BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi, Did a book launch ever go smoothly? I don’t think so. And the latest is no exception. There will be a few customer service emails going out in due course… but the Companion Volume to the Vadi Facsimile is now out, in the world, and hopefully making readers and Vadi practitioners happy as we speak. And looky-look! it’s #1 in New Releases on the US Amazon store. New Releases in the Fencing category, not the entire store, because who can compete with gay...
7 days ago • 1 min read
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi, Want to teach in Germany? My friends running Swords of the Renaissance, which I’ll be teaching at in August, are looking for a range of teachers to do short classes. If you’re just starting out as a teacher this is a good opportunity to get some experience. Here’s what they say: For the first time, we are launching an open call for Swords of the Renaissance on August 29–30, 2026 in Potsdam. We are looking for instructors for our break-out sessions. Do...
28 days ago • 3 min read
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! Spring is here, at last. There’s pear blossom in my garden. A reminder for those of us north of the Equator that Summer is on its way, and for those down south, a reminder that Spring will come eventually. As you may recall Swordschool turned 25 last month, and I’ve finally hit ‘publish’ on a blog post about the School’s history, structure, and other things. You may find it interesting: 25 Years of Swordschool I’ve managed to update the Wiki with a lot...
2 months ago • 4 min read
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! The Gathering of Wolves, in Cardiff last weekend, was a delight. It’s my first event in the UK for a decade (which is weird, right? I’ve literally attended more events in New Zealand than in the UK since I moved here). I taught two classes- one on I.33 sword and buckler, the other on Fiore’s zogho largo/zogho stretto distinction, and gave a lecture on solo training. They were all very well attended (about 40 students in each, I think), and each and...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi! On March 17th 2001 I ran the first official class of what was then called “The School of European Swordsmanship, Helsinki”, or SESH, in a small room at the Olympic Stadium, in Helsinki, Finland. So today is our 25th birthday: happy birthday to us! Our classes were held in primary school sports halls: Training in Töölön Ala-aste koulu, 2001 And even outside, when the Finnish weather allowed: Training in Sibelius Park, Helsinki, May 2001 It's fair to say we've come a long way since then! To...
3 months ago • 3 min read
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! I have two mysteries for you this week. First up, what is this? Hint: they come in pairs. The joint, in case you’re interested, is a wedged through-tenon. Not my favourite joint to cut, but this one came out ok. And secondly, this is the St. George Church in Hanover Square, London. Why, as historical martial artists, should we care? Answers by replying to this email… I’ll reveal them in a couple of weeks. I spent a day last week with my friend Sergio...
3 months ago • 3 min read
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! It’s been a very good couple of weeks. I’ve hit two major milestones: my Angelo transcription is complete, which means I can start work on the actual fun stuff of interpretation, explanation, and training methods. Hurrah! And a top-secret project is on course to launch on the school’s 25th birthday, March 17th. It will be a free, gorgeous thing you can print at home, or get professionally printed. Should I say more? OK, here’s a hint: Yes! the...
4 months ago • 2 min read
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! I have been beavering away, with more or less success, on rebuilding my blog into a more useful resource. The only reason I haven’t pulled all my hair out is because I don’t have any left. But it will be worth it in the end (he tells himself) because it will make the 500+ posts into a manageable, easy-to-navigate, library. I’m creating a “Start Here” page with the highlights, and specific hub pages for the key topics (Fiore, Capoferro, etc.). I’ve also...
4 months ago • 3 min read
BOOKS PODCAST COURSES COMMUNITY BLOG Hi! Tournament Takeaways I’m back from a wonderful trip to Potsdam, where I competed in both sidesword and rapier at the Torneo di Spada. I took no action shots at the event, but used it as an excuse to buy a new sidesword. My friends at Malleus Martialis hooked me up with this beauty (their Marozzo no. 3 sidesword trainer): I’ve written up the tournament experience in a 3000 word post, which went live on Patreon last week, and is now up in the Training...
4 months ago • 2 min read