On the short list of Mega Sword Channels on YouTube you’ll find Michael Thomas and his brother Nick running the ever popular Academy of Historical Fencing Channel. I don’t have the chops to ask for Michael’s time, but he warmingly gave it anyway, especially right when I had started and didn’t have anything produced at the time of this recording. Michael G. Thomas is a science fiction novelist from the United Kingdom. His best-selling Star Crusades series has sold in excess of one hundred thousand copies and continues to draw in new fans every month. As well as a strong interest in science fiction, Michael also writes horror fiction including the popular Zombie Dawn trilogy, co-written with his brother, Nick S. Thomas. As well as a prolific writer, Michael is also a well-known historical martial artist. He is the co-founder of the prestigious Academy of Historical Fencing that teaches traditional armed and unarmed European martial arts. His specialty areas are teaching the use of the medieval two-handed longsword and the German long knife. His academic background is as varied as his writing with his first degree in Computing and advanced degrees in Classical Studies and more. He has studied in Newport, Bristol and Bath and is a qualified secondary school teacher. In recent years he has undertaken substantial research in the fields of artificial intelligence as well as Greek and Byzantine military history. My interview with Michael took place April 6th of 2023.

Michael Thomas

Why Historical fencing?

You're also an accomplished author. Your series include: Star Crusader, Star Crusades, Zombie Dawn, Star Legions, Star Cadets, Robot Commandos, Mech Legions, Cyber Commando, Stryker’s Commandos, Guardian War, Heroes of WWI, Night Hunter, War Masters, Void Wars. That doesn't even count one off titles. You are extremely prolific! How many books have you under your belt?

Your routine as an author, how does that go?

Who are your biggest literary influences?

You are also a giant part of Academy Historic Fencing. Which is a premiere HEMA Club known world wide. How did this whole thing happen? .

AHF is in Bristol, England and also in South Wales. If I was a brand new student and I walked through those doors today what would I find? How would I get instructed?

Looking forward, what could I expect as a student one year, 2 years down the road at AHF?

According to your website you also have a few Associated schools. Academy of Steel in Cardiff, Wales Espada Negra in Lisbon Portugal

You guys also do a lot of group fighting it seems. Tell us more about that.

Are there any Tournaments or martial events AHF is associated with?

You definitely have a lot of things going on in your life. Is there anything we forgot? Quick Advice for new people starting in a sword discipline?

Salutations.

Links:

The AHF website is: swordfight.uk

https://www.facebook.com/starcrusader

https://twitter.com/TheStarCrusader

Adventure books by Michael Thomas: Starcrusader.com

William Francis is a determined individual who has always been driven to succeed in every aspect of his life. Born and raised in the United States, William discovered his passion for Asian martial arts at a young age. After trying out several disciplines, he settled on Hapkido, Southern Shaolin, and White Tiger Kung Fu, which he practiced for a total of 8 years. Despite not being naturally gifted in physical activities, William was relentless in his pursuit of excellence. He trained daily for six of the eight years he practiced martial arts, determined to improve his skills and become a master of the art. William's dedication paid off, as he developed a deep understanding of the principles and techniques of each discipline, ultimately becoming a skilled martial artist. However, William's relentless pursuit of improvement led him to feel like he had reached a plateau in his training. Rather than becoming complacent, he chose to step away from martial arts and pursue other physical challenges. Today, William continues to push himself to new heights in his newfound love of Western and European martial arts, always striving to improve and become the best version of himself. His dedication and unwavering commitment to his goals serve as an inspiration to all who know him.

Two good things that happened because of weapons martial arts.

The history of EMP.

The sport itself and basic rules.

How to get involved and what makes it unique from other sports/martial arts

Ring of fire contest and other contests of EMP.

Methodology of the training, how is it done?

Let's talk about recovery. What William does for bouncing back and staying fight ready.

5 items in your Zombie apocalypse kit

Show Links:

http://empiremp.org

https://www.orientalherb.com

Brittany St Leafy is a highly skilled sword instructor and a veteran member of the Mordhau Historical Combat in Mesa, Arizona. With years of experience in HEMA, she has become one of the most respected instructors in the US and is known for her expertise in the art of sword fighting.

Brittany's passion for sword fighting began at 19 when she was introduced to the world of historical fencing. She was immediately drawn to the beauty and grace of swordplay and decided to pursue it as a lifelong passion. Over the years, she has honed her skills through rigorous training, dedication, and a deep understanding of the art of HEMA.

