Head Instructor - Provost

Alexander began studying HEMA in 2006, and has trained in various martial arts for well over 20 years. Historical Fencing has been a life-long passion and uniquely blends his love for art, history and martial arts. His primary focus of study has been the German longsword in the Liechtenauer tradition, but also specializes in Italian Rapier and British Military Sabre. In 2014-15 while living in Slovakia he trained with Martin Fabian and his school Bratislavský šermiarsky spolok, this experience had a major impact on his HEMA training, methodology and pedagogical approach and was the impetus for founding NSHF upon his return. Alexander leads the Intermediate and Advanced classes. As a strong advocate of competition, he regularly competes in tournaments and has medaled numerous times in Longsword, Single Rapier, Rapier & Dagger, Military Sabre and Messer competitions.

Co-Instructor - Junior Provost

Chris began his study of HEMA in 2011 and since childhood has been fascinated with swords and swordsmanship. In university, he joined the fencing club and competed in foil, epee and saber. His life-long passion developed from an individual pursuit to co-founding NSHF with Alexander. Fostering a deep appreciation for the KDF sources, much of his focus has been on the early sources in the Liechtenauer tradition with an emphasis on teaching and effective pedagody. Chris leads the Beginner’s classes and program. He is also a strong advocate of testing and pushing your limits through competition and has medaled multiple times in Longsword, Single Rapier and Rapier & Dagger events.

Longsword Coach

Donland began his HEMA training with NSHF in 2016. He has a background in MMA, taekwondo, boxing and BJJ…finally finding his martial passion with historical fencing. Donald is passionate about coaching and teaching others. He enjoys a wide range of disciplines including longsword, sword & buckler, rapier & dagger, messer and saber. Donald also serves as a volunteer fireman and in the TN Air National Guard. Donald has medalled multiple times in Longsword tournaments.

Longsword Coach

Gerard began training with NSHF in 2019. Since his youth, Gerard was drawn to the tales of heroes of old - Robin Hood, Hector of Troy, Leonidas of Sparta and ever since has been drawn to and cultivated the “warrior spirit”. With a very successful background in competitive paintball and archery, he began his HEMA journey and quickly distinguished himself through his hardwork and dedication. As much as he enjoys and excels at the physical side of fencing, he equally values the journey of self-development and sharing that with others in hopes of making a difference within the sport. Gerard has medal multiple times in longsword and rapier tournaments.

Longsword Coach

Tom began training with NSHF in 2019 and HEMA quickly became one of his favorite pursuits -enjoying the historical nature of the activity as well as the athleticism required to excel at it. Tom approaches his training from a holistic perspective with a strong focus on the mind-body connection. His primary focus has been KDF longsword and Italian rapier. He supplements his training with a focus on health, yoga, singing/music and other martial arts. Tom has medaled multiple times in rapier and longsword tournaments.

Fitness Coach

Logan began training with NSHF in 2021 and quickly found a new passion in historical fencing, blending his love for history and martial arts. He has medaled multiple times in longsword and rapier tournaments.