register early. Registration is through Carry Safe Training at www.carrysafetraining.com
The class is NOT a shooting class. It is the mandatory 4-hour class to allow registration for a Utah CCW permit. Cost for the class includes having fingerprints taken during the class, but does not cover the cost of a required photo and a $65.25 processing fee charged by the State of Utah.
Those who are issued a Utah CCW permit are allowed to carry a concealed weapon in many states of the U.S., but NOT Illinois and Wisconsin. Answers to many questions can be found at the Carry Safe Training website or should be directed to Mark Philpot, carrysafe1@juno.com
January 29, 2011
Saturday, 1-5pm
River Valley Complex (room #108)
605 Main St., Leaf River, IL 61047
Gallowglass Academy offers a 4-hour self defense class led by Association for Women’s Self Defense Advancement (AWSDA) members and trained Instructors Andrea Dubnick & Allen Reed.
Class is open to women only, 14 and older. Parent or legal guardian must accompany women under 18.
Some real-life, easy-to-learn techniques to avoid a bad situation, defuse an escalating situation, and escape grabs, holds, and strikes. No martial arts experience or athletic ability required. We will work with any age woman over 14. Wear comfortable workout clothes or street-wear.
Tuition for the class will be $35. Preregister through Highland Community College for class 6879 PERS 34 ACC by calling 815-235-6121
Unrecognized Guid format.Utah/Florida Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Permit Training
Leaf River, IL 61047, Room 108
with Mark Philpot, Carry Safe Training, Inc.
The class will be taught by Mark Philpot of Carry Safe Training, Inc. Cost is $125 per person. Registration is limited to ten students, through Carry Safe Training at www.carrysafetraining.com
The class is NOT a shooting class. It is the mandatory 4-hour class to allow registration for a Utah or Florida CCW permit. Cost for the class includes having fingerprints taken during the class, but does not cover the cost of a required photo and a $65.25 processing fee charged by the State of Utah.
Those who are issued a Utah or Florida CCW permit are allowed to carry a concealed weapon in many states of the U.S., although NOT Illinois or Wisconsin at this time. Answers to many questions can be found at the Carry Safe Training website or should be directed to Mark Philpot, carrysafe1@juno.com
River Valley Complex (room #108)
605 Main St., Leaf River, IL 61047
Gallowglass Academy offers a 4-hour self defense class led by Association for Women’s Self Defense Advancement (AWSDA) members and trained Instructors Andrea Dubnick & Allen Reed.
Class is open to women only, 14 and older. Parent or legal guardian must accompany women under 18.
Some real-life, easy-to-learn techniques to avoid a bad situation, defuse an escalating situation, and escape grabs, holds, and strikes. No martial arts experience or athletic ability required. We will work with any age woman over 14. Wear comfortable workout clothes or street-wear.
Tuition for the class will be $35. Preregister through Highland Community College for class 1315 PERS 34 ACC by calling 815-235-6121
Unrecognized Guid format.March 12
Saturday, March 12, 2011; 9-5
River Valley Complex (room #108, and gymnasium)
605 Main St., Leaf River, IL 61047
Tim Lyon (Sir LOGOS, KSCA)
Allen Reed (Baron Aelfred of Chester, OP/SCA)
Patrick Bailey (Lord Patrick von Brandenburg, SCA)
$50 until March 5 $75 thereafter and at the doorHere's a PDF flyer for you to help publicize this event (thank you)
Unrecognized Guid format.May 21
May 21, 2011 9am - 5pm River Valley Complex,
605 S. Main St., Leaf River IL 61047
Morning: round-table with authors published and yet-to-be about writing better action scenes, in and out of the boudoir!
Afternoon: demonstrations and practicum of historical swordplay, medieval mounted combat, and modern firearms by Members of Gallowglass Academy
AUTHORS: David M. Youngquist, Ophelia Julien, Angeli Primlani, Sylvia Shults
GALLOWGLASS ACADEMY: swords, Equi-Sim mounted combat, guns
No martial arts or firearms training required! Not a shooting class! No live horses!
Portions of the class may be held outside, weather permitting.
$30 until May10 $50 thereafter and at the doorHere is a PDF flyer for you!