As an instructor at the Mordhau, Brittany is responsible for teaching students the intricacies of sword fighting, including both the technical and strategic aspects of the art. She takes pride in her ability to help students develop their skills and is known for her patient, supportive teaching style that encourages her students to push themselves to their limits.

In addition to her work as an instructor, Brittany is also an active participant in the HEMA community. She has competed in numerous tournaments and events, both locally and nationally, and has won several awards for her performance. Her dedication to the sport has earned her the respect of her peers, and she is often sought out for advice and guidance by other members of the HEMA community.

Away from the HEMA club, Brittany is an accomplished Social Media Personality. She is known for her cutting technique, using interesting mediums. And a multiple medals in cutting Tournaments, including Socal Swordfight, CombatCon, and Swordsquatch.

Despite her many accomplishments, Brittany remains humble and focused on her passion for sword fighting. She believes that HEMA is a life-long journey and that there is always something new to learn and discover. Her dedication and commitment to the art of historical fencing have made her a valuable member of the broader HEMA community and an inspiration to all those who share her passion.

Show Links:

www.swordfightaz.com

Instagram.com/saint.leafy

Tiktok.com/saint.leafy

youtube.com/@BrittanySaintLeafy

www.SwordSTEM.com

https://swordstuff.blog

Mordhau Historical Combat

Geoffrey Beeson is the chief instructor for Five Circles Martial Arts in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has studied Japanese martial arts (including swordsmanship, striking, grappling, and general weapon use), the history, and the culture for more than 20 years. As an instructor for more than 15 years he has worked at developing the practice of Kenjutsu and contributing to his art. In 2008 he implemented and oversaw a complete curriculum overhaul within his style. (Mostly because he likes people to do things his way.)In 2016 Geoff began experimenting with HEMA and has since worked to further develop his Japanese swordsmanship using steel weapons against a variety of HEMA styles and practitioners. He believes that practice of Kenjutsu can be elevated and evolved through use of steel sparring and modern protective gear and is working to spread the practice in the Japanese martial arts community

Sword Discipline. This is the Way

The Journey of Five Circles Martial Arts.

What to expect at Five Circle MA.

Getting involved in HEMA

Oklahoma Open Fencing, the movement.

Tournament talk

Oklahoma Fencing the FB Group.

Padded Gi’s the Kenjustu way.

Quick Advice for new people starting in a sword discipline?

Important Links:

Website for swords and Padded Gi’s https://www.akadoarmory.com

Five Circles MAhttps://www.fivecirclesma.com/

Online study grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/grkremotestudy

Oklahoma Open Fencinghttps://www.facebook.com/OklahomaOpenFencing?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Chuck Goodwin is a champion knight in the bohurt tradition. Chuck is a three-time US medalist and a contender with his team in the upcoming IMCF World Championships held this year (2023) in Spain. His YouTube channel is dedicated to teaching and sharing about Bohurt and all things related to armored combat. We are elated to discuss with Chuck the exciting world of armored combat and what it takes to be a human tank.

The history of armored combat in USA.

The sport itself and basic rules

How to get involved and what makes it unique from other sports/martial arts

How Knights train and workout to compete

TEAM USA and the world championships in MAY

Chuck’s youtube channel - growing the understanding and tools for new fighters

Show Links

Woodchuck Knight YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@woodchuckknight7820

Merch Store

https://www.woodchuckknight.shop

About the Sport

https://armoredcombatsports.com

Michael-Forest Meservy has been teaching HEMA for over 15 years. He leads the Noble Science Academy, and has been involved in the organization and creation of a number of HEMA groups and resources, including the HEMA Alliance, the Wiktenauer, Battle Born & Fraufecht, as well as the US HEMA Events Calendar.His Journey from before HEMA times.Longsword and Broadsword musingsHow did the Noble Science Academy started.Battleborn 3 is this year in May. What to expect at the tournament this year.Within the historical fencing community a hot discussion is always rule sets to tournaments. What are some of the key rules at Battle Born and what are we trying to accomplish with those rules?F r a u f e c h t, how it works.Getting on the US HEMA events calendar.Words of wisdom to people wanting to get started with historical fencing?Show links:The Noble Science Academy:https://www.noblescience.org/Battle Born:https://fightbattleborn.com/Fraufecht:https://www.fraufecht.com/The US HEMA Events Calendar:https://hema-events.com/