Unrecognized Guid format.June 21 - July 19 7pm
(the martial art of Sherlock Holmes)
(draft)
Bartitsu, a fascinating addition to the Manly Art of Self Defense, has been developed by the Englishman Edward Barton-Wright by combining good old fashioned pugilism with a cane fighting system developed by Monsieur Vigny from Switzerland, and a Japanese wrestling art called jujutsu.
Unrecognized Guid format.begins September 12
Swordfighting for 10- to 14-year olds
Leaf River IL 61047
Do your sons and daughters pick up any stick and swing it like a sword, fighting like knights, Jedi warriors, pirates, or Warrior Princesses? Why not let them actually learn to use a sword in a safe, structured environment? Allen Reed is an instructor who has been teaching historical fencing for over twenty years.
Gallowglass Academy, in Leaf River IL, will offer Beginning Swordplay classes for 10- to 14-year-olds this autumn. The class will instruct students on proper etiquette and safe use and practice with a sword. Classes will also discuss the history of European martial arts.
Yes, Europe’s martial arts tradition is as long as any in China and Japan. These arts included everything from unarmed self defense to the use of swords and other weapons. Our Young Gallowglass classes will offer instruction in both swordplay and, in more advanced sessions, self defense against today’s dangers.
45-minute classes will begin on September 12, for seven Mondays. Two time slots are available to fit your family’s schedule: after school from 4:30 to 5:15 PM, and 7:00 to 7:45 PM. The cost for each six-week session is $30.00. The first class is free, and a parent or guardian must attend.
Students will need a heavy long-sleeve shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a pair of sturdy gloves (batting gloves, for example). Gallowglass Academy requires groin protection for males.
Class size is limited, so please pre-register now by telephone 815-973-1064 or email GallowglassAcad@aol.com. Don’t forget to ask about our family discount! And do please ask about adult (14 years and up) instruction, too! We can provide references upon request.
$30.00 for 6 weeks (plus one FREE!)Unrecognized Guid format.7-9pm, Monday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 27, 2011
River Valley Complex (room #108)
605 Main St., Leaf River, IL 61047
SEPTEMBER 2011 SESSIONS WILL MEET AT
MT MORRIS LIBRARY, 105 S. McKendrie Ave,
Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4927
You have the absolute right to defend yourself!
Gallowglass Academy offers a 4-hour self defense class led by Association for Women’s Self Defense Advancement (AWSDA) members and trained Instructors Andrea Dubnick & Allen Reed.
Class is open to women only, 14 and older. Parent or legal guardian must accompany women under 18.
Some real-life, easy-to-learn techniques to avoid a bad situation, defuse an escalating situation, and escape grabs, holds, and strikes. No martial arts experience or athletic ability required. We will work with any age woman over 14. Wear comfortable workout clothes or street-wear.
Tuition for the class is $15; $25 "family discount" for any two women signing up together -- mothers, daughters, sisters, friends!
$15.00 $25.00 "two-fer"
Some Prominent Guest Trainers
Jeannette Acosta-Martínez is a professional restorer of antique furniture who specializes in works of the 17th and 18th centuries. This, together with her interest in antique weapons, led her to the study of fencing. She began under the tutelage of Mâitre d'Armes Frederick Rohdes, and after his death in 1984, continued with his protégé Maestro Ramón Martínez. In all, Maestro Acosta-Martínez has spent a total of 20 years studying traditional fencing, both classical and historical. In 1995, she became an instructor at Martínez Academy of Arms, as well as the Academy's business manager. She also became Maestro Martínez' assistant at all his demonstrations and seminars.
Gary
M. Chelak began studying historical fencing in 1994 while
attending college. He served as both assistant and primary historical fencing
instructor. Mr. Chelak earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Arizona
University with an extended major in Visual Communication. A nationally
recognized designer, in 2001 he refocused to full time graphic arts instruction
at a private college. Since then he has received multiple awards, including
Outstanding MultiMedia Instructor.
As a vice
president of Tattershall Academy, Gary heads the Southern California branch of
TSD, bringing a unique mix of competitive experience, academic research and
creative padagogy. Instruction is available in the Italian systems of rapier,
sidesword & longsword, with classes also available in Germanic swordplay and
French smallsword. Additional studies include Italian & Germanic unarmed
arts. Gary is currently completing his translation and interpretation of
Nicolettó Giganti’s 1606 rapier text, due for publication in September 2004. His
next project, focusing on Camillo Agrippa’s 1553 sidesword text, is also
underway.
Known as Giacomo Cavalli da Treviso in the
Society for Creative Anachronism, Gary is a member of the Defenders of the White
Scarf, the organization's highest award for fence. Heavily involved with program
& curriculum development in all three venues, Gary is currently seeking
entry into the Cal. State M.F.A. program.
Bob
Charron received his Bachelor of Science and Education from the University of
Arkansas in 1985, then spent twenty years participating in Historical
Reenactment of the Medieval era. His personal research and training in education
led him to teach classes in topics ranging from Vegetius’ De Rei Militari
to Government and Law in 12th- and 13th-Century
Jerusalem.
Always seeking after primary source material in the use and
instruction of arms, he acquired a copy of the Getty-Ludwig manuscript of the
Fior di Bataglia, a treatise written by Fiore Dei Liberi, the early
15th century instructor at arms to the court of Nicolo d’Este,
Marquise da Ferrara. This master work includes an extensive prologue describing
Fiore’s personal experience and advice to the combatant, a complete explanation
of the structure of the treatise, and a list of his famous students and their
opponents. Following this introduction are hundreds of illustrations and
accompanying paragraphs of text explaining this complete martial arts system and
its concepts as it moves from hand-to-hand combat, knife fighting, swordplay,
the use of the spear and the pollaxe, and ends with techniques for the mounted
combatant.
Bob has spent the last several years translating the text,
interpreting the techniques, and further researching the scientific principles
on which the art is based and the biographies of the men who employed it. He
teaches weekly classes and private lessons through St. Martins Academy of
Medieval Arms, a martial arts academy using the Fior di Bataglia as its
curriculum for instruction. He has traveled the United States, Canada, Australia
and Europe teaching the material from the treatise, and a book project is
underway in cooperation with the Getty Museum and Chivalry Bookshelf publishers.
He has presented two papers at the Kalamazoo Medieval Conference on Fiore’s
work, with a third scheduled for the 2004 session.
Pete Kautz is the Director of Alliance Martial Arts and the Founder of the American Heritage Fighting Arts Association. Mr. Kautz is well known in the Western arts community for his work in researching and teaching the 15th century German and 19th century American fighting methods in seminars worldwide. With over 25 years experience in the martial arts, he is a respected instructor and recognized by such diverse groups as the International Master at Arms Federation, Hock Hochheim’s Scientific Fighting Congress, and James Keating’s Combat Technologies. Visit Alliance Martial Arts and the American Heritage Fighting Arts Association online at AllianceMartialArts.com and AHFAA.org for articles, photo techniques, links, reviews, and more.
James Loriega began his formal edged weapons
training in 1967 when he embarked on a lifelong study of martial arts with
Ronald Duncan. In the mid-70s, after achieving various instructor-level ranks in
Asian systems, Loriega gained his first exposure to the Western martial
traditions under the tutelage of Maitre Michel Alaux, a former coach to the US
Olympic Fencing Team. It was from Maitre Alaux, and his assistant at the time,
Ms. Julia Jones, that Loriega learned the rudiments of epee and saber.
In September of 1980, Loriega founded the New York Ninpokai, the city’s premiere
training academy for the traditional arts of ninjutsu. In 1990, while conducting
ninjutsu seminars in Spain, Loriega discovered the acero sevillano knife
arts of Andalusia. These arts include the use of the cuchillo (knife),
puñal (stiletto), bastón de estoque (sword cane), bastón de
paseo (walking stick), and navaja (clasp knife). His summers from
1991 to 1996 were spent in Seville learning the intricacies of these Andalusian
arts.
In August of 1996, Loriega received certification as an
instructor de Armas Blancas Sevillanas under Maestro de Armas
Santiago Rivera, then headmaster of the Escuela Sevillana de Armas
Blancas. At this time he also completed his first translation of Manual
del Baratero.
Since 1996, he has operated a recognized branch of
the Escuela Sevillana in New York City known as the Raven Arts
Institute.
In September of 2000, following the publication of
Sevillian Steel, Loriega was formally acknowledged as
a Maestro de Armas Blancas Sevillanas.
In
January of 2002, Loriega was inducted into the International Masters-at-Arms
Federation (IMAF), where he is recognized for his mastery of the navaja and
other Andalusian edged weapons. Based in Milan, Italy, the mission of the IMAF
is "to preserve, study, practice and teach the martial Arts of the western world
heritage. Furthermore, it is the intention of the IMAF to function as a guild of
professional teachers in keeping with the tradition and heritage of
arms."
Loriega’s extensive writings have appeared in mainstream martial
arts publications such as Black Belt,
Warriors, Ninja, and
Tactical Knives. His first book, Sevillian
Steel: The Traditional Knife-Fighting Arts of Spain, (1999
Paladin Press) presents an overview of the edged weapons culture, styles, and
strategies of this western martial tradition.
A second book,
Scourge of the Dark Continent, (1999 Loompanics)
outlines the history and martial applications of the African sjambok (a
rod-like whip made from rhinoceros hide.) Following the present annotated
English-language translation of the 19th century Manual
del Baratero, Loriega plans to complete a sequel to
Sevillian Steel, detailing the technical intricacies of
using the navaja.
Loriega continues to travel and to train, in
addition to offering instruction at the Raven Arts Institute, where courses are
available in the use of the folding knife, stiletto, sword-cane, walking stick,
improvised weaponry, and unarmed combatives.
Ramón Martínez studied classical fencing with the late Maître d'Armes Frederick Rohdes in New York for ten years. Maître Rohdes was one of the last fencing masters to teach fencing as a martial art. During that time Mr. Martínez became assistant and protégé of Maître Rohdes and was the only one of his pupils permitted to teach with full authorization at the Rohdes Academy. In late 1982, shortly before his death, Maître Rohdes conferred the rank of Fencing Master on Mr. Martínez. Mr. Martínez is well known for his instruction in La Destreza, the art of the Spanish rapier.
Sue Michaelsen is an authorized Jin Shin Do® Acupressure teacher with extensive training in Internal Martial Arts and Sports Massage Therapy. She is certified in Orthorpedic Massage Therapy as well. She has trained in swordwork with Anthony De Longis and Master Helen Wu. Sue is the first U.S. citizen to earn Master Helen Wu Teaching Certification for Internal Martial Arts for Health and Healing. See www.SueMichaelsen.com for more information.
William
Wilson is the President of the Tattershall School of
Defence, which is devoted to the study and practise of the Art of Defense of the
15th, 16th and early 17th Centuries, including wrestling and the use of the
dagger as well as fencing. He is also the advisor and coach for the fencing
club at Northern Arizona University, and serves on the advisory board for
Swordplay Symposium International.
Within the Society for Creative
Anachronism, Bill is known as Barwn Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS, the
premiere member of the Order of the White Scarf of Atenveldt, the highest award
for fencing in the Kingdom. In the SCA he has also been awarded masters level
status for his research in historical swordplay and study of lifestyle of the
Elizabethan period.
Bill has been fencing for 29 years, beginning his
instruction under Master Bella from Canada and Mr. Silverberg in Buffalo, NY.
Further instruction included training with Maestro Sean Hayes of Eugene, OR, and
Dr, Rita Ashcraft of Northern Arizona University.
A prominent researcher
in historical swordplay, he teaches seminars internationally on the use of the
Italian rapier and the Italian 16th century civilian spada da filo (edged
sword/sidesword). An expert in the use of rapier, he has written and published
the book The Art of Defense. He has studied many
original texts and is in the process of working on translations of Italian
fencing manuals.
Bill specializes in teaching beginners either
classical foil, epee or saber and teaches beginning and advanced students the
art of defence with rapier and sword. He also teaches beginning longsword and
backsword. Bill currently teaches beginning Italian foil for the PE department
at Northern Arizona University.
Send e-mail to gwylym@infomagic.net to reach William
Wilson directly.
